What is an SRE (Site Reliability Engineer)? - Position Explained

Are you considering a career as a Site Reliability Engineer? Already an SRE looking to expand your knowledge?

You've come to the right place!

In this article, I will cover everything you need to know about being an SRE, what it is, what they do and the skills required for success, as well as the career paths available for SREs.

I will also answer some frequently asked questions and provide resources to help you on your SRE journey.

At Wahl+Case, we have helped hundreds of people land jobs at some of the biggest names in Tech. So, if you're ready to learn all about being a Site Reliability Engineer, keep reading!

What is a Site Reliability Engineer (SRE)?

As an SRE, your primary responsibility is to ensure that a company's software systems are reliable, scalable, and efficient. Your day-to-day tasks will involve:

Monitoring and maintaining system performance and availability
Implementing automation for routine tasks to reduce human error and improve efficiency
Identifying and resolving issues that could impact system reliability and performance
Collaborating with development teams to establish best practices and optimize software design for reliability
Participating in incident response and postmortem analysis to learn from failures and prevent future issues

For a more in-depth look at the specific tasks an SRE performs, you can check out this detailed article on Google's SRE practices.

What Opportunities does an SRE have?

Let’s explore some of the opportunities available for you in various industries, as well as the potential for remote work and freelancing.

INDUSTRIES WITH HIGH DEMAND FOR SREs

Tech and Software: As tech companies increasingly rely on complex software systems, the need for SREs to ensure system reliability and performance is paramount.
E-commerce: Online retailers require SREs to manage and optimize their platforms, ensuring smooth and efficient operation during periods of high traffic and growth.
Financial Services: Banks and other financial institutions depend on SREs to maintain the reliability and security of their software systems, which often handle sensitive customer data and transactions.
Telecommunications: Telecommunication companies require SREs to manage the infrastructure that supports their networks, ensuring uninterrupted service for their customers.
Cloud Services: With the growing popularity of cloud-based solutions, SREs are needed to manage and optimize the performance of cloud infrastructure and services.

REMOTE WORK AND FREELANCING OPPORTUNITIES

As an SRE, you may have the option to work remotely, as many tasks can be performed using a computer and an internet connection. This flexibility allows you to work from home or as a digital nomad, traveling while you work.

Freelancing is another viable option for you as an SRE, offering the opportunity to work with multiple clients across different industries. Platforms like Upwork and Toptal can help you find freelance SRE projects, enabling you to build a diverse portfolio of work and experience.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND NETWORKING

To stay up-to-date with industry trends and advancements, consider subscribing to industry podcasts, attending workshops, or completing online courses. This will not only help you stay competitive in the job market but also provide networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

Here are a few links to get you started:

Online communities and forums, such as r/SRE on Reddit, can also be great resources for learning, sharing ideas, and connecting with other SREs.

What are the Requirements to be an SRE?

To excel as an SRE, you need a mix of technical and soft skills.

Technical Skills

Programming languages and tools: You should be proficient in various programming languages and tools, such as Python, Go, or Java for scripting and automation, and Git for version control.
Familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes is also essential.
System administration: A strong background in system administration is crucial for understanding how to manage and maintain software systems effectively.
You should be familiar with Linux and Windows operating systems, networking concepts, and cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
Monitoring and alerting: Proficiency with monitoring and alerting tools like Prometheus, Grafana, or ELK Stack (Elasticsearch, Logstash, and Kibana) is vital for maintaining system performance and responding to incidents.

Soft Skills

Communication: As an SRE, you'll often collaborate with development teams and other stakeholders, so you need strong communication skills to effectively convey your ideas and recommendations.
Problem-solving: Being able to troubleshoot complex issues and find the most efficient solution is an essential skill. You should be able to approach problems methodically and think critically.
Adaptability: You must be open to learning new technologies and adapting to changes in the fast-paced world of software engineering.
Collaboration: Working effectively with development teams and other colleagues is crucial for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of software systems.

Career Progression

As an SRE, you can progress your career in multiple directions. Here are potential career paths for you to consider:

Senior Site Reliability Engineer: With more experience, you can move up to a senior SRE role, where you will tackle more complex projects and mentor junior engineers.
Infrastructure Architect: If you're interested in designing and optimizing large-scale infrastructure, you can pursue a career as an Infrastructure Architect.
SRE Manager: If you're more inclined toward leadership, you can move into an SRE Manager role, overseeing a team of engineers and driving the overall reliability strategy for an organization.
DevOps Engineer: As a DevOps Engineer, you will focus on bridging the gap between development and operations teams, working to improve collaboration and streamline the software development lifecycle.

To explore available Site Reliability Engineer positions, message us here!

Alternative Titles

As an SREs, you can have different titles depending on the company or industry you are working with. Here are a few that are used interchangably:

Reliability Engineer
Production Engineer
Systems Engineer
Platform Engineer

While your title may vary, your core responsibilities often remain similar across these roles.

Differences for SRE in Japan

Let’s quickly discuss some key differences between SRE roles in Japan and the West to help you make an informed decision about your career.

Cultural Differences

Communication styles: In Japan, communication tends to be more indirect and focused on maintaining harmony within the group. As an SRE in Japan, you should be mindful of these cultural nuances and adapt your communication style accordingly.
Hierarchy and decision-making: Japanese work culture often emphasizes hierarchy and consensus-based decision-making. This means that decisions may take longer to be made, and you may need to consult with various team members before moving forward on projects.
Work-life balance: Work-life balance in Japan has traditionally leaned more toward long working hours and less emphasis on personal time. As an SRE in Japan, you may find that your work schedule is more demanding compared to your counterparts in the West. Many Japanese companies are actively working to improve work-life balance for their employees.

Market Differences

Language barriers: As an SRE in Japan, you may encounter language barriers if you do not speak Japanese. While English is often used in the tech industry, fluency in Japanese can help you communicate more effectively with colleagues and stakeholders.
Demand for SREs: The concept of SRE is more established in the West, particularly in North America and Europe, leading to a higher concentration of job opportunities. However, as more Japanese companies recognize the value of SREs, demand in Japan is will continue to grow, creating more job openings for skilled SREs in the region.
Salary expectations: Salaries for SREs may vary based on factors such as location, experience, and industry. SREs in the West tend to have higher average salaries compared to their counterparts in Japan. However, cost of living and other factors should also be considered when comparing salary expectations across different regions.

Interested in exploring SRE roles in Japan? Message us here!

FAQ

What is the difference between an SRE and a DevOps Engineer?

While both roles focus on improving the efficiency and reliability of software systems, SREs primarily concentrate on ensuring system performance and availability, while DevOps Engineers work to streamline the development and deployment processes. There is often considerable overlap between the two roles, and some companies may use the titles interchangeably.

What industries do SREs work in?

SREs can work in various industries, including tech, e-commerce, financial services, telecommunications, and cloud services. With the increasing reliance on software systems across diverse sectors, the demand for SREs is growing rapidly.

What is the typical salary for an SRE?

Salaries for Site Reliability Engineers can vary based on factors such as location, experience, and industry.

In Japan, we have seen SREs make between 6 million and 12 million yen per year, while in the states that number is around $128k on average according to Glassdoor.

Do I need a degree to become an SRE?

While a degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field can be beneficial, it is not always required to become an SRE. Many SREs are self-taught or have transitioned from other roles within the tech industry, such as software development or system administration.

What is most important is your practical experience and proficiency in the necessary technical and soft skills.

What certifications can help me in my career as an SRE?

There are several certifications that can help you develop your skills and boost your career as an SRE:

AWS Certified SysOps Administrator – Associate : This certification demonstrates your ability to manage, deploy, and operate AWS infrastructure.
Google Cloud Professional Cloud Architect : This certification shows your expertise in designing and managing Google Cloud infrastructure.
Microsoft Certified: Azure Administrator Associate : This certification validates your skills in managing Azure resources and infrastructure.
Certified Kubernetes Administrator (CKA): This certification focuses on your ability to manage and operate Kubernetes clusters.

These certifications are not required for all SRE roles and will not 100% ensure you get hired, but they can help demonstrate your commitment to learning, making you a more competitive candidate.

Does this sound exciting to you?

Message us using this link to learn what SRE positions are open right now!

Curious about other roles in the tech industry? Explore more resources and articles on our blog to find out about various positions and how they contribute to the exciting world of technology.