what is a solutions architect?
A solutions architect uses technology to solve their company's problems. For example, you could develop stronger security systems after a breach or make it easier for customers to shop online. This increases sales, streamlines processes and provides valuable team oversight.
Once you identify a challenge, you brainstorm with colleagues and create a solution. Afterward, you present your findings to stakeholders. If they agree to the project, you oversee your team and communicate with stakeholders throughout the process. Since not all stakeholders have technical knowledge, you'll have to explain your plan in simple terms.
Solutions architects need technology certifications to get started. After you find a job, you'll continue learning different technologies throughout your career to keep your business up to date. However, this doesn't mean overhauling the entire system whenever new software comes out. You also keep your company's existing network running, only upgrading when the current system doesn't support your solutions.
Overall, you'll increase your company's profits by lowering costs, reducing security breaches, eliminating unnecessary tools and attracting customers with better technology. You'll also promote a healthy working environment with strong but approachable leadership.
Would working as a solutions architect suit your IT skills? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in a solutions architect role.
view jobs near youaverage solutions architect salary
Solutions architects make an average of $128,083 per year. Employees on the lower end make about $99,000 per year. You'll likely make five figures a year when you start out, but experienced solutions architects can make six figures, plus bonuses and benefits.
Your employer may offer paid sick days, vacation time, holiday bonuses, health insurance, retirement plans and other benefits. Staying with a company for a while may entitle you to more paid time off. Similarly, your employer may reimburse you for technology purchases and gas money when you travel for work-related reasons.
Some offices provide overtime hours when projects experience a setback or approach their deadline. Your shifts might include nights, early mornings or weekends, but you'll receive overtime pay. If you're still not making enough, consider moving to a bigger corporation or another industry with higher pay.
Once you've accumulated several certifications and years of experience, you may be able to negotiate a higher salary. Review the average salary in your area, then bring up your accomplishments when you meet with a supervisor. Prepare a response ahead of time for their probable counteroffer.
Wondering what you can earn as a solutions architect? Find out immediately with the salary comparison tool! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of a solutions architect is.
types of solutions architects
General solutions architects work with a wide range of technologies and oversee various projects. You may receive more assignments because you're knowledgeable in several areas. If you have a talent for a particular field, specialized solutions architects focus on one area, such as telecom, applications and security. Supervisors need your help with specific issues that general knowledge doesn't cover.
Businesses with multiple solutions architects often have a lead architect. You'll have more managerial responsibilities and guide your team to success with your leadership skills. Colleagues turn to you for help and advice. Note that you would still need technology certifications to succeed.
working as a solutions architect
As a solutions architect, you'll be one of your company's tech experts. Learn more about your potential schedule, colleagues and work environment.
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solutions architect job description
Solutions architects are problem-solvers. When your company has a technology issue, they count on you to brainstorm, find a solution, create a plan and oversee the project until you present it to stakeholders. Sometimes, solutions architects resolve a serious issue, such as a data breach. Other times, they streamline and refine existing networks.
Since stakeholders have invested in the company, they want to know about major changes. You'll present your ideas to them and communicate throughout the process, explaining your plan in technical and non-technical terms. Solutions architects also discuss their plans with supervisors, colleagues, subordinates and IT workers.
Your responsibilities may include:
- leading the project development team
- evaluating existing networks
- working with project managers and IT teams
- debugging and problem solving
- taking steps to avoid risks
- revising plans if issues arise
- researching new technologies
Some duties are similar to a project manager's. You'll develop a plan, set goals, talk about hiring teammates, prepare a schedule and keep the project within the budget. When something goes wrong before the deadline, solutions architects have to make fast decisions. You could scrap your existing plan and ask stakeholders for an extension.
As a team leader, you're a role model for your colleagues. You'll teach them new skills, mentor them, answer questions, motivate them and praise their accomplishments. The best solutions architects maintain high levels of employee satisfaction while producing quality results.
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solutions architect work environment
Typically, solutions architects work in offices. You might get your own office and spend most of your time working with computers and technology. Common employers include universities, large businesses, IT firms and government agencies. Each setting provides a different workspace and types of colleagues.
Periodically, you might travel to other businesses or corporate events. You also talk to stakeholders, clients and supervisors in group settings. Ask your employer about remote working if you have a home office. Your company may provide the equipment that you need to work from home, although you'll still occasionally travel to their headquarters.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your company's size, your colleagues may include a lead solutions architect and architects with specialties, such as security and infrastructure. You may work with enterprise and technical architects, who have similar duties in other areas. Your team could also include IT workers, office staff, supervisors and software developers. You'll regularly talk to stakeholders who have varying levels of technical knowledge. Occasionally, you may network with other professionals at events and conferences.
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work schedule
Solutions architects usually have 9-to-5 office jobs with holidays and weekends off. You might have to work overtime on nights or weekends when your company faces a challenge, such as an employee shortage. Sometimes, your job could involve traveling to businesses, offices and venues outside of normal work hours.
Due to the knowledge and experience required, solutions architects usually take full-time positions with 40 hours a week. Most businesses offer paid sick and vacation days. Other benefits may include maternity leave, paternity leave and personal days. In some cases, you might have to stay with a company for a few years or more to receive maximum benefits.
Your schedule may change on a daily basis. Frequent duties include attending meetings, reviewing projects, documenting your progress, mentoring colleagues and providing technical support. If your team experiences a conflict, prepare to rearrange your schedule and consult your supervisors.
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job outlook for solutions architects
As technology progresses, businesses have a high demand for solutions architects. You may find several open positions if you live in a city. Expect a commute if you live in a rural area, but the potentially high salary will be worth it. You can progress to other operations and receive bigger salaries as you gain experience for your resume.
Large businesses often have a lead solutions architect position. In this job, you oversee projects and help your fellow solutions architects succeed in their specialties. Over time, you can advance to higher positions, such as information technology director or vice president of application development. You could also try different manager roles with your leadership expertise.
Similar jobs include cloud engineer, machine learning engineer and security analyst. If you enjoy working with technology, you could pivot to another position with your skills and certifications. Some solutions architects later become web or software developers.
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benefits of working for randstad as solutions architects
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as solutions architects 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!
solutions architect skills and education
While you focus on technology, communication is one of the most important skills in your arsenal. You need to explain each project according to the individual's skill level. For example, you could use technical terms when answering a colleague's question. However, a client with no technology experience needs a simple outline without jargon. You'll also show courtesy and professionalism in every interaction, including emails.
Six to eight years of experience in related fields, including DevOps, cloud development, IT infrastructure and business analysis is recommended. Some solutions architects also need hardware engineering skills. This hands-on experience makes you a project expert.
Other important skills include:
- reading and writing documents
- performing calculations
- setting goals
- managing your time well
- quickly learning new tasks
- adapting to setbacks
- analyzing data
- promptly responding to clients
- predicting and avoiding risks
Above all, solutions architects are opportunity seekers. You find new ways to improve the system and see each project to completion. However, you also know when the system works and doesn't need upgrades for their own sake. Refining your company's technology could save them tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars each year.
FAQs about working as a solutions architect
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about solutions architects.
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do solutions architects need a bachelor's degree?
Most solutions architects need a bachelor's degree due to the level of knowledge and experience that the position requires. Choose a degree in a technology-related field, such as computer science. You can also pursue a master's degree if you want to advance your career even further.
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is a solutions architect an IT employee?
Solutions architects have IT knowledge, but your job is less about installing and repairing software and more about using technology to solve your business's challenges. However, some solutions architects have previous experience as an IT worker. You may also work with software, hardware and programming languages as you build architecture for your client.
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do solutions architects manage employees?
While you're not project managers, solutions architects work with their teams throughout the process. You'll keep everyone on track and close to the budget, offering help when someone falls behind. Solutions architects also discuss hiring more people, setting goals and making adjustments. You may work alongside a project management team.
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how do solutions architects get certified?
Solutions architects get certified by taking certification tests, which may require a year or more of experience. You'll review the exam materials and sample questions, then pay a fee and schedule your exam. Each test has a different time limit and covers various topics, allowing you to show your knowledge.
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which certifications do solutions architects need?
The exact certifications depend on the technology that your employer uses. Your certifications could work perfectly for one employer and not be enough for another. Luckily, you can take more tests to add technologies to your resume.
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how do I find a job as a solutions architect?
Applying for a solutions architect job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our solutions architect jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state of the art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
submit your resume
Make sure your resume is up-to-date, including information about your technical skills and certifications. Then share it with us to connect with a recruiter and be matched with job opportunities.
