Technical architect: Key responsibilities and career insights
Managing technical architecture is an important role within the IT infrastructure of any organisation. Unlike some specialists, technical architects tend to have in-depth knowledge and experience of a single technology, like Java, Python or SAP.
Defining the role of a technical architect
Once enterprise architects or solutions architects have developed a strategy, technical architects take on specific tasks to implement the most appropriate IT solutions. Key elements of the role include:
- Providing technical project management to perform an analysis of single applications and their design specifications to define best practices.
- Acting as the bridge between the technical and business sides of an organisation.
Key responsibilities of a technical architect
Technical architects combine advanced skills with exceptional managerial abilities to come up with innovative technology solutions. Such a rare skill set makes those in the technical architect role highly sought after within the computer science field.
The main responsibilities of a technical architect are:
- Designing scalable technology systems
- Conducting thorough analyses of business requirements
- Translating needs into technical specifications
- Creating technical blueprints
- Choosing technologies, platforms and frameworks
- Managing the implementation of programs
- Ensuring system integrity and efficiency
- Coordinating with stakeholders
- Managing technical teams
- Keeping business leaders apprised of solutions
- Identifying hardware and software development needs
- Addressing any deviations from the design plan
- Ensuring systems meet client expectations
- Monitoring system performance metrics
- Implementing corrective actions when required
Essential skills and qualifications for a technical architect
Before applying for technical architect roles, you’ll need to get your CV in order and check you have all the right skills and qualifications to succeed. These should include a mixture of technical and soft skills, as well as certifications that prove your continued professional development.
Technical skills required:
- System design
- Cloud computing
- Solution architecture
- Systems development
- Proficiency in JavaScript, Java, SQL, SAP, Oracle or C#
- Experience in IT infrastructure
Necessary soft skills:
- Effective communication
- Advanced problem-solving skills
- Project management
- Time management
- Ability to delegate
Relevant certifications include:
- Amazon Web Services Certified Solutions Architect
- Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA)
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Being security cleared will also allow you to stand out from the crowd when applying for roles and look for technical architect positions within companies that deal with highly sensitive information.
Browse our latest selection of technical architect jobs to see where your next role might take you.
