The idea of a 10X engineer - someone who delivers exponentially greater impact than their peers - can feel like a myth. But it isn’t about superhuman talent or working around the clock. It’s about deliberate practice, accountability, and ownership.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen how mastering rare and valuable skills can set engineers apart. In cloud engineering, where complexity and cost optimization are central challenges, these skills are especially valuable. On the "Always an Engineer" podcast, I shared strategies for becoming a 10X engineer and in this blog I'll share how these strategies apply to cloud engineers looking to improve their craft and market value.
Here’s how you can start your journey to becoming a 10X cloud engineer.
Invest in Rare and Valuable Skills
Not all skills are created equal. Rare and valuable skills are those in high demand but low supply - and they’re what make 10X engineers stand out. In cloud engineering, these include:
- Cost Optimization: Designing efficient cloud architectures that minimize waste.
- Replatforming: Migrating legacy systems to modern, scalable infrastructures.
- Refactoring: Improving existing systems for better performance and lower costs.
General software engineering skills are becoming commoditized. To differentiate yourself, focus on specialized domains where you can truly excel. As cloud environments grow more complex, expertise in these areas will only become more valuable.
Prioritize Learning Through Collaboration
Surrounding yourself with skilled colleagues is one of the fastest ways to grow as an engineer. Collaboration allows you to:
- Learn advanced problem-solving techniques and design strategies.
- Observe how experienced engineers approach complex challenges.
- Receive feedback that sharpens your craft.
Collaborating on cost optimization projects or large-scale migrations can provide invaluable hands-on experience. Watching a seasoned engineer break down a cost anomaly or streamline a multi-cloud architecture can teach you more than hours of independent study ever could.
Hone Accountability and Ownership
One of the defining traits of a 10X engineer is taking full responsibility for their work. This means owning every aspect of your code, from functionality to cost implications.
In cloud cost management, this mindset is especially critical. If you’re building a resource-intensive application, don’t pass off the cost analysis to someone else. Dig into the details. Identify inefficiencies. Solve them.
Ownership doesn’t just improve your work - it builds trust and demonstrates leadership, qualities that set you apart in any organization.
Master the Art of Replatforming and Refactoring
Most engineering work happens on existing systems, not Greenfield projects. Specializing in replatforming and refactoring legacy systems can make you an indispensable member of your team.
Effective refactoring often leads to more efficient systems that are easier to manage and less expensive to run. We’ve had a customer reduce their cloud spend by as much as 25% after a careful refactoring effort uncovered redundant processes and inefficient resource use.
These are skills in short supply, making them a significant differentiator for cloud engineers.
Sharpen Your Focus With Deep Work
Real growth comes from doing, not just consuming information. Dedicate uninterrupted time to solving complex problems - this is the essence of Deep Work.
Spend a focused block of time analyzing cloud spend data to identify patterns. Avoid distractions like endless scrolling on forums or passive reading of technical blogs. The more deeply you engage with the work, the faster you’ll develop your skills.
Build a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is the foundation of continuous improvement. Seek feedback regularly and act on it. Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. When something doesn’t work, analyze why and use that knowledge to improve.
Becoming a 10X engineer isn’t about innate talent - it’s about relentless self-improvement. The more you push yourself to grow, the closer you’ll get to your goals.
Explore Side Projects and Open Source
Side projects are a great way to expand your skill set and explore new areas. Whether it’s contributing to open-source tools or building a cost management dashboard for fun, these projects can:
- Showcase your skills to potential employers.
- Help you gain hands-on experience with new tools and technologies.
- Give you the freedom to experiment and innovate.
Every side project is an opportunity to grow as an engineer and create something meaningful.
Conclusion
The path to becoming a 10X cloud engineer is about more than technical skills. It’s about mastering rare abilities, taking ownership, aligning with business goals, and continuously pushing yourself to grow.
This journey isn’t easy, but the rewards are exponential. By focusing on deliberate practice, collaboration, and building valuable skills, you’ll set yourself apart in the field of cloud engineering.
Becoming a 10X engineer is a long-term commitment to doing the hard, meaningful work that drives real impact. Start today, and watch how far you can go.
