The technology industry is moving fast, but there are few roles that have grown as important and in demand as the DevOps Engineer. Companies in the UK are racing to automate and optimise their software delivery. DevOps experts can help.
This guide will take you step-by-step through the process of learning about DevOps, how to get started, and where to look for the best job opportunities.
What is a DevOps engineer?
A DevOps Engineer is a link between Software Developers, and IT Operations Teams. They ensure that software can be built, tested and deployed without manual labor.
In short, DevOps engineers help teams:
- Release code faster
- Fix bugs quickly
- Automate repetitive tasks
- Increase software reliability
To make the development process smoother and predictable, they use scripts, tools, and cloud-based platforms.
Learn more about DevOps basics at AWS DevOps overview.
Common Responsibilities
DevOps engineers in most UK tech companies are responsible for:
- CI/CD pipelines: Building automated system for continuous integration and Delivery
- IaC (Infrastructure as Code): Use tools such as Terraform and AWS cloudFormation
- Cloud management: Deploying applications on Amazon Web Services, Azure or Google Cloud
- Monitoring & Logging: Using Prometheus, Grafana, or Datadog
- Containerisation : Managing Docker, and Kubernetes environment
- Security & compliance: Ensuring data integrity and safe deployments
They make software development safer, faster and more automated.
Top DevOps Engineering Jobs in the UK
These are the top employers and job opportunities for DevOps Engineers.
- Amazon Web Services UK — Large-scale DevOps and Cloud Automation Systems
- BBC Digital — Infrastructure Automation for Streaming and Broadcasting
- Sky – CI/CD Engineering for High Traffic Media Apps
- Revolut and Monzo Fintech DevOps focused primarily on security
- Capgemini & Deloitte UK – Consulting and cloud transformation project
- Government Digital Service — Modernising IT in the public sector through DevOps
Browse the live listings on Indeed UK or LinkedIn Jobs .
Why DevOps roles are growing so fast
Traditionally, IT and software development were treated as separate departments. IT managed apps, while developers built them.
This led to delays, miscommunication and deployment errors.
DevOps is a new approach that merges the two worlds to enable automation, real-time input, and collaboration.
DevOps is now a necessity for every modern business building software, from banks to ecommerce to healthcare.
DevOps Engineering Opportunities are some of the most advertised tech jobs in the UK.
DevOps engineer salaries in the UK
According to Glasdoor the average salary of a DevOps Engineer in the UK is between 55,000 to 85,000 pounds sterling per year.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Entry-level / Junior: PS40,000-PS50,000
- Mid-level: PS55,000-PS75,000
- Senior / Lead: PS80,000-PS110,000+
- Principal / Architect: PS120,000+
London, Manchester and Edinburgh are the cities with the highest salaries, but now many jobs allow remote work or hybrid options.
Key Skills Every DevOps Engineer Needs
You’ll need both soft skills and technical to stand out on the job market.
Technical Skills
- Linux / Unix systems
- Scripting (Python Bash PowerShell)
- CI/CD Tools (Jenkins GitHub Actions GitLab CI).
- Docker & Kubernetes
- Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)
- Terraform or Ansible
- Monitoring (Grafana and ELK Stack).
Soft Skills
- Collaboration with IT & developers teams
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving
- Strong communication for documentation
- Learning mindset is a continuous process.
How To Start A DevOps Career In The UK (Step by Step)
Here’s a quick guide to breaking into the industry and growing quickly:
1. Understanding Software Development
is a great resource for beginners.
2. Learn Automation Tools
Learn Docker and Jenkins. Set up simple pipelines to test and deploy code.
3. Get Cloud Certified
Earn certifications like:
Your CV will instantly stand out with these credentials.
4. Work on Real Projects
Employers love to see practical work.
5. Apply and Network
Join AWS user groups or DevOps UK meetings to meet recruiters.
DevOps and the Future of DevOps for the UK
DevOps has become a core strategy for companies moving rapidly to the cloud. DevOps Engineers will be essential in automating, integrating AI, and ensuring security.
DevOps engineers are expected to lead the next wave in intelligent automation as AI Tools, Machine Learning Operations (MLOps),, and
continue to grow.
Final Thoughts
This job is a combination of problem-solving and coding with system architecture. It offers endless growth opportunities.
Your work directly impacts speed, quality and innovation, whether you are automating deployments of a fintech application or managing infrastructure for an international company.
Start learning and stay curious. Soon you will be building the pipelines of tomorrow.