Technical Architect

Introduction

A technical architect is a job position within a business or enterprise that designs, implements, and maintains IT systems. In their role as IT specialists, tech architects will usually have an in-depth proficiency in one single technology (eg. SAP, Java. Python, etc).

Technical architecture involves the need to develop technical blueprints with regard to the arrangement, interaction, and interdependence of all elements so that system-relevant requirements are met.

The role of a technical architect differentiates from enterprise architects or solutions architects. These roles will develop a strategy and decide which IT solutions should be implemented. Specific tasks will then be delegated to the technical architects.

Continue to find the roles and responsibilities of a technical architect, career paths, and how it differentiates from other IT roles.

Who is a technical architect?

A technical architect is a specialized IT position that completes specific technical tasks within an enterprise. They are the experts in one area of technology and just like data or information architects, they fall under the umbrella of domain architects. Their responsibilities include designing the structure of new technology systems and overseeing program implementation.

Tech architects work alongside enterprise architects and other IT roles to deliver technical solutions while managing large teams of developers and IT specialists. They can be seen as technical project managers who perform an analysis of single applications and their design specifications, and thus, define best practices.

Role

The role of a tech architect will vary based on a project to project. After enterprise architects and solution architects have decided on a strategy and the type of IT solutions, they assign specific tasks to technical architects. In their role as IT specialists, they have the most hands-on approach and in-depth proficiency in one single technology. That is the reason why they’re often named after their area of expertise, e.g. Java, Python, or SAP technical architect.

From a top-to-bottom view, technical architects are the closest to the end-user, keeping an eye on the actual usability and functionality of the technology at hand. This could mean tracking things like effectiveness by doing post-execution reviews with solution architects.

Day-to-day

Since every project will be different, TAs can have a variety of day-to-day responsibilities. It spans from producing documents and diagrams for their technical team to informing stakeholders on potential threats and making technology recommendations.

The majority of their time goes into creating architecture implementation plans by gathering requirements and breaking down the project into manageable chunks. They will also be delegating and managing a team of IT experts. During project execution, technical architects closely monitor the progress and keep solution architects informed.

Myths

A common technical architect's role myth is that they are required to have an expert understanding of all technical languages, programs, and systems. This is unnecessary, and most tech architects will be specialized in one or two different areas. They will also be managing a team of high-level devs who will be able to implement all project requirements as needed.

This relates to another technical architect myth – that only hard skills are required to be a successful technical architect. The role also requires good communication and people skills to be able to relay information precisely and motivate IT teams.

Skills & qualifications

Tech architects require a combination of hard and soft skills to be successful in the role. Hard skills include specific qualifications and training in certain technologies, while soft skills include communication and people skills.

Hard skills

Hard skills required by technical architects are:

• A degree or postgraduate degree in IT, computer science, or equivalent.
• At least five years of proven work experience as a system architect, project manager, or equivalent position.
• Good knowledge of strategic IT solutions and hands-on experience in software development.
• Extensive knowledge of computer hardware and networking systems. Familiarity with programming languages such as JavaScript, Java, SQL, SAP, Oracle, and C#.
• Ability to solve complex IT issues.
• Familiarity with operating systems such as Windows, UNIX, and databases like MySQL.
• Experience with cloud computing and cloud technologies.

Soft skills

As well as hard skills, tech architects are required to have advanced problem-solving skills and the ability to project manage. This involves great interpersonal skills, so they can successfully communicate and collaborate with stakeholders and team members.

Since IT projects usually have tight deadlines, TAs need to be able to prioritize workload, anticipate problems and delegate tasks to other team members.

Qualifications

To begin a career as a technical architect, you will need to have the following qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in IT, computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent.
• Up-to-date knowledge of software applications, programming languages, and hardware.
• Understanding of best practices in the IT industry.
• Proven track record of work experience as a system manager, project manager, or developer.

Responsibilities & deliverables

Technical architects have many important responsibilities within the life cycle of a project. Main responsibilities include:

• Connecting with stakeholders to determine the company’s current and future needs.
• Determining if the current system can be upgraded or whether a completely new system needs to be installed.
• Providing the company with IT design ideas and diagrams.
• Managing the design and implementation of the upgraded or new system.
• Communicating with developers to discuss the system software needs.
• Troubleshooting any problems. Overseeing all parts of the system’s integration.
• Measuring performance of the upgraded or newly installed system.
• Training staff on system procedures. Providing the company with feedback post-installation. 

Deliverables

• Architecture diagrams: Technical architects are required to produce detailed architecture diagrams which provide a bird’s eye view of a company’s IT infrastructure. They serve different purposes based on the project and make it easier for IT specialists to come up with the right solution.
• Design, develop, and deliver applications: Development of production quality code, design, and development of unit tests.
• Create representations for functions and prototypes of the user interface: Use specialized tools and methodologies to represent the final product solution.
• Produce feedback post-installation.

Salary

The average salary for a technical architect can range from $79,000 to $161,000 annually depending on how much experience the candidate has. The average technical architecture salary in the United States is currently $119,352.

A technical architect’s salary expectations will range based on experience, achieved certifications, and qualifications. As it’s a critical, hands-on role within enterprise architecture, the position is well-paid and highly sought-after.

What are the must-haves for a successful technical architect?

To be a successful TA, candidates must be highly skilled in the structure of IT systems, manage teams, and deliver solutions. The main TA's values include:

• A Bachelor’s or post-graduate degree in IT, computer science, computer engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong and up-to-date knowledge of software applications, programming languages, and hardware.
• Ability to prioritize, delegate, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Ability to mitigate risk, troubleshoot issues, and find solutions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to understand and explain concepts to both managerial and technical colleagues.
• Several years of hands-on experience in project managing and IT.
• Certificates to demonstrate ability and competency. 

Comparison to other roles

Technical architect vs. software engineer

While tech architects will be involved with software engineering, their role is more focused on planning and designing systems. Software engineers, on the other hand, will usually be responsible for implementing those plans in the desired language.

Having said this, the roles and responsibilities of both positions will occasionally overlap. Technical architects are required to have in-depth knowledge of IT systems and to lead a team of software developers.

Technical architect vs. the principal architect

Technical architecture is a highly specialized role focused on IT systems, infrastructure, and networking. A principal architect, however, will have a broader set of responsibilities.
Their focus may be on business domains, a large implementation project, or the entire enterprise. It’s also a title used to signal a level of (experience) superiority over other architects in the team.

Technical architect vs. application architect

Application architecture is invested in the building blocks of application design. They design models and flow charts that track the behavior of applications used throughout a business. They focus on the relationships between them; e.g. how they interact with each other and with users.

Tech architects are concerned with designing, updating, or implementing IT systems within an enterprise, with the goal of improving its value and executing solutions. Both application architects and TAs may work together on projects which require application oversight.

Technical architect vs. software architect

While both roles are similar in nature, software architects work with software components such as programming languages, IDEs, libraries, APIs, etc. – the fundamental structures of a software system.

Tech architects are responsible for leading IT teams to ensure technology developed is aligned with the functional and non-functional requirements of the business. They design and map out strategies, and guide other IT experts and specialists on the right course of action to achieve the desired outcome.

Technical architect vs. technical manager

Both tech architects and technical managers are in charge of overseeing the development, implementation, and maintenance of IT systems and processes. However, they are each responsible for different aspects of the project.

Tech architects will be focused on the system design and establish the most appropriate and sustainable technology solution for the business need. Technical managers, on the other hand, will take on responsibility for the operational aspects, e.g. budget, staffing, and delivery.

Conclusion

Technical architects are part of a wider network of interconnected IT architects who work closely together on individual aspects of large enterprise-wide projects.

They will work directly with enterprise architects, solutions architects, business architects, etc. to manage as-is state and transform them into future state architecture designed to improve day-to-day business processes.