Infrastructure engineer
Design the IT foundations that businesses, public facilities and cities rely on. You'll use your knowledge of hardware and cloud systems to meet your users' every need.
About the job
What it's like
An organisation’s IT infrastructure is all the equipment, software, networks and data storage that form its IT system. You’ll be responsible for keeping this kit running effectively – usually for a business or public service.
You’ll use your understanding of IT equipment and how devices connect with each other to make sure the system meets your users’ needs. That could mean making it possible for multiple locations to access files on a local server, or making sure crucial data is backed up regularly. Some infrastructure engineers specialise in Cloud services – this means they focus on moving IT functions to public, private or hybrid cloud systems rather than keeping them stored on one computer.
You’ll need to have good attention to detail to spot and address any issues early, but you don’t necessarily need to have all the answers. Ideally, you’ll know a little about a lot so you can identify what to fix or who to call. Then you’ll put measures in place to stop the issue happening again. You’ll need to be good at working under pressure, because when the system is down, all eyes will be on you to get it up and running again.
What you’ll do
Work with technical specialists to identify the exact equipment and systems your users need
Set up system components and assign access rights
Run test scripts to make sure the system works as planned
Assess requests for new software, devices or functionality, and check these won’t cause other parts of the system to fail
Adapt the infrastructure to accommodate new features
Manage a team of third-party specialists and support
Monitor the infrastructure for security weaknesses
Run routine maintenance to make sure all hardware is fit for purpose
Respond when users report a fault, and take responsibility for fixing it yourself or call a specialist
Train users in using the system safely, securely and responsibly
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- analysing
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- researching
- problem solving
- written communication
- working with technology
- building relationships
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Computing Science
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Maths (Mathematics)
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support
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Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
There are a number of ways to get qualified for this job through college, university or work-based qualifications, such as apprenticeships.
Infrastructure engineers will usually have degrees in subjects such as:
Computer science
Computer systems/networks
Software engineering systems
Mathematics
Employers might consider applicants without formal qualifications if they can demonstrate knowledge and experience of the industry as well as evidence of programming.
Infrastructure engineers usually work as part of a team of technical experts. You may start in a related role within a technical or infrastructure team and, with the right skills and experience, become an infrastructure engineer.
Apprenticeships
You can gain skills and qualifications in the workplace through options such as:
Foundation Apprenticeships (FAs) are chosen as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 but include hands-on learning at a local employer or college. They are the same level as a Higher.
You might want to consider an FA in areas such as:
IT: Software development
IT: Hardware and systems support
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Digital applications
Information security
Graduate Apprenticeships (GAs) are designed for industry and you'll spend most of your time learning on the job but you'll also go to uni. You'll get a job, get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time.
You might want to consider a GA in areas such as:
IT: Software development
Cyber security
Not all employers list specific qualification requirements but they might ask for relevant experience, usually work based, that show a range of transferable skills.
As you will be diagnosing problems, identifying solutions and ensuring routine cyber security maintenance is carried out, you'll need to be knowledgeable about how devices communicate with each other and potential security issues, as well as being able to explain technical information to people from backgrounds that are non technical.
You should be proficient in a programming language, such as Java.
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