How To Become A Middleware Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a middleware engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Middleware engineers are responsible for performing the design and configuration of middleware technologies, software, and hardware. They provide efficient distributed middleware that connects software components and applications. They also to interact with the development team and analyze requirements to implement middleware architecture.

They may require a bachelor's degree in engineering or computer fields, as they primarily work on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state-of-the-art technical or industry knowledge. So, they may require additional training and need to learn new things in this fast-paced, ever-changing industry.

Middleware engineers may expect to make $94,623 per year or $45 per hour. If they get additional training on configuration and installation of Middleware software product IBM WebSphere, MQ & ODM products, they may get a raise.

What general advice would you give to a middleware engineer?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*

*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*

* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*

*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*

*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*

*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*

ScoreMiddleware EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.8

Avg. Salary $106,586

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.73%

Black or African American 7.89%

Hispanic or Latino 11.61%

Unknown 5.00%

White 61.46%

Gender

female 16.36%

male 83.64%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a middleware engineer

Explore middleware engineer education requirements

Most common middleware engineer degrees

Bachelor's

73.5 %

Master's

22.3 %

Associate

2.5 %

Start to develop specific middleware engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
Java	8.82%
Python	7.72%
Infrastructure	7.71%
Tomcat	6.35%
Windows	5.30%

Complete relevant middleware engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New middleware engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a middleware engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real middleware engineer resumes.

Research middleware engineer duties and responsibilities

Used Jython, Perl scripts to automate administration tasks on WebSphere.
Monitor, manage, configure, and administer network equipment including Cisco switches and routers.
Configure node manager to administer manage servers and establish SSL communication between admin server and node manager.
Administer applications in Java and perform configurations on them via the administrative console by using the JMS connect to WebSphere MQ.

Get middleware engineer experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a middleware engineer. The most common roles before becoming a middleware engineer include weblogic administrator, web sphere administrator team lead and middleware administrator.

Prepare your middleware engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your middleware engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a middleware engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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