How To Get Remote Devops Jobs

Introduction.

Remote work is no longer a fringe concept; it’s now the norm in many tech roles, especially in DevOps.

With companies looking to streamline operations and automate tasks, DevOps professionals have become essential.

And with the flexibility and growing demand for remote work, it’s no surprise that many people are wondering how to land remote DevOps jobs.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the key steps to help you find a remote DevOps job, share some pros and cons of this career path, and provide some real-world tips to help you get there faster.

What Do Remote DevOps Jobs Involve?

Before diving into how to get a remote DevOps job, it’s helpful to know what this role entails. DevOps (a blend of “development” and “operations”) focuses on bridging the gap between software development and IT operations, ensuring that systems are efficient, scalable, and automated. The core responsibilities include:

Automation: Implementing tools to automate repetitive tasks.
Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Managing infrastructure through code rather than manual processes.
Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD): Ensuring that software updates are deployed smoothly and frequently.
Monitoring and Security: Keeping systems secure, monitored, and resilient.

In a remote setup, all of this can be done from anywhere in the world, provided you have the right tools and processes in place.

How Do I Land a Remote DevOps Job?

Here is how to land a remote DevOps job.

1. Master the Required Skills

First and foremost, having the right skill set is essential. DevOps is an evolving field, and while the specific tools you need may vary depending on the company, there are core skills that will help you stand out:

Cloud platforms: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP) are essential. Over 90% of businesses are using at least one cloud service, with AWS leading at 32% market share.
Containerization: Tools like Docker and Kubernetes are used to manage applications in containers, making them highly portable.
CI/CD tools: Jenkins, CircleCI, and GitLab CI are popular tools that help automate the process of testing and deployment.
Version control: Git is a must. Almost every development team relies on version control to track changes and collaborate effectively.
Scripting and automation: Knowledge of Python, Bash, or PowerShell can help you automate tasks that would otherwise be manual and time-consuming.
Networking and security basics: Understanding how networks function and how to secure them is fundamental in DevOps.

2. Get Certified

Certifications are a good way to demonstrate your expertise, particularly for remote jobs, where direct face-to-face interviews might not always be possible. Some key certifications include:

AWS Certified DevOps Engineer – ideal for cloud-based work.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA) – focuses on managing Kubernetes clusters.
Azure DevOps Engineer Expert – great if you’re working with Microsoft’s Azure.

These certifications validate your skills and make your resume more attractive.

3. Build a Portfolio and Showcase Projects

Employers want proof of your abilities, and the best way to demonstrate this is through a portfolio. Create a GitHub repository with projects that show your competence in different aspects of DevOps:

Build a CI/CD pipeline from scratch.
Automate infrastructure with Terraform or Ansible.
Deploy containerized applications using Docker and Kubernetes.

Publicly accessible projects give potential employers confidence in your capabilities, even if you’ve never worked for them before.

4. Optimize Your Resume and LinkedIn Profile

You might have all the right skills, but if your resume doesn’t reflect that, you’ll have trouble getting interviews.

Ensure your resume is optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which many companies use to scan resumes for specific keywords.

Include relevant skills, tools, and platforms (e.g., AWS, Docker, Jenkins) in both your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, or Jira.
Highlight your problem-solving skills and experience automating processes or reducing downtime.

5. Leverage Remote Job Boards

Not all job boards are created equal, and some focus specifically on remote work. Popular sites to find remote DevOps positions include:

We Work Remotely
Remote OK
AngelList
DevOps Remote Jobs (a specialized job board for DevOps positions)

You should also consider freelancing platforms like Upwork or Toptal to get your foot in the door. These platforms can be competitive, but they offer good exposure and help build your remote work experience.

6. Network and Build Connections

Networking still matters, even for remote roles. You can build connections by attending virtual tech conferences, joining online communities like Reddit or Stack Overflow, or participating in DevOps-specific Slack channels.

Referrals can sometimes be the fastest route to a remote job. Let your network know you’re looking for remote DevOps roles, and you may hear about openings before they’re publicly posted.

Pros and Cons of Remote DevOps Jobs

Pros:

Flexibility: Work from anywhere in the world, at hours that suit you.
Work-life balance: Without a daily commute, you gain more personal time.
Wide job pool: You can apply to companies worldwide, increasing your opportunities.
Increased productivity: Many find that remote work allows for more focused, uninterrupted work.

Cons:

Isolation: Working remotely can sometimes feel lonely, especially if you’re used to a bustling office environment.
Communication barriers: Relying on digital tools for communication can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or delays.
Work-life boundaries: Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to work longer hours than you intend.
Time zone challenges: Collaborating with teams in different time zones can be tricky.

Conclusion

Getting a remote DevOps job isn’t just about having the technical skills; it’s also about showing that you can work efficiently in a remote setting, communicate well, and manage your time independently.

The demand for DevOps professionals continues to grow, with remote opportunities expanding across industries. So, if you’re looking to combine your technical skills with the freedom of working remotely, now might be the perfect time to jump in.

Do you think you’re ready to take on the challenges of remote DevOps work? What’s your biggest concern about making the shift to remote?