Making your option choices in school? Get inspired and pick the future you want using our Option Choices tool, tips and guidance!

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.

Also known as: cloud services engineer

About skillsGetting in

About the job

Salary

Source: LMI for All

Weekly

£1,100

Average

Monthly

£4,766

Average

Yearly

£57,200

Average

12,800

people are currently employed

High growth

700 more jobs in 5 years

These figures refer to this job and similar ones with comparable skills and qualifications. They only apply to Scotland. Source: Oxford Economics

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 

Hours

You'll typically work standard office hours. However, you might need to be on call outside of this in case the organisation suffers major technical issues.

Environment

IT infrastructure work is generally office-based. If you work for a large organisation, or support several clients, you'll probably need to travel regularly.

Explore more information about this job

Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:

Like the sound of this career?

Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Infrastructure engineer'

Select qualification level(s)

Show me courses

Other careers that you might like

  • Systems analyst
  • Big data engineer
  • Solution architect
  • IT project analyst
  • Systems engineer
  • Data visualisation specialist
  • Internet-of-things architect
  • Cloud services engineer
  • Cyber security architect
Browse all job profiles

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.

    View all industries

    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.

    Here are some of the 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.

    Discover skills

    Getting in

    Explore the sections shown for more information about getting into this career.

    You might have qualifications which are not shown here but will allow you access to a course. You can compare your qualifications by looking at their SCQF Level. For more information about this, check out the SCQF website.

    Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

    Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:

    • Computing Science

    • Mathematics

    • Foundation Apprenticeship: Hardware and Systems Support

    • Foundation Apprenticeship: Software Development

    • Applications of Mathematics

    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 or college. 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.

    Find the right course for you

    Browse courses in Scotland related to 'Infrastructure engineer'

    View all courses

    Search jobs and apprenticeships

    View work opportunities