How To Hire A DevOps Engineer

DevOps holds immense importance in the modern software landscape due to its ability to revolutionize development and operations processes. By integrating automation, collaboration, and continuous feedback, DevOps enhances the efficiency and reliability of software delivery. Developers utilize DevOps tools to build automated CI/CD pipelines, enabling them to consistently integrate code changes, run automated tests, and deploy applications to production with minimal manual intervention. This results in faster and more reliable releases, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring a smoother user experience.

DevOps emerged as a solution to bridge the gap between development and deployment, promoting cross-functional collaboration and faster feedback loops. It helps in making the development faster. For instance, developers use containerization technologies like Docker to package applications and their dependencies into portable containers. This enables consistent deployment across different environments. Using orchestration tools like Kubernetes allows for automated scaling, load balancing, and efficient management of containerized applications.

DevOps Engineers: Why are they needed?

DevOps engineers design and implement automated pipelines for software delivery, including build, test, and deployment processes. This automation minimizes manual intervention, reduces errors, and accelerates the development lifecycle. By automating routine tasks, With DevOps, devs have more free time to focus on innovative solutions and new features.

Companies across industries, ranging from technology giants like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft to modern startups, recognize the critical importance of DevOps. They hire DevOps engineers for various roles, including Release Engineers, Automation Engineers, Site Reliability Engineers (SREs), and Cloud Infrastructure Specialists.

Skills required

  • Jenkins, Travis CI, CircleCI
  • Terraform, CloudFormation
  • Docker and Kubernetes
  • Bash, Python, and Ruby
  • Ansible, Puppet, and Chef
  • AWS, Azure, Google Cloud

Job titles

  • DevOps Engineer
  • Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)
  • Release Engineer
  • Automation Engineer
  • Infrastructure Engineer
  • Cloud DevOps Engineer

How to Search for DevOps Engineers

LinkedIn

With thousands of professionals and technical experts it’ll be easier to look for a DevOps engineer that fits in your team.

While searching on Google, use Boolean operators like "AND," "OR," and "NOT" to refine your search. For example,


site:linkedin.com "DevOps Engineer" AND "Docker" AND "Kubernetes"


will show results related to DevOps engineers with experience in both Docker and Kubernetes.


You can also use the "inurl:" operator to find URLs with specific keywords. For example, "inurl:resume DevOps engineer" may show devs' resumes.


Some of the most popular LinkedIn communities where you can find DevOps Engineers are DevOps & SRE Discussions, DevOps Professionals, DEVOPS FOLKS, Docker Users, and Kubernetes. To hire a DevOps Engineer with exceptional skills, you can join these communities.

Online job boards

Post job openings on Glassdoor, Indeed, LinkedIn, Naukri, and Stack Overflow Jobs. Hire DevOps developer with skillset that your project or job demands.

Developer communities and forums

Engage with developers on platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and other online forums. Engage with DevOps developers on platforms like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Python-specific forums. You can choose to hire a DevOps engineer who is actively involved in theses communities.

Tech conferences and meetups

Attend DevOps and related community events to network with talented developers. Search for the upcoming regional or global conferences online. A good knowledge about the latest tools and technologies will always prove advantageous when hiring a DevOps developer.

HackerEarth hiring challenges

To hire a DevOps engineer, you can also sponsor online coding challenges. For instance, CleverTap partnered with HackerEarth to run the Senior DevOps Engineer Challenge to hire skilled DevOps developers.

Open Source Communities

Engage with active contributors in DevOps-related open source projects. It can help you find good developer portfolios. The path to hiring a DevOps developer is smooth and efficient when you use the right resources.

Online learning platforms

Connect with active DevOpsweb, Docker, Kubernetes, and similar course members on learning platforms like Udemy and Coursera. Hire DevOps developer who is actively learning and working on projects.

Local universities and coding boot camps

Collaborate with local academies and educational institutions to find aspiring DevOps developers. When you go on to hire a DevOps engineer, consider not only their technical proficiency but also their soft skills.

Social media channels

To find devops enginner, you can also use social media platforms like Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to post job openings or project requirements. Engage with DevOps Developer communities online. You can also find regional and global events within various DevOps and related groups listed on Meetup. Engage with the devs in order to hire devops developer who is the best fit.

Referrals and employee networks

Promote employee referrals and leverage existing networks to gather recommendations. They can help you find devops engineer who is reliable and has good work ethic.

Lightbulb Pro-Tip

Reddit is a great place to look for various DevOps-related communities, including r/devops, r/devopsjobs, r/docker, r/kubernetes, etc. You can also join the DevOps-related Discord servers and directly interact with the devs.

DevOps Engineer Assessment

The most common assessment framework for DevOps Engineers on HackerEarth includes

A combination of technical evaluations, coding exercises, and behavioral assessments. Here are some common components of the assessment framework:

Code completion tasks

When you're in the process of hiring a DevOps engineer, don't overlook the significance of code completion tasks. These tasks help evaluate a candidate's coding skills, including their ability to write accurate and error-free code and their familiarity with important Java libraries and tools. So, when you're crafting a devops engineer interview assessment questions, make sure to cover these areas. It help you hire a DevOps engineer who not only writes good code but also fits well with your team and can contribute effectively.

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)

Multiple-choice questions (MCQs) are a valuable tool for assessing a developer's technical knowledge of DevOps concepts. They serve as a structured approach to evaluating a developer's understanding of the fundamentals. Therefore, before you hire a DevOps engineer, it is important to ask them questions related to the fundamental DevOps concept to test their understanding.

Project-specific questions

In the DevOps engineer hiring assessment, project-specific questions are crucial. These questions should cover areas such as the candidate's experience with automation, continuous integration, and continuous delivery, as well as their ability to tackle real-world challenges in DevOps. This approach assesses practical expertise, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. This will help you hire DevOps developer who is well-suited to address your organization's unique needs.

Language-specific questions

To hire devops developer with good skillset, you should cover an array of technical topics. Begin with their proficiency in Git, a crucial version control system. Explore their expertise in setting up CI/CD pipelines for streamlined automation. Assess their expertise in IaC with tools like Terraform and CloudFormation, essential for scalable infrastructure management. Dive into their experience with Docker for containerization, fundamental for modern application deployment. Scrutinize their grasp of cloud services and deployment on AWS or Azure, reflecting their cloud readiness. Examine their understanding of orchestration frameworks like Kubernetes, central to managing containers at scale. Lastly, gauge their scripting abilities in Bash or Python for automation and optimization within the DevOps workflow. These technical areas will help you hire DevOps developer who is suitable for your team.

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Sample Questions to Ask a DevOps Developer

  • Provide a Dockerfile for a simple Python application that uses the Flask framework. The application should expose port 5000 and serve the content of a file named "index.html."
  • Describe the steps you would take to set up a basic CI/CD pipeline for a web application. Include version control, automated testing, and deployment to a cloud platform.
  • Provide a Kubernetes YAML configuration to deploy a simple web application. The application should run as a single replica, use a specific Docker image, and be accessible through a NodePort service.
  • Write a Bash script that checks if a given website is reachable. The script should take the URL as an argument and print "Website is reachable" or "Website is not reachable" accordingly.

  • Which tool is used for automated deployment in DevOps?
    1. Jenkins
    2. JIRA
    3. Selenium
    4. Wireshark

  • What does "IaC" stand for in DevOps?
    1. Internet and Cloud
    2. Infrastructure as Code
    3. Internal and Corporate
    4. Isolation and Configuration

  • Which tool is used for monitoring and analyzing log data?
    1. Docker
    2. Prometheus
    3. Jenkins
    4. Kubernetes

  • How does Docker image differ from a Docker container?
  • What is the significance of the "ENTRYPOINT" and "CMD" instructions in a Dockerfile?
  • Explain the purpose of Docker Compose. How does it simplify multi-container application deployment?
  • Describe the process of building a Docker image from a Git repository using a Dockerfile.

  • What is a Deployment in Kubernetes, and how does it ensure application availability and scalability?
  • How does Kubernetes handle container scaling based on CPU utilization or custom metrics?
  • What is a Persistent Volume (PV) and a Persistent Volume Claim (PVC) in Kubernetes? How are they used?
  • Explain how Kubernetes manages self-healing of failed pods and nodes in the cluster.

File Note

These sample questions provided here are for interviewing early-experience talents. For more customized assessments for candidates with higher experience, you can contact our team at contact@hackerearth.com or request a demo here.

Guidelines for Writing Job Description for DevOps Developers

Job title

A DevOps engineer job description should begin with a clear and concise job title that reflects the role, such as "DevOps Engineer", "Site Reliability Engineer”, and “Containerization Engineer”.

Job summary

Provide a brief overview of the position, focusing on the essential responsibilities and objectives in the DevOps engineer job description. Describe the main aspects of the role and how it contributes to the company's goals.

Responsibilities

You should also outline the specific tasks and responsibilities that the developer will be expected to handle in the DevOps engineer job description. This may include:

  • Assist in setting up and maintaining Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Deployment (CD) pipelines
  • Collaborate with development teams to ensure code integration, testing, and deployment processes are streamlined
  • Contribute to infrastructure as code (IaC) efforts using tools like Terraform or Ansible
  • Assist in building and maintaining Docker images for applications and services
  • Help monitor system performance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure system availability

Before you hire DevOps developer it's important to consider all these points.

Skills and qualifications

List the essential DevOps engineer skills and qualifications that candidates must possess, including, but not restricted to:

  • Automation and scripting proficiency (Python, Bash, etc.)
  • Familiarity with CI/CD concepts and tools (Jenkins, GitLab CI/CD, etc.)
  • Understanding of IaC principles and tools (Terraform, Ansible)
  • Experience with Docker and containerization
  • Familiarity with container orchestration (Kubernetes)

These skills can vary depending on you project requirement, therefore it's important to list what you need in order to hire DevOps developer that best fits that criteria.

Preferred skills

Mention any additional DevOps engineer skills or qualifications that would be beneficial but not mandatory for the role. The DevOps engineer job description can also ask for experience with specific tools, libraries, or frameworks.

Education and experience

Specify the educational background and professional experience required for the position. This could range from a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field to several years of relevant experience. These are important points that need to be considered in order to hire DevOps developer who has all the qualifications that the job requires.

Company culture and EVPs

Briefly highlight your company's culture, values, and any unique perks or benefits offered to employees that can help attract candidates who align with your company's ethos. It will help you hire DevOps developer who not only has technical skills but can also work well in the team.

Application instructions

A DevOps engineer job description should provide instructions on how candidates can apply for the position. Include where to send their resume, portfolio, or other required documents.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Include a statement about your organization’s dedication towards fostering diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity. It can help attract top talent from a broader talent pool, ensuring that your organization can access the best DevOps developers. Which can then help you hire DevOps developer who is best suited for your organization.

Lightbulb Pro tip

You can incorporate gender-neutral pronouns like 'they/them' to promote an inclusive workplace. Additionally, it's beneficial to align your developer personas with your job profiles before advertising an open position. This approach ensures that your job descriptions resonate with a diverse range of candidates.

Download our guide for writing better developer personas

How to Conduct DevOps Developer Job Interview

Skill-first hiring requires that the developer interview process be designed to understand the candidate’s skill and experience in the given domain. You can consider the following guidelines when conducting a face-to-face interview with a DevOps developer:

Conduct a real-time technical assessment

Usually candidates are given a remote assessment before the interview. However, using the interview platform to assess skills in real time will tell you a lot about the candidate’s communication skills and thought process.

HackerEarth's leading tech interview platform, FaceCode, comes equipped with an extensive library of questions designed to evaluate a candidate's proficiency in DevOps concepts. The platform also provides an integrated IDE environment, allowing you to assess a candidate's capability to craft code that is both clean and efficient while remaining easily maintainable. Furthermore, you can leverage the pair-programming method to observe their problem-solving acumen, logical reasoning, and meticulous attention to detail. FaceCode offers a comprehensive toolkit to thoroughly evaluate a candidate's potential, making it an invaluable resource in the tech recruitment process.

Learn how Facecode can make tech interviews easier

Understand the candidate's project experience and review portfolio

During the Devops Engineer interview assessment, explore the candidate's past and present projects. Focus on their personal contributions and the skills they used. Ask them to discuss a DevOps project, detailing their responsibilities, problem-solving, and collaboration. If available, review their portfolio or code samples for coding style, documentation, and project quality.

Understand if they are a good culture and team fit

Technical skills are crucial for a DevOps engineer, but we mustn't forget the importance of fitting into the team's culture. Hire DevOps developer who not only has good coding skills but also the ability to communicate and work well with others in a collaborative environment. So, it's essential to assess if a candidate can both work alone and as part of a team. This evaluation helps us understand how good they are at solving problems, communicating, and adapting to the team's way of working, helping us decide if they're a good fit for the job and the team.

Furthermore, this assessment provides engineering managers with an opportunity to showcase their team's culture and values, helping them identify candidates who resonate with the team's principles.

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FAQs

Before hiring a devops engineer, it's important to make sure of their strong foundation in software development and proficiency in programming languages. This ensures they can effectively bridge the gap between development and operations. Look for candidates who are well-versed in popular DevOps tools like Docker, Kubernetes, and Jenkins. Experience with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is a big plus, as it shows they can manage scalable and flexible infrastructures.

Effective communication and collaboration skills are a must, as DevOps requires close teamwork and coordination. Keep an eye out for candidates who possess a proactive problem-solving attitude and a continuous learning mindset, as this reflects their ability to adapt to changing technologies and industry trends.

While hiring a devops engineer, you should ideally aim for candidates who have experience with multiple necessary DevOps tools rather than just one. While expertise in a single tool can be valuable, a well-rounded DevOps developer with familiarity with various tools like Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, and others will be better equipped to handle different aspects of the DevOps process.

This versatility enables them to adapt to various project requirements and technological environments. Adaptability and a continuous learning mindset are also critical.

For an entry-level Automation Engineer position, a solid foundation in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C# is fundamental. Proficiency in scripting is key, as it's integral to creating and maintaining automated tests and processes. Familiarity with automation frameworks like Selenium, Appium, or Robot Framework is valuable for web and software testing.

Understanding version control systems like Git and basic knowledge of continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines contribute to efficient development workflows. Problem-solving skills and attention to detail are crucial for identifying and resolving issues within automated systems. Additionally, a willingness to learn, adapt, and collaborate within a team environment is highly regarded in this role.

One effective approach is to inquire about any personal or open-source projects they have worked on. Ask them to elaborate on their role, the tools they used, and the challenges they encountered. This provides insights into their practical experience and problem-solving abilities.

Another way is to present them with a scenario-based task, like setting up a basic CI/CD pipeline for a sample application using a tool like Jenkins or GitLab. This simulates a real-world situation and lets you evaluate their understanding of deployment processes. Additionally, discussing how they would approach debugging and resolving issues in a hypothetical project gives you an idea of their troubleshooting skills.

As a software developer, having a basic understanding of DevOps practices is beneficial for streamlining code integration and deployment. A system administrator might require more in-depth knowledge of infrastructure automation and configuration management tools to efficiently manage servers. Quality assurance professionals could focus on using DevOps practices to automate testing processes and ensure continuous integration.

In contrast, a dedicated DevOps engineer would need expertise in a wide range of tools and practices, such as containerization, orchestration, and CI/CD pipelines, to build and manage end-to-end automated workflows.