Software Solution Architect

About the Job:

A solution architect plays an important role in the software development cycle, gathering requirements and directing the activities of the rest of the design team. This role requires excellent attention to detail, as the solution architect frequently needs to examine functional specifications and translate them into system guidelines that shape project development as well as find ways to align projects with enterprise-level systems.

In addition to guiding development teams, a solution architect is frequently responsible for conducting research on existing systems and devising solutions that work within those systems. They may also meet directly with clients to demonstrate solutions, answer questions regarding software capabilities and requirements, and work to resolve issues that arise during the development cycle.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Gather Functional Requirements

• One of the first duties of the solution architect during the project development lifecycle is to gather requirements and specifications from clients and users. This aspect of the role may require working closely with sales team members and enterprise architects to gain a complete sense of client expectations and limitations before undertaking a major development project.
• As part of this process, the solution architect may examine existing systems and programs to identify areas for improvement and integration.

Develop Specifications

• Before developers can begin work on a project, a solution architect uses their familiarity with functional requirements and existing systems to develop project specifications.
• They may develop schedules and test plans, prepare documentation based on analyst reports, and assemble documents presenting project guidelines and milestones to team members.
• At the same time, solution architects may identify potential issues between systems and client specifications and propose new solutions to work around these limitations.

Determine Project Scope

• A solution architect is also responsible for determining a project’s scope before developers begin any major work.
• They may conduct extra research on a client’s existing systems and configurations to determine whether added time and work are necessary to align the project with enterprise-level systems.
• They also identify areas where implementation may require more solutions to be successful.
• Throughout this process, the solution architect communicates directly with enterprise architects, developers, and clients.

Lead Development Teams

• Throughout the development lifecycle, a solution architect directs and oversees the activities of a team of developers, answering questions or helping to resolve issues as they arise.
• This aspect of the role requires the solution architect to ensure that specifications and requirements are clearly articulated to their development teams.
• They monitor timelines and progress to ensure that team members are adhering to these specifications.
• The solution architect may also serve as a liaison between client-facing personnel and developers.

Interface Directly with Clients

• From the initial conversations to determine project scope and specifications to the final presentation of software solutions, a solution architect meets directly with clients to provide feedback and updates on development projects.
• They may prepare reports and presentations, as well as demonstrations, to keep the client informed about issues that arise during development and report on integration and deployment. They may also receive updated specifications and requirements from clients throughout the development lifecycle.

Manage External Vendors

• For many projects, solution architects work with outside vendors to develop and implement specific aspects of the software solution. This aspect of the role may require the solution architect to consider costs and timelines and ensure that vendors meet deadlines for deliverables and project elements.
• They may review proposals and estimates from these vendors and determine whether they fit into existing budgetary and time restrictions and ensure that external
• Assess the systems architecture currently in place and working with technical staff to recommend solutions to improve it.
• Resolve technical problems as they arise.
• Provide supervision and guidance to development teams.
• Inform various stakeholders about any problems with the current technical solutions being implemented.
• Assess the business impact that certain technical choices have.
• Provide updates to stakeholders on product development processes, costs, and budgets.