Solutions Architect
Job description, Salary, Resume, and Interview Questions
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WHAT DOES A Solutions Architect DO?
Solutions Architects play a critical role in designing and implementing complex technical solutions that meet business needs. They bridge the gap between business objectives and technology, ensuring that innovative, scalable, and efficient systems are developed to optimize processes and workflows. Working closely with stakeholders across business, design, and engineering teams, they define technical requirements, ensure alignment with organizational goals, and drive the successful delivery of technology initiatives that support business growth.
Successful Solutions Architects possess a deep understanding of technical architecture, system design, and cloud infrastructure. They excel at problem-solving, strategic thinking, and communicating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. These professionals are analytical, solution-focused, and results-driven, with a sharp focus on delivering architectures that meet both business objectives and long-term technological needs.
AVERAGE SALARY FOR
Solutions Architects
Salaries can vary depending on factors such as geographical location, experience, educational background, and industry sector.
$124,849
Solutions Architect Job Descriptions
Below are four types of Solutions Architect job descriptions, detailing the range and expectations of the role:
Job Description:
We are seeking a Cloud Solutions Architect to design and implement scalable, secure, and cost-effective cloud infrastructure across platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. This role bridges technical requirements with business goals to deliver high-performing cloud-native applications and services.
Responsibilities:
- Design and implement cloud architecture based on business and technical requirements.
- Guide cloud migration strategies and lead modernization initiatives.
- Collaborate with DevOps, security, and development teams on best practices.
- Optimize cost, performance, and reliability of cloud-based services.
- Evaluate and recommend cloud tools, frameworks, and services.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
- Proven experience designing cloud-native architectures.
- Proficiency with AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud.
- Knowledge of containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform, CloudFormation).
- Strong communication and documentation skills.
Job Description:
We are seeking an Enterprise Solutions Architect to lead the development of high-level enterprise-wide solutions that align technology with strategic business objectives. You will oversee integration of systems, data, and platforms across the organization.
Responsibilities:
- Define architecture standards and roadmaps for enterprise systems.
- Align IT initiatives with business strategy and goals.
- Evaluate legacy systems and develop integration/migration strategies.
- Collaborate with executives, product managers, and technical leads.
- Ensure compliance with security, scalability, and performance benchmarks.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems, Engineering, or related field.
- Experience designing large-scale enterprise architectures.
- Familiarity with TOGAF, Zachman, or other architectural frameworks.
- Strong knowledge of data integration, ERP, and CRM systems.
- Ability to communicate complex solutions to stakeholders at all levels.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Software Solutions Architect to design end-to-end software solutions that are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with product and business objectives. You will define software architecture patterns and work closely with development teams.
Responsibilities:
- Design software system architecture and select appropriate design patterns.
- Provide technical leadership across the full software development lifecycle.
- Collaborate with developers to ensure implementation fidelity.
- Evaluate and recommend tools, frameworks, and technology stacks.
- Conduct code reviews and mentor engineers on architectural best practices.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or related field.
- Experience as a software architect or senior developer.
- Expertise in RESTful API design, microservices, and distributed systems.
- Familiarity with Agile/Scrum methodologies.
- Strong coding background in languages like Java, Python, or C#.
Job Description:
We are seeking a Security Solutions Architect to design secure IT architectures, ensure regulatory compliance, and implement defense-in-depth strategies. This role supports enterprise-wide risk mitigation through proactive architectural guidance.
Responsibilities:
- Develop secure architecture frameworks for cloud, network, and applications.
- Conduct threat modeling, risk assessments, and vulnerability analysis.
- Partner with compliance, legal, and IT teams to implement controls.
- Guide the integration of identity, access management, and encryption solutions.
- Stay updated on emerging threats and security technologies.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Cybersecurity, Computer Science, or related field.
- Strong background in information security and compliance (e.g., NIST, ISO 27001).
- Experience with cloud security architecture (AWS, Azure, GCP).
- Relevant certifications such as CISSP, CISM, or AWS Security Specialty.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills.
Candidate Certifications to Look For
Consider the following certifications and qualifications when evaluating candidates:
This certification focuses on designing distributed systems on AWS and is ideal for Solutions Engineers working in cloud environments. It teaches best practices for deploying scalable, reliable, and cost-effective applications using AWS services.
This vendor-neutral certification emphasizes a broad understanding of solution design across cloud and hybrid environments. It’s ideal for Solutions Engineers who bridge business requirements with technical implementation across diverse platforms.
This certification focuses on designing, developing, and managing secure and scalable solutions on Google Cloud. It’s ideal for Solutions Engineers who support clients using GCP and need to align cloud architectures with business goals and compliance requirements.
HOW TO HIRE A Solutions Architect
Securing a skilled Solutions Architect requires a strategic approach to identifying professionals with strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Here are key strategies to help you hire top talent:
Comprehensive Job Descriptions: Clearly articulate the responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the role to attract candidates who meet the specific needs of your organization.
Solutions Architect Competency Assessments: Use practical evaluations such as system design exercises, architecture case studies, solution strategy tasks, technical feasibility assessments, and scalability evaluations to assess candidates’ ability to translate business requirements into robust, scalable technical solutions.
Focus on Detail Orientation: During interviews, ask questions designed to gauge candidates’ attention to detail and their approach to minimizing errors in their work.
Highlight Opportunities for Growth: Emphasize any potential for career advancement or skill development within the organization to attract candidates who are looking for long-term opportunities.
Leverage IT-Specific Platforms: Post job listings on platforms that specialize in IT roles, such as those focused on systems engineers, network administrators, and cloud specialists, to access a broader pool of qualified technical candidates.
Solutions Architect Interview Questions
- How do you ensure accuracy when gathering requirements, defining solution features, or managing cross-functional handoffs between business, design, and engineering teams?
- Describe your experience working with technical teams. How do you communicate with engineers who are using programming languages like Python, Java, or C++ to implement architecture?
- What strategies do you use to manage competing priorities, such as designing new solutions, addressing technical debt, and coordinating with cross-functional teams on system integrations?
- Can you share an example of identifying and resolving a critical technical issue within an architecture that impacted system performance or business outcomes?
- How do you stay organized when managing multiple architecture initiatives, tracking progress across teams, and ensuring on-time delivery of technical solutions?
- Describe a challenging architecture project you led. What was your role, and how did your decisions impact the project’s overall success?
- How do you ensure data privacy, system security, and compliance—especially when designing solutions involving cloud services, sensitive data, or third-party integrations?
- What’s the most complex aspect of solution architecture, and how do you address it to ensure the final system meets business and technical requirements?
THREE EASY WAYS TO COMPLETE YOUR tech TEAM
CompuForce can assist you in finding the right Solutions Architect for your team. Here are three ways to complete your tech team:
- Utilize CompuForce, a specialized tech staffing agency.
- Post your job on leading tech job boards.
- Leverage your professional network in the tech sector. CompuForce offers access to a network of pre-screened and qualified tech professionals.
NEED HELP HIRING A Solutions Architect
Discover how CompuForce can elevate your hiring process with tailored staffing solutions. Contact us today to experience a partnership that transforms your recruitment strategy and connects you with top-tier talent.
