Solutions Architect
Solutions Architect Role
The solutions architect evaluates an organization’s needs and develops IT solutions to help achieve business goals or solve specific problems. They design or modify systems architecture, create software solutions, and integrate new technologies with existing systems to ensure seamless performance and alignment with business objectives. Solution architects collaborate with business analysts, project managers, developers, and other stakeholders to identify project requirements and define scope effectively.
Salary Range
$99k-$235k per year salary based on experience (USD)
Average salary is about $113k-$159k per year (USD)
Average hourly pay is $54.33-$76.44 per hour (USD)
Similar Job Titles
Application Architect
Business Systems Analyst
Computer Architect
Computer Engineer
Data Architect
Development Architect
Information Technology Architect
Infrastructure Architect
Integration Architect
IT Architect
Software Architect
Systems Administrator
Systems Analyst
Technical Architect
Technical Solutions Architect
Technology Architect
Virtualization Architect
Job Duties
Identify areas for improvement in systems, processes, or technology infrastructure, and develop software and technology solutions that align with business goals and meet client needs.
Evaluate an organization’s needs by analyzing business requirements and the technology environment to create or update solution architecture.
Develop and document technical solutions to address business challenges, ensuring they align with project requirements.
Lead cross-functional teams to design, test, and integrate software, infrastructure, and services with existing systems, ensuring everything works together seamlessly.
Industries
IT Services
Computer Hardware & Software Enterprise
Software & Network Solutions
Telecommunications
Internet
eCommerce
Analytics
Security
Education
Bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some employers may prefer a Master’s degree in business administration (MBA), information systems, or a specialized area relevant to the role. Obtaining relevant certifications, such as AWS Solution Architect or Azure Solutions Architect, is highly beneficial.
Locations
New York
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
New Jersey
Connecticut
Vermont
Pennsylvania
Remote
Solutions Architect Job Description
One of the most sought-after roles in the IT industry today is the solutions architect. Solutions architects work closely with cross-functional teams to design, integrate, and implement software solutions that address specific business needs. They play a critical role in the software development process, ensuring that each solution architecture aligns with both business goals and technical requirements. A solution architect also leads design efforts and provides technical direction to facilitate collaboration between developers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
A key part of the job is evaluating the company’s system architecture and existing technologies to recommend the most appropriate technology solutions. While many companies already have established information systems, new systems or modifications are often needed to remain competitive. Solution architects assess the company’s enterprise architecture, systems, and configurations to identify potential gaps or risks. They recommend adjustments to align future projects with business goals and ensure seamless integration across components. For example, a solution architect might lead the design and implementation of an e-commerce platform that integrates with the company’s ERP and CRM systems. This could involve selecting a cloud platform like AWS or Azure and ensuring that inventory management, sales data, and customer information flow smoothly across systems.
In addition to developing solutions, solution architects also analyze how new or modified systems will fit within the organization’s infrastructure. They help define the project scope, working closely with business analysts and project managers to align technical designs with business objectives and ensure feasibility within time, budget, and resource constraints.
Soft skills are just as important as technical expertise in this role. Solution architects must solve complex technical problems while demonstrating strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with developers, business stakeholders, and external clients. Their ability to bridge the communication gap between technical and non-technical XXX ensures that projects stay aligned with business goals. Problem-solving skills and leadership abilities are essential for guiding cross-functional teams through challenges, keeping projects on track, and delivering successful outcomes.
Professional certifications are valuable in this role, as they validate expertise in specific technologies, and earning credentials like the AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Google Cloud Architect Certification, or Azure Solutions Architect Certification helps professionals stand out in a competitive job market. These certifications confirm a deep understanding of cloud infrastructure and system integration, which are increasingly important in modern solution architecture. Many solution architects pursue the AWS Solution Architect Certification early in their careers to develop proficiency with cloud platforms, which are now essential for most enterprise projects.
Solution architects also play a key role in project and resource management, balancing multiple projects and ensuring they align with the company’s business goals. They frequently collaborate with developers, IT leaders, and operations staff, ensuring that all teams stay aligned and work toward shared objectives. A strong focus on technology solutions and leadership enables them to guide projects to completion while managing risks effectively.
Most solutions architects come from backgrounds in software development, systems engineering, or IT consulting. For junior architects, developing expertise in systems integration, business processes, and architectural design is essential for career growth. Many years of hands-on experience help them acquire the tools and knowledge required for this role. In addition to technical skills, solutions architects need strong communication abilities to translate complex concepts into understandable terms, ensuring smooth collaboration across departments.
As technology evolves, solution architects must stay current with trends like cloud computing, AI, and data architecture. Specializing in areas such as cloud architecture, security architecture, or AI-driven solutions can also open new career opportunities, including roles in solution architecture consulting, where architects advise businesses on implementing effective technology strategies. The most successful professionals are adaptable, open to feedback, and committed to continuous learning.
Solutions Architect Job FAQs
What Does a Solutions Architect Do?
The solution architect evaluates the technical needs of an organization and develops solutions to help them achieve business goals or solve problems. They work with development teams to design or modify systems architecture, create software solutions, and integrate new solutions with existing business systems.
Is Solution Architect a Technical Role?
Yes! It requires technical education, managerial experience, and hands-on experience across software, hardware, development, and implementation.
What Skills Do You Need to Be a Solutions Architect?
Solutions architects should have a strong technical background, experience in development, the ability to communicate with dev teams & engineers, and superior analytical skills to identify the best-fit optimizations.
Does Solution Architect Require Coding?
A solutions architect requires minimal coding to be effective. However, this individual should have experience with major coding languages and be able to help direct teams and template in various ecosystems.
Is a Solution Architect a Good Job?
Yes! Solutions architect is an excellent career for those seeking both a technology and a management role. These experts are in high demand.
How Much Does an Entry-Level Solutions Architect Make?
An entry-level solutions architect makes about $99K per year. However, in smaller companies and less competitive markets, starting salaries may start as low as $65K for this role.
How Many Searches for Solutions Architect Happen Each Month?
Solutions Architect has approximately 12,100 search volume (SV) per month on Google, according to an independent study conducted by redShift Recruiting.
There are approximately 1,300 candidates per month searching for this position that we can confirm.
There are approximately 1,300 employers per month searching for this role’s job description that we can confirm.
This does not include other major job board data and only considers natural occurring Google search volume estimates.
How Many Solutions Architect Jobs & Job Seekers Are There?
According to Indeed Hiring Insights (September 2024), there are 9,251 open jobs posted by 2,813 employers hiring for 147,262 candidates looking inside the USA.
This means there are 16 job seekers per job on average for this tech position.
Recruiting Solutions Architects
NY, MA, PA, VT, CT, NH or Remote Nationwide