Terraform developers use Terraform to create and modify infrastructure efficiently and safely. Terraform is an infrastructure-as-code (IaC) tool that lets developers define on-premise and cloud resources in files they can revise, share, and reuse. Developers can use Terraform to manage low-level components like storage, computation, and networking resources, as well as high-level components like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) features and DNS entries.

Terraform developers provide many advantages. They can help you manage your infrastructure via automated scripts and code, streamlining the infrastructure management process. They can also make your infrastructure more stable, scalable, efficient, and secure. Unfortunately, hiring Terraform developers can be challenging, especially in saturated markets. It can also be expensive, especially if you're hiring developers from the U.S. or U.K.

This article will cover Terraform development, Terraform developers' salaries, how to write an engaging job description, what interview questions to ask potential hires, and how Revelo can help.

What Is Terraform Development?

Also known as HashiCorp Terraform, Terraform is an IaC tool that lets developers use a high-level configuration language called HashiCorp Configuration Language (HCL) to describe the desired "end-state" for on-premise or cloud infrastructure that runs an application. Terraform will then create and execute a plan for reaching that end state.

Since Terraform uses a simple syntax, developers can easily provision infrastructure across multiple on-premise and cloud data centers. They can also use it to efficiently and safely re-provision infrastructure to respond to configuration changes.

Terraform development provides many benefits, including:

• Improved accountability and consistency
• Stronger system security
• Reduced risk
• Improved testing
• More scalable and stable environments
• Improved system documentation
• Cost reduction
• Increased efficiency

Here are some common Terraform use cases:

• Rapidly creating and disposing of environments, facilitating development, testing, staging, and production
• Using multiple clouds
• Managing low-level components like computation, storage, and networking resources
• Managing high-level resources like DNS entries and SaaS features
• Deploying N-Tier applications
• Working with popular Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) tools

What Does a Terraform Developer Do?

Terraform developers' duties vary depending on the employer, team dynamics, and the scope of the project they’re working on. However, their responsibilities commonly include the following:

• Performing Shell scripting
• Coding using popular programming languages like Go and Python
• Interpreting system design requirements and specifications
• Using Terraform to carry out infrastructure automation
• Working with deployment automation, cloud pipelines, and IaC technological concepts
• Designing, creating, and fixing built programs
• Using tools like Puppet and Ansible to carry out orchestration
• Monitoring and maintaining infrastructure security
• Using tools like Jenkins to deploy Continuous Integration (CI) and Continuous Development (CD) pipelines
• Managing source code
• Using JSON, YAML, and Python for development tasks

Terraform Developer Salary

According to ZipRecruiter, the average income of Terraform developers in the U.S. is around $148,649.

While Terraform developers in Latin American countries are equally skilled, their lower cost of living means they usually earn 30% to 50% less than their U.S. counterparts. Revelo provides access to many highly qualified, pre-vetted Latin American developers, offering a cost-effective solution without compromising quality.

How to Write a Job Description for Terraform Developers

You must write an engaging and concise job description to attract top-tier Terraform developers from job fairs and sites. Here are the sections to include:

• A clear and concise job title: Choose a job title that clearly explains what the Terraform hire will be responsible for. Remember to state the experience level intended for the position. You can determine the ideal experience level by looking at the skill set and responsibilities required for the role. Junior Terraform developers have fewer skills and require mentorship from mid-level and senior team members. Alternatively, mid-level and senior Terraform developers have more comprehensive skill sets and can assume leadership roles.
• Key duties: This is the most important part of the job description. When writing this section, ask yourself what deliverables, outputs, and end results the position holder is ultimately responsible for.
• Required skills and qualifications: This section summarizes the knowledge, education, skills, and experience required to perform the job. Most employers prefer to hire Terraform developers with the following:

• At least a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field
• A Terraform developer or infrastructure automation certification
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent written and communication skills
• The ability to manage several tasks efficiently, concurrently, and without delay

• Salary and benefits: Competitive salaries and benefits can help your company attract and retain top talent in the industry. Attractive job benefits include medical and dental insurance, wellness programs, professional development, and paid vacations.

Interview Questions for Terraform Developers

Once you narrow your search after looking through resumes, you’ll need to conduct interviews. Remember to ask technical questions that reveal applicants' knowledge, as well as questions that demonstrate their work habits, leadership skills, passions, and motivations. Feel free to reference the following sample interview Terraform developer questions to help you get started.

Why should companies choose Terraform for DevOps?

This question reveals candidates' technical knowledge. A strong answer should mention at least two of the following:

• Terraform leaves no room for human errors, improving the efficiency, consistency, and quality of on-premise and cloud infrastructure.
• Terraform uses HCL, which is similar to JSON and easy to use.
• Developers can use Terraform with several cloud platforms simultaneously, eliminating the need to master multiple IaC platforms and improving the scope of potential collaboration.

What is Sentinel, and how do you use it?

Ask this question to test job seekers' technical knowledge. A good answer should explain that Sentinel is a policy-as-code tool capable of enforcing standard configurations and that developers can use it for governance and compliance.

Why are you passionate about Terraform development?

This question reveals applicants' passion for Terraform development. The best candidate should mention the following:

• Why and how they learned Terraform
• What they enjoy about using Terraform
• What projects they've worked on

Why Hire Terraform Developers With Revelo?

Finding and hiring Terraform developers can be a lot of work, especially if you have limited personnel, time, and resources.

But Revelo can help. As Latin America's top tech talent marketplace, we can instantly match you with the talent you need for your projects. Our developers are in U.S. time zones, fluent in English, and have been thoroughly vetted for soft and technical skills. Once you choose an ideal hire from our shortlist of candidates, we handle the rest