Designs end-to-end technical solutions that meet business needs across systems.
Entry
Senior
Coding
Medium
Key skills
Career overview
The Solution Architect designs end-to-end solutions for a project or product: components, integrations, infrastructure, security and cost. They bridge business requirements and technical design, and guide delivery teams. The role leads to Enterprise Architect, CTO or VP Technology.
Main responsibilities
- Design solutions that meet business needs
- Design end-to-end technical solutions
- Architect infrastructure and platforms
- Architect cloud solutions and landing zones
- Architect security controls and posture
- Align stakeholders and report progress
- Keep technical documentation up to date
- Coordinate the technical work of the team
- Define strategy and steer long-term direction
- Mentor junior team members and review their work
Technical skills
Technologies
Education level
Education requirements vary depending on the company, country and experience. Professional experience, certifications and technical skills can sometimes compensate for formal education.
High School / Bac
Less common
Bac+2 (2-year degree)
Less common
Bac+3 (Bachelor)
Less common
Bac+5 (Master / Engineering)
Common entry point
Experience & coding level
Experience level
Coding level
Useful certifications
Certifications are never mandatory. They are one way among others to prove a skill.
- AWS Solutions Architect Professional
- TOGAF 9 Certified
- Azure Solutions Architect Expert
Where can this career take you?
Multiple paths are possible. Click a role to open its profile.
Direct progression
Possible branches
Where can you go next?
Realistic next career moves, with compatibility and a transition roadmap for each.
Overlap: 46% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Strategy alignment, Capability mapping, Roadmapping
View roadmapOverlap: 34% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Technology vision, Strategy, Innovation
View roadmapOverlap: 35% · Difficulty: Medium
Skills to learn: Technology leadership, Strategy, Innovation
View roadmapWhere can you go from here?
A typical progression built from real career relationships. Click any role to open its profile.
Soft skills
- Big-picture thinking
- Strategic thinking
- Clear communication
- Stakeholder management
- Analytical thinking
- Decisiveness
- Mentoring
Common previous careers
Roles that frequently lead into this career.
Overlap: 63% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Cost & sizing, Stakeholder management, Documentation
View roadmapOverlap: 61% · Difficulty: Easy
Skills to learn: Solution design, Documentation, Mentoring
View roadmapOverlap: 24% · Difficulty: Hard
Skills to learn: Solution design, Integration architecture, Cloud architecture
View roadmapRelated resources
Continue your career exploration
Keep moving: compare roles, follow a roadmap, read a guide or prepare for an interview.
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A documented transition from this role to the next.
Solution ArchitectEnterprise Architect
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