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Solution architect

IT solution architect
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Computing and ICT
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Career outlook for solution architect

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£37,000

Experienced

£80,000

Currently employed in Scotland

12,700

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You’d lead a team and come up with computer systems to solve clients' business problems.

First, you'd work out what issues they’re facing and what you can do to help them meet their goals. You’d think outside the box to come up with ideas and consider different options.

Once you’ve presented the options to your clients you decide on which idea to put into action. It’s then your job to plan, design and develop the technical solutions. You'd decide what the needs and priorities are.

You’d organise the tasks of developers and software engineers to keep the project on track. You'd also offer guidance to teams and support them with certain tasks.

What you might do:

  • work with clients and businesses to understand any issues and concerns
  • come up with practical solutions to technical problems and present these to clients
  • figure out the scope of a project and decide what resources you'll need
  • manage teams of developers and engineers to deliver on project goals
  • motivate your team and provide guidance when they need it
  • assess potential risks and have solutions in place to mitigate them
  • keep up to date with latest technology and software
  • test software to make sure it works the way it’s expected to

A solution architect can be an asset to many organisations and business. In this job, you could work in many industries depending on where your interests or experience takes you. For example:

  • IT
  • finance, including fintech (financial technology)
  • healthcare
  • retail
  • agriculture
  • transport
  • automotive
  • manufacturing

Working conditions

Hours

Working hours can vary, but usually full-time hours will be Monday to Friday around 37 to 40 hours per week.

Environment

You’ll likely be based in an office. The size of the team you work with will differ from business to business.

Travel

You might work as a contractor, which would mean you might move from job to job a lot. You also might be required to travel to meet clients or travel to various training events.

UK employment status

Full-time

91%

Part-time

4%

Self employed

5%

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Here are some of the skills needed for this job. Sign in to see how your skills match up.

  • Building relationships
  • Listening
  • Verbal communication
  • Working with technology
  • Written communication
  • Creative
  • Problem solving
  • Researching
  • Attention to detail
  • Developing a plan
  • Taking responsibility
  • Analysing

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Getting in

Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

There are many ways to get qualified for this job. You could study at college or university study, or get a work-based qualification, like an apprenticeship.

Depending on their level of expertise, solution architects will often have a Higher National Diploma (HND), a degree or a postgraduate qualification in one of the following subjects:

  • Information Technology
  • Software Engineering
  • Computer Science
  • Business Information Systems

Employers will consider graduates from non computing subjects if they can show essential technical knowledge. There are also postgraduate IT conversion courses available. These are useful for graduates looking to strengthen their technical skills.

A lot of solution architect jobs look for a high level of skills and extensive experience. But some companies do offer intern positions.

Useful subjects

Useful subjects would be:

  • computer science
  • business
  • economics

Helpful to have

Not all employers list specific qualification requirements they might ask for relevant (usually work based) experience that demonstrates a range of transferable skills.

Membership of industry organisations can also be a valuable way to build contacts within the industry, add to your knowledge and link to opportunities.