How to Become a Solution Architect

Considering the complexity of software engineering, businesses need an expert who can provide practical solutions to ever-present challenges.

Enter the solution architect (SA), now an indispensable and valued role. SAs are the technical problem solvers and team leads that deliver IT solutions.

Are you interested in becoming a solution architect with EPAM? Read on to learn more about the role and how you can pursue the solution architect career track with us.

Developer vs solution architect

The designated role of a solution architect is a relatively new concept. Previously, senior-level developers or a single-skilled engineer handled SA responsibilities. Employees would wear multiple hats and work as programmers, project managers and problem-solvers, leading to less-than-ideal project outcomes.

As businesses expanded their IT departments, it became apparent that developers would benefit by having fewer solution-based responsibilities. Those responsibilities now make up the solution architect role.

Architects think more abstractly than developers, who focus on technical details. SAs approach problems with the big picture and consider the interaction of solution components (e.g., applications and web services).

While a solution architect and developer may work on different project elements, they collaborate on the same projects. 

The architect knows code details but focuses on problem evaluation and solution creation. The developers see the coding details and execute the architect's solution. These are two different jobs that work in tandem.

“The solution architect’s task is to understand the business as deeply as possible; the result of her work should be a solution for each specific client and their specific business problems.” 

Uladzimir Kazakevich, Senior Director, Data Analytics Consulting, EPAM

Solution architect responsibilities

What does a solution architect do? Most SAs engage in a range of different daily activities that include:

• Conducting team brainstorming sessions to resolve urgent problems.
• Identifying business operation inefficiencies that require upgrades.
• Establishing testing requirements.
• Identifying business IT areas that underperform.
• Developing IT implementation strategies.
• Scaling solutions to support the optimization of business functions.
• Offering high-level strategy insights.
• Communicating changes or adjustments to stakeholders.
• Creating solutions in tandem with development teams.
• Outlining timetables, deadlines and integration schedules for projects.
• Reviewing technical and product design.

At EPAM, a solution architect’s responsibilities are divided into five distinct seniority levels, each incorporating various technical and business requirements. 

For example, a level one software architect will have a basic understanding of architectural theory. They will have a track record with client-facing projects, expert-level skills with software quality control processes, and the ability to make architecture for a small data platform. 

By level five, a software architect should have at least five completed enterprise architecture builds, several architectural certifications (TOGAF, ITIL, SEI), and the ability to develop a company's entire IT strategy.

Career tracks for solution architects

The solution architect role is a logical next step for a lead developer. Other professionals, such as business analysts, delivery managers, project managers and automation testers, may also consider transitioning into a solution architect career.

As an SA candidate, you need substantial technical knowledge, a track record in management, and high-level decision-making skills. Architects must also demonstrate exceptional leadership and communication skills since they are the primary link between an engineering team and company stakeholders.

Companies have high expectations for SAs due to the extensive costs associated with errors at that level. A programming mistake made in a single component has a quick fix, while the wrong technology or a poor architecture choice can result in tremendous losses for a business.

For any career path in software engineering, you must invest in your education. Most solution architects have a bachelor's degree, and approximately a third have a master's degree. Most architects have at least eight years of direct experience in IT, with extensive professional development credits. 

If you seek continuing education opportunities, you are well on your way to a career as a solution architect.

“Anyone who wants to become an architect must desire to create, to build.”

Dmitriy Gurskiy, Principal Solution Architect, EPAM

If you want to grow into a solution architect at EPAM, check out our software architect jobs and apply today.