Amazon Web Services (AWS) is currently one of the most used cloud services providers in the market, with Amazon reporting $10.8 million in sales in Q2 2020 alone. With 29% growth in a single quarter, the adoption of AWS shows no signs of slowing down.

This growth means the demand for roles like AWS developers continues to increase. 

The role of an AWS Developer offers a unique, engaging, challenging, and rewarding experience for those looking to break into these positions.

Here’s a breakdown of the day-to-day activities and responsibilities for an AWS Developer.

What is an AWS Developer?

An AWS Developer works with application software or programs within the Amazon Web Services cloud-based platform. Their role is similar to other cloud developers, but focuses only on AWS. 

Their primary function is to optimize how AWS services are used by an organization, which includes everything from content delivery and writing code to data storage. Typically, the AWS Developer will build or update the mobile hub, and oversee the configuration of various features including push notifications and user authentication. 

There are multiple specializations within the AWS universe, and those that are proficient in AWS specialities can take exams to become certified. 

Being an AWS Developer isn’t the only role many organizations are looking to fill for AWS. Other roles include cloud support engineers, architects, strategists, and more.

Background and Experience

Those looking to secure an AWS Developer role will need a Bachelor’s in Computer Science or equivalent industry experience, along with a strong understanding of the core AWS services. 

Ideal candidates should have experience with building or maintaining cloud-native applications and troubleshooting distributed systems and object-oriented programming. 

Also, an AWS Developer ideally would have familiarity with large-scale system design and front-end UI development experience with web-based applications using SQL, HTML, Advanced JavaScript and CSS.

Roles and Responsibilities

Depending on the current priorities of the company looking to hire, the responsibilities of an AWS Developer will vary. Some of the possible duties could include:

  • Overseeing effective design, development, and validation. 
  • Writing infrastructure as code using CloudFormation or similar.
  • Ongoing knowledge management.
  • Development of cost-oriented design. 
  • Defining and documenting best practices and strategies regarding application deployment and infrastructure maintenance.
  • Migrating infrastructure with minimal downtime.
  • Setting up a monitoring stack.
  • Implementing service capacity planning strategies.

Get the Right Skills to Become An AWS Developer

Cloud development is the foundation for the new world of software development and the opportunities for employment continue to grow. As an AWS Developer you can offer potential employers an entire suite of skills suited to the AWS cloud and beyond. 

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as an AWS Developer but need to uplevel your education and experience, the Udacity Cloud Developer Nanodegree can get you there. 

Learn the fundamentals of cloud development and deployment with AWS and then move on to building different apps leveraging microservices, Kubernetes clusters, and serverless application technology.

Start Learning