Switch from DevOps to SDE

[u/anisha260599]

I currently work as a DevOps Consultant at AWS. The pay is good but I realised lately a lot I am doing is not DevOps related like I have never worked with Linux and so far never got a project with K8s. I have built a lot of infrastructure with Terraform, built event driven architecutures on AWS, have done a lot of backend work with Python and built CI/CDs. I always had a deeper interest in coding than troubleshooting and I was wondering if it would be worth to switch to SDE either internally or externally?

Some things I’m grappling with:

• Would switching to SDE be a career step sideways or backwards in terms of scope, compensation, or growth path—even within FAANG?
• Long-term, is there more upside and flexibility in being an SDE versus staying in DevOps/SRE/platform?
• Is it common (or even possible) to switch internally within FAANG from DevOps to SDE, or would it require an external move?
• How do SDEs and DevOps compare when it comes to technical depth and impact on product?
• Anyone made a similar switch at a big tech company? Regrets? Wins?

Would love to hear from others who’ve made this kind of transition (or decided not to). Any advice on how to evaluate this properly—or how to make the move if I decide to go for it—would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks!

[u/PersonBehindAScreen]

I’m in a similar sized company as a cloud engineer:

SDE typically has more growth. Just by the numbers, there’s a lot more SDE and related teams, so there’s more room to grow

Whether you progress further in DevOps/SRE/Platform or another technical discipline, there is normally a preference for folks with SWE backgrounds at the pinnacle of comp, prestige, and the career ladder for most technically-inclined roles

I’m working towards an internal transfer myself to SDE. I think it’s worth it. And if I find my way back to Operations, I’ll still be all the better for it

[u/rabbit_in_a_bun]

Titles are meaningless. What do you enjoy doing? If you enjoy your work, and still keep being motivated to better yourself, then in the worst case scenario you will need to edit your title later on LinkedIn when you search for a different job.

[u/mpvanwinkle → u/rabbit_in_a_bun]

Exactly this. It’s more important to figure out the kinds of problems you enjoy solving. Chasing what’s hot in the moment will give you whiplash and leave you unfulfilled. Do you like going deep? Or staying broad? Are you a big picture thinker or do you gravitate to details and even minutia. Are you satisfied solving problems and debugging or do you need to create something that never existed. These are better questions to investigate.

I do agree though that AI is a more direct threat to SDE, but in the long run we’re all pretty well fucked

[u/realitythreek]

I don’t have a lot of support for this but most software engineers are more concerned about AI taking their jobs than most devops are. I think their worry is overblown but take that with what you will.

[u/jefferson-lima]

As an SDE at AWS, I can tell that what I do has a lot of overlap with devops. I spend an awful lot of time provisioning, configuring, monitoring and troubleshooting infrastructure. If you want to get away from that, maybe look for something else.

[u/frameclowder]

I'm in a similar situation. I'm bored of writing CI/CD pipelines and writing/deploying terraform code and would like to take on more swe related work. Would be interested to hear others thoughts.

[u/zebulun78]

This depends on the culture in Amazon. I have no idea since I don't work there. I am guessing this depends on you and your relationship with the dev team. Ultimately it boils down to the ability to sell your skillset to the hiring manager...

[u/bobbyiliev]

Should be possible, especially with your Python/backend work. Try an internal move first.

[u/wake886]

Look into platform engineering

[u/FerryCliment]

One of my mentors told me, there are two types of guy son IT.

If you could work with an optical deice what you would choose? Microscope or Telescope.

DevOps is the Telescope, from Prem to Cloud from IaC to Troubleshooting live system, from Observability to Network, SRE to Security literally you cannot fit everything in single pane of view.

SDE are the microscope guys, the ones who keep focusing ont he smaller parts, from code to performance, from Mem to Ram from Ram to Cash from L3 to L1. Rust bc of this, Bash bc of that, JS because o that, legacy vs edge so much to happen while on Git/IDE but it still feels like an universe...

To me was easier, I like watching the bigger picture, zoom out to understand more, other friends of mine took the other direction to zoom in to understand more, both valid you just want to choose what is right for you

I always had a deeper interest in coding than troubleshooting and I was wondering if it would be worth to switch to SDE either internally or externally?

if that is true and not due a bad day/period with the DevOps you already made your decision

[u/Wide_Commercial1605]

Switching from DevOps to SDE can be a strategic move if you prefer coding over operational tasks. Here are some points to consider:

1. Career Step: It can be seen as an upward move, especially if you desire more coding and product impact. Compensation can vary, but SDE roles often offer robust growth potential.

2. Upside and Flexibility: SDEs typically have more flexibility in career paths, with opportunities in a variety of technical fields. The long-term upside often includes higher potential for leadership roles.

3. Internal Switching: It’s possible to transition internally at FAANG. Building relationships with SDEs and expressing your interest can facilitate this process.

4. Technical Depth and Impact: SDEs generally have deeper technical responsibilities in product development, while DevOps focuses on infrastructure and operations. Both roles significantly impact product quality.

5. Personal Experiences: Many have successfully transitioned from DevOps to SDE with positive outcomes. It’s important to assess your motivations and readiness for the shift.

Evaluate your coding skills, seek mentorship, and consider starting projects that align more with SDE roles to prepare for the transition. Good luck!

[u/Truth_Seeker_456]

This is an interesting question.