How to Hire an AWS Developer

Amazon Web Services (AWS) developers have become essential IT roles as organizations pursue more cloud-based projects. These experts understand the fundamentals of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) and know how to leverage it so businesses can harness the full potential of their cloud infrastructure.

So, if you’re interested in hiring a cloud engineer with in-depth AWS expertise, keep reading. We’ll dive into the reason more teams are hiring dedicated AWS developers and how to hire one for your own business.

Why Hire an AWS Developer?

Hiring an AWS developer is crucial for businesses leveraging cloud services. As cloud infrastructures grow more complex, organizations might struggle to manage and scale them securely without the right expertise.

AWS developers bring specialized expertise in leveraging the AWS platform to architect, fine-tune, and maximize the efficiency of cloud resources.

Their proficiency in using AWS services like EC2, S3, and Lambda, implementing Infrastructure as Code (IaC), and orchestrating containerized applications make them a key contributor to cloud optimization.

What to Include in Your AWS Developer Job Description

AWS developers differ from general cloud engineers because of their expertise in AWS services, architecture design, security practices, and real-world applications.

Your job description should be clear about the tools they will be using, the cross-functional teams they may need to support, and the level of complexity in your architecture to make sure the candidate can successfully support your cloud infrastructure.

Typical AWS developer job responsibilities include:

Design, deploy, and maintain scalable and secure AWS cloud infrastructure
Monitor and troubleshoot cloud-based applications
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define project requirements
Implement security best practices and ensure compliance with industry standards
Optimize AWS services for cost efficiency
Conduct code reviews and provide technical guidance to team members
Stay updated with AWS advancements and suggest relevant improvements

Common AWS Developer Requirements:

Proven experience as an AWS Developer or similar role
In-depth knowledge of AWS services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, relational database services (RDS), etc.
Proficiency in Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools like CloudFormation or Terraform
Strong programming skills in languages like Python, Node.js, or Java
Familiarity with containerization and orchestration tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
Experience in implementing and managing continuous integration and continuous delivery/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines
Understanding of networking concepts, security measures, and best practices on AWS

Top AWS Developer Skills

AWS developers need to demonstrate a mix of technical knowledge and supporting soft skills to be successful. In your job description, include all technical skills and cloud infrastructure tools a candidate should be familiar with before applying.

The most common AWS developer technical skills include competencies of:

Programming Languages: Python, Node.js, Java
AWS Services: EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS
Security: identity and access management (IAM), key management services (KMS)
Networking: virtual private cloud (VPC), Route 53
CI/CD Tools: Jenkins, AWS CodePipeline
Containerization: Docker
Orchestration: Kubernetes
Management: CloudFormation, Terraform

Candidates should also demonstrate soft skills that help them support complex cloud architectures like:

Communication and collaboration: AWS developers need to be able to clearly communicate cloud updates to non-technical stakeholders and work cross-functionally with other teams to troubleshoot issues.
Problem-Solving: AWS developers should have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues and optimize solutions.
Adaptability: Candidates should be able to quickly adapt to new AWS tools, technologies, and methodologies and embrace changes to project requirements.
Agile: To respond to evolving cloud environments, AWS developers should be dynamic and comfortable using Agile methodologies.

AWS Developer Education and Qualifications

There are no formal requirements to become an AWS developer, but many employers prefer candidates with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field.

Employers may also prefer candidates with proven work experience as a cloud engineer or supporting an AWS environment. AWS certifications can help candidates master the skills and knowledge of AWS developers.

AWS Developer Salary and Outlook

According to Glassdoor, the average annual salary for an AWS Developer is $106,971 per year, with variations based on experience, location, and company size. The demand for AWS developers is expected to remain high as more businesses adopt cloud technologies.

What Else to Know Before Interviewing an AWS Developer

Assessing an AWS developer can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. When interviewing AWS developer candidates, be sure to structure questions that help you assess the following big bucket items:

AWS Project Experience: Assess the candidate’s experience with real-world AWS projects, including challenges faced and solutions implemented.
AWS Best Practices: Ask about their implementation of AWS best practices for security, scalability, and cost optimization.
Certifications: Inquire about their AWS and cloud certifications and their commitment to ongoing professional development.
Coding Skills: Inquire about their range of coding skills. If needed, conduct coding assessments to evaluate their programming proficiency.
Problem-Solving Scenarios: Present hypothetical scenarios related to AWS issues to assess their problem-solving approach and see what tools they leverage.
Collaboration and Communication: Evaluate their ability to communicate complex technical concepts and collaborate with diverse teams.

Hire Your Next AWS Developer with Confidence

AWS developers are highly specialized roles, but with proper planning, you can successfully find the right candidate. Or, if you want our interviewing and hiring experts to take the reigns, reach out to Insight Global today.