all about solutions architects
Solutions architects are in high demand within the information technology industry. Often coming from a background in networking or software development, solutions architects play a key role in helping companies translate business requirements into a technical architecture design, serving as the master plan for a technology solution. You will play a key role in ensuring solutions align with current enterprise systems. You will ensure solutions are integrated into development cycles and other organizational plans.
If you are experienced as a solutions architect and are looking to explore career opportunities, please contact Randstad Canada today.
what solutions architect jobs entail
Solutions architects typically work in an office environment. You will split your time between working on a computer creating architectural solutions, planning, and meeting with project key players. Depending on your role, some travel may be required to meet with vendors or with clients. You can expect to hold normal office hours. Expect to work overtime to meet project deadlines. You may also be required to be on call to troubleshoot issues. In most cases, you will report to an enterprise architect.
solutions architect salaries in canada
The average annual salary for a solutions architect working in Canada is approximately $100,000 per year. The salary range for this position starts at more than $70,000 and can reach up to $130,000 or more. Commission, performance bonuses, and other incentives are commonly included in your compensation package.
There are a number of factors that can impact your earning potential, including the number of years of experience you possess and skills such as telecommunications, enterprise solutions, and network architecture and design.
your day to day tasks
Your day-to-day tasks will vary based on company needs and business goals. As part of your role, you will be expected to complete the following tasks:
- Act as the project lead to turn business objectives into technology solutions
- Prepare solutions testing
- Prepare project blueprints, wireframes, and outlines
- Ensure company solutions meet industry standards
- Monitor and oversee the team working on architecture solutions
- Design technology solutions\
- Improve current architecture systems
- Research and develop new technologies to be used for functional business objectives
- Troubleshoot issues with architecture solutions
- Stay up to date with industry trends
- Assist with other pressing business IT issues or objectives as they arise
where you can work
Solutions architects most commonly work in the information technology industry. Many work for IT solutions agencies as consultants, or directly for organizations in business development, business planning, or management. Roles of this nature are commonly found in technology hot spots across Canada, such as Toronto, Waterloo, Vancouver, Montreal, and other cities.
what you bring to the table
Working as a solutions architect requires a combination of strong computer networking, IT, and business acumen. Here are some of the skills and abilities hiring companies are looking for in solutions architect candidates:
- Strong leadership skills
- Must be adaptive to change
- Network architecture
- Cloud computing
- Telecommunications
- Software architecture
- Project management
- Strong business planning and management skills
- Integration
- SQL, SDLC
- Enterprise architecture
- Software development
- Data security
- Excellent time management and organization skills
- Strong communication skills
- Strong team management skills
- Excellent problem solving abilities
training and certifications
Candidates for solutions architect roles are required to have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, software engineering, information technology or another related degree. A master’s degree in this area will give you an edge over other candidates and help you progress your career further in the future. Network certification and experience in business is an asset. Previous experience working in network administration is also an asset.
where your career is headed
Solutions architect roles are one of the most in demand roles in the IT industry today. Most solutions architects come from a software development or networking background. Some may have even worked as an applications architect. While many professionals in this field remain in the same role long term, some move on to work as infrastructure architects or take the step up to work as an senior solutions architect or as an enterprise architect. These roles offer somewhat different but complementary job opportunities.
Are you looking to break in as a solutions architect? Looking for solutions architect jobs? Randstad Canada can help you with your job search. Contact us today to gain access to great career opportunities in your area.