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As cloud computing becomes more essential, many businesses are choosing Amazon Web Services (AWS) to handle their infrastructure needs. However, hiring the right AWS developers to optimize and manage these services can be challenging.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of finding, evaluating, and selecting skilled AWS developers who are the best fit for your organization. Let’s explore how to streamline your search and make confident hiring decisions.

What is AWS? What Does an AWS Developer Do?

AWS is a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services offered by Amazon that allows individuals and organizations to leverage the power of the cloud to build and deploy applications, store and analyze data, and more.

So, what exactly does an AWS developer do? Well, they wear many hats. They design, develop, and deploy cloud-based applications using AWS services such as Amazon Elastic Compute Cloud (EC2), Amazon Simple Storage Service (S3), Amazon Relational Database Service (RDS), and many others.

They write code in languages like Python, Java, or Node.js to build scalable and efficient applications. They also work closely with DevOps teams to automate infrastructure provisioning and ensure seamless deployment and continuous integration.

For example, let's say you're a company looking to migrate your existing on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. An AWS developer would assess your requirements, architect the cloud infrastructure, and then handle the migration process, ensuring a smooth transition with minimal downtime. They would set up the necessary virtual servers, storage, and databases, and optimize the application's performance and security.

Skills & Qualifications to Consider Before You Hire AWS Developers

Before you embark on the journey of hiring AWS developers, it's crucial to understand the key skills and qualifications to look for in potential candidates. Here are some essential skills to consider when evaluating developers:

1. Amazon Web Services

A competent developer should have a deep understanding of various Amazon web services and how to leverage them effectively. They should be proficient in services like EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB, and CloudFormation, among others.

Hire AWS developers who have hands-on experience working with these services and can demonstrate their ability to architect and deploy applications using them.

2. Programming Languages

Developers should be proficient in programming languages commonly used in cloud development, such as Java, Python, Node.js, or .NET. They should be able to write clean, efficient code and have experience with frameworks and libraries relevant to their chosen language.

3. Infrastructure as Code (IaC)

Familiarity with IaC tools like AWS CloudFormation or Terraform is essential. Developers should be adept at defining and managing infrastructure resources using code, enabling automated provisioning and maintenance of infrastructure components.

4. Security and Compliance

Given the importance of security in the cloud, developers should have a solid understanding of AWS security best practices, identity, and access management (IAM), and data encryption techniques.

Knowledge of compliance frameworks like GDPR or HIPAA may be necessary, depending on your industry.

5. Problem-solving and Troubleshooting

Developers encounter various challenges while developing and maintaining cloud applications. Hire AWS developers who possess strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills.

They should be able to identify and resolve issues efficiently, optimize application performance, and implement scalability strategies.

6. DevOps Practices

They often work in collaboration with DevOps teams. Familiarity with DevOps principles and tools such as Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, or Git is beneficial. They should understand continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines and how to automate deployment processes.

7. Certifications

While not mandatory, AWS certifications can validate a candidate's expertise and commitment to AWS. Certifications like: AWS Certified Developer - Associate or AWS Certified Solutions Architect - Associate demonstrate a solid foundation in AWS services and architecture.

Step-by-Step Hiring Process of AWS Developers

It involves a structured approach to hire AWS developers with the right skills and experience for your organization's cloud computing needs. Here is a step-by-step hiring process:

Define Job Requirements

Clearly outline the job requirements, including the AWS services and tools relevant to your projects. Determine the level of expertise required in areas such as AWS architecture, infrastructure provisioning, security, and deployment automation.

Job Posting

Create a comprehensive job posting to hire AWS developers that highlights the AWS-specific skills and experience you're seeking. Use online job platforms, professional networks, and your company's career page to advertise the position. Emphasize the importance of AWS knowledge and certifications.

Resume Screening

Review the received resumes and shortlist candidates based on their AWS experience and qualifications. Look for AWS certifications like AWS Certified Developer Associate or AWS Certified Solutions Architect. Pay attention to specific projects or AWS services they have worked with.

Technical Interviews

Conduct technical interviews to hire AWS developers for assessing candidates' knowledge and problem-solving abilities. Ask questions related to AWS services, infrastructure as code (IaC) tools like AWS CloudFormation or Terraform, security best practices, and application deployment on AWS.

Practical Assignments

Consider providing practical assignments or coding challenges that involve AWS services. Assign tasks such as designing an architecture for a scalable web application or configuring an auto-scaling group. Evaluate their ability to use these services effectively.

Behavioral Interviews

Conduct behavioral interviews to evaluate candidates' soft skills, teamwork abilities, and alignment with your organization's values. Ask questions that assess their problem-solving approaches, communication skills, and how they handle challenges in a team setting.

Reference Checks

Contact the references provided by the candidates to gather insights about their work ethic, technical skills, and performance in previous roles. Seek feedback on their experience with AWS, ability to work with cloud technologies, and collaboration skills.

Practical Assessment by Senior AWS Developers

Involve senior developers or tech leads in the assessment process to hire AWS developers. Have them review code samples, conduct technical discussions, or participate in the interviews to provide their expert opinion on the candidates' proficiency.

Decision Making

Evaluate candidates based on their technical skills, practical assignments, behavioral fit, and reference checks. Compare their qualifications and select the candidate who best meets your requirements and aligns with your organization's culture.

Offer and Onboarding

Extend a formal offer to the selected candidate, including details about compensation, benefits, and start date. Ensure a smooth onboarding process by providing necessary documentation, access to AWS accounts, and any training required to familiarize them with your infrastructure and development practices.

FAQs

Q1. How much does IT cost to develop on AWS?

The cost to develop on AWS varies widely based on the services used, the scale of the project, and the region in which you're operating. AWS follows a pay-as-you-go model, meaning you only pay for the services you consume. This includes charges for compute instances, storage volumes, data transfers, and more. For example, using Amazon EC2 (Elastic Compute Cloud), the cost can range from free (for a limited time or usage) to several dollars per hour, depending on the instance type and region.

Q2. Is AWS Certified Developer worth IT?

Yes. An AWS certification validates a developer's knowledge and skills in the AWS ecosystem. It signals to employers that the developer is up-to-date with the latest AWS practices and can effectively leverage AWS services for various applications. It's a valuable asset in the job market and can often lead to higher salaries and more opportunities.

Q3. What is the hourly rate for AWS cloud?

On average, an AWS Cloud Engineer in the United States makes around $65 per hour. However, this can be higher in areas with a high cost of living or for more experienced engineers. The hourly rate for an AWS Cloud Engineer can indeed vary significantly based on the region, experience level, and the complexity of the tasks. Always consider these factors when budgeting for hiring an AWS developer.