Solutions architect

Solution architects lead teams that create new computer systems for clients.


Typical Salary

£36,000 – £85,000

per year

Working Hours

37–39

hours per week

Career Area

IT business analysts, architects and systems designers

View related courses

Day-to-day tasks

In this role you'll:

  • understand the client's business strategy and needs
  •  create solutions to meet your client's needs
  •  assess the strengths, weaknesses and costs of different options
  •  give advice and suggestions
  •  make sure the new solution meets industry regulations
  •  manage moving to a new computer system
  •  make sure the new solution works with other systems and platforms

Skills needed

  • knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
  • maths knowledge
  • thinking and reasoning skills
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • knowledge of systems analysis and development
  • persistence and determination
  • ambition and a desire to succeed
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to get into this role

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

Career progression

You could progress to senior or lead solutions architect then move on to an enterprise architect role.

You could also take up wider IT project management jobs, strategy planning or become a consultant.