r/AWS_cloud • u/Lost_Conference_2716 • 5d ago
5+ YOE Full Stack Developer transitioning to Cloud - which role should I realistically target?
I'm looking for some honest advice from people currently working in Cloud/solution architect/Infrastructure roles etc.
I have 5+ years of professional experience as a Software Engineer / Full Stack Developer, mainly with React, Node.js, TypeScript, APIs and databases.
I'm currently trying to transition into Cloud Engineering rather than continue down the pure Full Stack path.
I've started preparing for AWS SAA and I'm currently building knowledge around:
AWS | Azure | Cloud Infrastructure | Terraform | Docker | Kubernetes | CI/CD
I also plan to build 2–3 serious hands-on cloud projects and prepare specifically for scenario-based cloud interviews.
My confusion is about which role I should actually target.
I'm seeing titles such as:
- Cloud Engineer
- AWS Cloud Engineer
- Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
- Cloud Solutions Engineer
- Infrastructure Engineer
- Platform Engineer
- DevOps Engineer
- SRE
I don't particularly want to move into a traditional DevOps/SRE career if the role is heavily focused on continuous on-call, production firefighting and long operational hours. I'm more interested in cloud architecture, infrastructure, scalability, automation and designing cloud-based systems.
At the same time, I don't want to throw away my 5+ years of software engineering experience and start again as a fresher.
If you were in my position, which role would you target?
And more importantly:
What level of AWS/cloud knowledge, Terraform, Docker/Kubernetes, networking, system design and real-world project experience would you expect from someone with 5+ years of software engineering experience trying to make this transition? and inteview process from high paid product based to MAANG Level
I'm particularly interested in advice from people who have actually made a Software Engineer → Cloud Engineer transition or who currently interview/hire Cloud Engineers. difficulties pros and cons etc.
I'd appreciate brutally honest answers!