What Is a Platform Engineer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

A platform engineer writes code that bridges the gap between software and hardware and tests the system so that it runs effectively and smoothly. In this career, you are a vital part of the software and hardware industries. You run diagnostics tests to verify the correct design of hardware, which usually means writing code for manufacturing diagnostics so that the testing of the hardware takes place automatically. The qualifications needed for a career as a platform engineer include a bachelor’s degree in computer science or an associate’s degree and relevant work experience.

The primary qualifications for getting a job as a platform engineer are a bachelor's degree in a related field and some experience with large technology systems. Many employers have a long list of specific capabilities they look for in different types of software engineers, and this role is no exception. Getting training and certification in various programming languages and online systems is beneficial for landing a job. However, most employers are willing to be flexible on this point as long as you have experience and a willingness to learn. Additional skills for a career in this field include creativity, interpersonal skills, research skills, and the ability to program in a larger team environment when necessary.