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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for AWS Application Developer

💰 $100,000 - $160,000

Cloud DevelopmentAWSSoftware Development

🎯 Role Definition

The AWS Application Developer is responsible for designing, developing, and deploying cloud-based applications and services on the Amazon Web Services (AWS) platform. This role collaborates with software engineers, DevOps, architects, and product teams to deliver scalable, secure, and high-performing applications. The developer ensures that applications leverage AWS services effectively, follow best practices in cloud architecture, and meet business requirements.


📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Cloud Developer
  • Software Engineer
  • Backend Developer

Advancement To:

  • Senior AWS Developer
  • Cloud Solutions Architect
  • DevOps Lead

Lateral Moves:

  • Cloud Engineer
  • AWS Solutions Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  1. Design, develop, and deploy cloud-native applications using AWS services including Lambda, EC2, S3, DynamoDB, and RDS.
  2. Build serverless architectures and microservices to support scalable and reliable applications.
  3. Develop and manage RESTful and GraphQL APIs for cloud applications.
  4. Implement CI/CD pipelines for AWS-based applications using tools like CodePipeline, CodeBuild, and CodeDeploy.
  5. Optimize application performance and cost efficiency across AWS resources.
  6. Ensure security best practices are applied, including IAM policies, encryption, and compliance standards.
  7. Monitor application health using AWS CloudWatch, X-Ray, and other monitoring tools.
  8. Integrate AWS services with front-end applications, mobile apps, and third-party APIs.
  9. Develop automated testing frameworks for AWS-based applications.
  10. Troubleshoot and resolve performance, reliability, and scalability issues in cloud applications.
  11. Maintain infrastructure as code using CloudFormation or Terraform for deployment automation.
  12. Collaborate with product and design teams to translate requirements into scalable cloud solutions.
  13. Participate in agile development cycles including sprint planning, stand-ups, and retrospectives.
  14. Document cloud architecture, deployment processes, and application workflows.
  15. Refactor and optimize existing AWS applications for improved performance and maintainability.
  16. Mentor junior developers on AWS services, cloud architecture patterns, and best practices.
  17. Research and evaluate new AWS services, tools, and frameworks for adoption.
  18. Implement disaster recovery and backup strategies for cloud applications.
  19. Collaborate with security and compliance teams to ensure cloud applications meet regulatory requirements.
  20. Ensure high availability, fault tolerance, and redundancy in cloud-based applications.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc cloud infrastructure and application performance analysis.
  • Contribute to the organization’s cloud strategy and roadmap.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into technical solutions.
  • Participate in technical workshops, knowledge-sharing sessions, and continuous learning initiatives.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Proficient in AWS services: Lambda, EC2, S3, DynamoDB, RDS, API Gateway, CloudFormation.
  • Experience in serverless application development and microservices architecture.
  • Strong knowledge of programming languages: Python, Java, Node.js, or Go.
  • Experience with CI/CD pipelines and automation tools in AWS.
  • Familiarity with cloud security best practices, IAM, and encryption.
  • Knowledge of monitoring, logging, and performance tools like CloudWatch, X-Ray.
  • Experience with infrastructure as code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation).
  • Understanding of RESTful and GraphQL APIs and integration with cloud services.
  • Knowledge of containerization (Docker, ECS, EKS) and orchestration.
  • Experience with version control systems such as Git.

Soft Skills

  • Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Attention to detail and quality-focused mindset.
  • Team-oriented with mentoring and coaching capabilities.
  • Adaptable to evolving technologies and cloud trends.
  • Strategic thinking aligned with business goals.
  • Creativity and innovation in designing cloud solutions.
  • Time management and organizational skills.
  • Customer-focused approach with emphasis on reliability and performance.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field.

Preferred Education:
Master’s degree or AWS-specific certifications (AWS Certified Developer, Solutions Architect).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Computer Science / Software Engineering
  • Cloud Computing / Cloud Development
  • Information Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:
3–5 years of professional software development experience, including cloud development on AWS.

Preferred:
5+ years of experience designing, deploying, and managing scalable AWS applications, with hands-on expertise in serverless and microservices architecture.