What Is a Solutions Architect (and How Do I Become One)?

A solutions architect develops the technical vision for a solution to a business problem. Guided by business requirements, they design, describe, and manage the technological solutions that make up software architecture. These tech professionals build the bridge between business and technical expertise to outline each of the phases and requirements required to reach business goals. In this article, we'll describe the role of a solutions architect and how to become one.

Transitioning into a solutions architect role? You can gain job-ready skills with Amazon Web Services, a leading service provider, in just two months. This intermediate-level online program covers cloud computing architecture, data lakes, and AWS-specific tools. You'll earn a Professional Certificate upon completion, but you can also use the program to prepare for the AWS Certified Solutions Architect exam.

What does a solutions architect do? 

A good solutions architect looks at the existing environment and analyzes what technologies are available and what software product must be developed to provide the best solution for the problem that needs to be solved. From there, the solutions architect creates an overall strategic technical vision—similar to an architect designing a blueprint for a building. They also develop a budget for producing the software product based on that vision. 

After the stakeholders have agreed on the project, the solutions architect is responsible for monitoring the process and keeping stakeholders updated and informed on the progress. Most of the time, the project involves both technical and non-technical stakeholders, and the solutions architect must make sure that each party's needs are considered and factored into the project's scope. 

Tasks and responsibilities

Depending on the company you work for and the project you’re working on, your day-to-day tasks as a solutions architect might include:

• Providing recommendations and roadmaps for proposed solutions

• Performing design, debug, and performance analysis on solutions

• Documenting and sharing best practice knowledge for new solutions

• Advocating for process improvements and helping develop solutions

• Regularly communicating new features and benefits to partners, customers, and other stakeholders

• Providing technical leadership to a team throughout the project lifecycle

• Developing proof-of-concept projects to validate your proposed solutions

• Reviewing and validating solutions designs from other team members

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Solutions architect vs. project manager

Although a solutions architect is not a project manager, this position requires excellent project management skills to ensure that the project stays on time, on budget, and is effective in solving the problem it was developed to solve. It also requires clear communication skills and the ability to translate technical details of the project into simple language that will be easy for non-technical stakeholders to understand. Successful solutions architects are usually curious, rational, analytical, and methodical—all of which are important traits for this job.  

The solutions architect role also requires being able to project into the future and consider upcoming uses. A solutions architect must view the long-term use of this product and implement scalability and adaptability into the solution for the future. If your career path is heading towards a solutions architect role, you might consider boosting your resume with some technical project management experience.

Should I pursue a career as a solutions architect?

If you are creative, analytical, outgoing, pragmatic, and can explain problems and solutions on both a technical and non-technical level, you could have a future as a solutions architect. 

The average salary for a solutions architect in the US ranges from about $121,000 to $195,000, according to Glassdoor [1]. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment opportunities for computer network architects are expected to grow 13 percent from 2023 to 2033 [2]. As companies expand their information technology networks, the demand for solutions architects will likely increase. 

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How do I become a solutions architect? 

There is no single path to becoming a solutions architect. Although some of the most common degrees solutions architects hold are bachelor's degrees in information technology, computer science, or software information. According to Zippia, 66 percent of solutions architects have a bachelor's degree, and 24 percent have a master's [3]. A candidate with an MBA in information systems may also be a good fit for a role as a solutions architect. 

Most solutions architects have spent at least a few years in software development. This gives them a strong understanding of the tools and technologies involved in designing solutions. Five to 10 years of hands-on experience in network administration or information technology systems is common, but it varies based on what a specific company is looking for. 

If you're new to the field, here are entry-level IT jobs and entry-level computer science jobs you may start with in a career path toward solutions architecture:

• Software engineer

• Systems analyst

• Network administrator

• Information security analyst

• Software developer

• Quality assurance (QA) analyst

• QA tester

You will also need to gain familiarity with programming languages and cloud platforms, which depend on the organization's technology stack. Some of the most popular cloud platforms today include AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Google Cloud offers certifications in solutions architecture that you can use to enhance your resume and demonstrate specific skills to employers.

Read more: What's the Difference Between AWS vs. Azure vs. Google Cloud?

Build your solutions architect skill set with Coursera

Looking for a way to build your skills and expertise as a solutions architect and add to your existing resume? Consider enrolling in the AWS Solutions Architect Professional Certificate. In this four-course series, you'll learn to design architectural solutions to address common business challenges.

Interested in learning Google Cloud architecture instead? Enroll in Preparing for Google Cloud Certification: Cloud Architect Professional Certificate for a comprehensive introduction to Google Cloud architecture and exam preparation.