As edge computing evolves, so do opportunities for IT professionals. Here are five exciting edge computing career paths to consider.
It is an accepted fact, backed by several studies, that the edge computing market is growing rapidly and has good prospects for the future. According to Statista, by 2030 there will be more than 29 billion IoT devices worldwide. With the rapid growth of the IoT, edge computing is likely to become an increasingly important part of the IT landscape. Therefore, those with experience in this area are likely to be in high demand.
Below are 5 edge computing careers that are in high demand right now.
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Edge Network Engineer
Edge network engineers are responsible for designing, building, and maintaining edge computing networks. With edge computing, data is processed at or near the edge of the network rather than in a central location. This can benefit applications that require low latency or high reliability, such as gaming, AR/VR, and autonomous vehicles.
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Edge network engineers must be familiar with network concepts and protocols. They must also be able to design efficient and scalable edge networks, troubleshoot network issues, and have strong problem-solving skills.
Edge IoT Architect
The role of an edge IoT architect is to design and oversee the implementation of edge computing solutions for IoT devices. This can include working with chipsets, operating systems, middleware and applications. Qualifications for this role generally include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and experience in network engineering, software development, and systems administration.
Edge software engineer
Edge Software Engineers are responsible for developing and managing software applications hosted on edge servers. Edge servers are located at the edge of a network, close to the users accessing the applications. This differs from traditional server architectures, where servers are often located in centralized data centers. Edge software engineers must be able to design, develop, and deploy optimized applications for edge computing environments. They must also be able to troubleshoot and solve problems that the applications may encounter.
Qualifications for edge software engineering roles vary by employer, but typically include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or a related field and software development experience. Some employers may also require certification in edge computing or related technologies.
Edge solution architect
The Edge Solutions Architect role is responsible for driving adoption of edge computing solutions. Additionally, as subject matter experts, they will support the launch of new Edge products, educate customers and partners on Edge capabilities, and provide guidance on Edge architecture and deployment best practices.
To be successful in this role, candidates should have a deep understanding of edge computing technology and experience in mobile, IoT, 4G/5G, security, cloud and edge computing solutions. Additionally, they should be able to communicate the business value of edge computing to various audiences and have a track record of successfully delivering edge-based projects.
Edge security specialist
While edge computing allows organizations to reduce latency and improve performance, it comes with several risks. One of them is security. Edge computing increases the attack surface of threats and multiple security challenges. As such, organizations need to carefully plan their edge deployments; otherwise, the security risks outweigh the benefits.
Edge security specialists are responsible for securing edge computing deployments. You will work with organizations to assess security requirements and design and implement solutions. This includes ensuring that edge devices such as sensors and edge gateway are properly configured and secured.
Edge security specialist works with network administrators to ensure edge network devices are adequately protected. They should also be familiar with industry standard security technologies such as firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems. In addition, the edge security specialist is responsible for the development and implementation of security policies and procedures for edge computing deployments.
To qualify for this role, candidates should have experience in network security, edge computing, and data center operations. Employers also typically require candidates to have certifications from bodies such as ISC2 in one or more relevant security disciplines such as CISSP or CCSP. Familiarity with scripting languages such as Python or Ruby is also helpful.
How to start a career in edge computing
Edge computing is an exciting and fast-growing field that offers many opportunities for those with the right skills. If you’re interested in starting a career in edge computing, there are a few things you can do to get started.
Invest in data science education and knowledge first. Data is a critical component of edge computing, and those who understand how to collect, analyze, and interpret it will be in great demand.
Second, build your cybersecurity skills. Edge computing systems are often deployed in sensitive environments, so those who can protect them from attacks are invaluable.
Finally, learn the DevOps principles. Many companies with open positions in edge computing are implementing a DevOps approach. Therefore, DevOps is an important part of edge computing. So, understanding its basics can give you a head start in this area. With these steps, you’re well on your way to launching a successful career in edge computing.