A Site Reliability Engineer (SRE) role is to liaise between software engineers and systems administration, with a focus on enhancing the reliability, efficiency, and performance of large-scale software systems. Their role ensures the uninterrupted operation of software applications and services by designing robust systems and architectures that prioritise reliability and availability, which minimises disruptions for users. Site Reliability Engineers bring a unique blend of engineering principles to traditionally operational tasks, fostering a proactive approach to system stability and performance.

One of the main responsibilities of a Site Reliability Engineer is automation. They develop and implement automation tools and scripts to streamline operational processes, including deployment, monitoring, and incident response. This reduces the need for manual intervention and also reduces the chance of human error. Additionally, Site Reliability Engineers set-up and maintain robust monitoring and alerting systems, enabling the early detection of performance issues and facilitating prompt responses to incidents. Their collaboration with development teams ensures quick and effective incident response, troubleshooting, and the implementation of preventive measures to forestall future issues.