Software Build and Release Specialist

Being directly associated with build and release field for almost a decade, I really believe there are certain factors which will inevitably differentiate a good and great SCM (Build and Release) Engineer.  This is really a niche position within the software development spectrum and not everyone can do it well.

Sure, I do believe anyone within the development field can do the tasks of an SCM Engineer sufficiently, but to go beyond the mediocrity that person must have a certain background and set of skills.  Backgrounds such as extensive knowledge in server and network administration for Linux (plus various other UNIX flavors) and Windows–but please,  SCM should NOT be grouped with IT.  Skills such as PERL/Batch/Multi-Shell scripting abilities and most important of all, a natural affinity in solving and automating problems.  Oh, and lets not forget the capacity to act as the glue between developers, software evaluators, and marketing folks.