what is a solution architect?
As a solution architect, you ensure your employer has the best software solution to solve a business problem. You develop or design a solution for an organisation's specific issue. You rely on your software management knowledge to evaluate the available software products and determine if a new product is required to solve a particular business problem. A solution architect creates a strategic vision like a blueprint to guide developers in creating a software product. You present the solution to stakeholders for approval and oversee the development of the software product.
Your job is to ensure the project is within the stipulated budget. While you are not the project manager, you are in charge of specific aspects of the project, including overseeing the budget and timeline. You also assign duties to each team member and manage their participation in the project.
Solution architects provide software products to solve problems in various companies. For instance, you can develop software solutions to automate some of the processes in the mining industry. In manufacturing, you create software solutions for solving production problems and improving manufacturing processes.
Working as a solution architect requires exceptional project management skills to assign tasks and create a budget and specific timeline for the project. You also rely on analytical skills to identify the best software features for solving a business problem.
view opportunitiesaverage salary of a solution architect
The median remuneration package of a solution architect is $160,000 per year. Entry-level solution architects with minimal experience take home $140,000 yearly, while experienced workers earn upwards of $200,000 annually. Solution architects usually earn high salaries due to the complexity of the role and the extensive knowledge required.
how to increase the salary of a solution architect
A solution architect is responsible for assessing computer systems, developing new technologies, or integrating software and hardware to fit the existing enterprise environment. Your salary depends on your experience and qualifications and the project's complexity. That means you require extensive knowledge of computer systems and software development.
Your years of experience also increase your earning potential. When you are new in the role, you perform minor tasks. Hence, your earnings are lower than experienced solution architects who perform more complex roles. Extensive work experience also increases your expertise. Therefore, you have the opportunity to become the senior solution architect for the entire software development process.
Working in metro areas and large cities with high demand for solution architects improves your remuneration prospects. Small or medium-sized companies in smaller cities don't require software development solutions simultaneously.
types of solution architects
Some of the types of solution architects include:
- technology-based solution architects: you oversee the implementation of complex technologies to assist in various business processes. You require extensive knowledge of underlying technologies to help the company decide on the best software solution.
- domain-based solution architects: you may focus on finding software solutions for specific domains like telecommunications or retail. You analyse business practices and evaluate the software and hardware landscape to improve efficiency.
- product-based solution architects: your job is to create specific types of software products for business management. You also assist the company with running the day-to-day operations of the software products.
working as a solution architect
Working as a solution architect involves creating software products that solve specific business problems. Let's explore solution architects' specific responsibilities, work settings and career prospects.
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duties and responsibilities
Some of the tasks of a solution architect include:
- investigating the current systems used in an organisation: as a solution architect, you investigate the existing software products and systems. You consider clients' requirements and use the information to develop solutions for various business programmes.
- evaluating project constraints: before launching a software product to solve a problem, you evaluate the project's conditions. Your job is to assess the proposed solution's strengths, weaknesses and costs. In the pre-design phase, you conduct thorough investigations to prepare for implementation.
- designing software solutions: as a solution architect, you create a technical solution based on your initial research. The software design or product you come up with should improve the business process. You also lead the integration of the new IT system with the existing technological infrastructure. If technical issues arise during implementation, you fix them and ensure the new solution meets industry standards.
- supervising and coordinating projects: as a solution architect, you oversee an entire project. That means you prepare budgets and coordinate the functions of various departments. You also assign tasks and create schedules for employees.
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work environment
A solution architect works in various industries developing software products to improve industrial processes. The work environment of solution architects is usually indoors in an office during the design and implementation stages. Most solution architects work in a team since they spend considerable time brainstorming various projects.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include software developers, full stack developers, software engineers, assistant managers and project managers. You might also be working close to information systems analysts and system administrators, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, data engineers, network engineers, project engineers and technical leads.
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work schedule
The typical work schedule of a solution architect is 40 hours a week. That means you work the traditional office hours with occasional overtime in the evening or late at night. Sometimes, you work over the weekend to complete projects within the stipulated timelines. Most solution architects work full-time schedules, but part-time opportunities are available.
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job outlook
Becoming a solution architect is a promising career with a projected job growth rate of 30% in the next five years. You also have opportunities for career progression, like becoming an enterprise architect or technical lead. Some solution architects become project engineers or project leaders.
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advantages of finding a solution architect job through randstad
Finding your solution architect job through Randstad provides important advantages such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a solution architect is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.
solution architect education and skills
A solution architect requires extensive training, including:
- bachelor's degree: to become a solution architect, you should learn the basic principles of developing software applications and programmes. Hence, you require a bachelor's degree in information systems, software engineering, computer science and information technology. The courses equip you with the necessary skills for the role.
- postgraduate degree: since the role requires specialised skills, consider completing postgraduate training to advance your knowledge in the field. One of the postgraduate degree courses focusing on systems architecture is a master's in software engineering. A master's in business administration also helps improve your leadership and management skills.
- industry experience: since you require extensive industry experience, you can join work placements after your bachelor's degree. Another way to gain experience is to join entry-level roles focusing on system design, programming languages or software development.
skills and competencies
Some of the transferable skills that a solution architect needs include:
- project management skills: as a solution architect, you supervise and oversee the implementations of the solutions you develop. Hence, you require project management skills to coordinate complex tasks. Your project management skills help you budget and schedule various tasks for the team members.
- technical expertise: you rely on your technical expertise and in-depth knowledge of IT to develop solutions for business problems. Your programming skills and knowledge of system design enable you to find creative solutions for various issues.
- business expertise: you require business acumen to develop cost-effective solutions that improve business functions. Understanding business analytics and processes helps you develop IT solutions to enhance business operations.
- communication skills: you require exceptional communication skills to bridge the gap between business goals and technical terminology. Your communication skills enable you to make convincing presentations to the stakeholders and communicate well with clients.
FAQs about working as a solution architect
Here are the most asked questions about working as a solution architect:
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what does a solution architect do?
As a solution architect, your job is to bridge the gap between a business problem and a technology solution. You identify a solution to a business problem and develop its technical vision. You design and manage the solution to ensure it solves the desired business problem. You also outline the steps and requirements necessary to make the solution work.
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how much does a solution architect make in New Zealand?
The remuneration package of a solution architect in New Zealand depends on your level of education and experience. The median salary of a solution architect is $160,000 per year, but you can earn more with increased experience or qualifications. The highest-paid solution architects earn over $200,000 annually. Other factors that influence your earning potential are location and project complexity.
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is solution architect a good job?
Working as a solution architect is a rewarding and lucrative career. Aside from the attractive remuneration packages and benefits, the job outlook is promising. Solution architects are in demand in New Zealand, with projected job growth of 30% in the next five years. It is also satisfying to develop solutions to business problems.
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what is the difference between a software architect and a solution architect?
As a software architect, you handle software engineering issues. That means you fix or troubleshoot problems associated with the software without paying attention to the role it plays in solving a problem. As a solution architect, you consider how the software product addresses a particular business problem. You evaluate the existing features of the software and find ways to modify it to solve a specific problem.
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how long does being a solution architect take?
Training to become a solution architect takes four to six years. The exact timeline depends on your career path to becoming a solution architect. The first step is completing a four-year bachelor's degree in a relevant subject. It would be advantageous if you had a postgraduate degree like a master's in engineering (software) or management to maximise your competitiveness.
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how do I apply for a solution architect vacancy?
Applying for a solution architect job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our solution architect job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.
