Technical architect
Technical architects help plan, design and build IT systems for clients.
Also known as: IT systems architect
- Starter salary£42,000 a year
- Experienced£90,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 39 a week
What you'll do
As a technical architect you'll:
- create a technical strategy to meet the client's requirements
- compare 'off-the-shelf' solutions with building a new IT system
- act as a link between technical teams and project delivery managers
- explain the IT structure to product or service designers and developers
- make sure systems meet quality and security standards
- work with technical teams to overcome problems at each stage of development
- keep accurate records of the steps and decisions made
- understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) solutions
- advise senior managers on how to plan for their future IT needs
Working environment
You could work in an office, at a client's business or remotely.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- analytical thinking skills
- maths knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- excellent verbal communication skills
- operations analysis skills
- persistence and determination
- the ability to use your initiative
- to be flexible and open to change
- to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications
How to become a technical architect
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You'll normally need a degree or postgraduate qualification to get into this career. Relevant subjects include:
- computer science or computer engineering
- information management systems
- business information systems
- software development
- mathematics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Digital and Technology Solutions Professional Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
You could then move on to a Digital and Technology Solution Specialist Level 7 Degree Apprenticeship. This leads to a postgraduate qualification.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
- a degree in a relevant subject
Work
You could start with a company in a job like programming and work your way up through training and promotion.
Direct application
You could apply to companies directly if you've got relevant skills and knowledge.
You'll need a broad understanding of available technologies and what they can do for the client. Employers will look for a background in:
- systems development
- technical analysis
- programming
- testing
Employers will also want to see strengths in non-technical areas like client management, communication and leadership. This is because they place importance on the ability to communicate the client's requirements to technical teams and to manage resources and demands on time.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a senior technical architect
- specialise in a particular field, like finance or IT security
- move into broader IT project management roles
- become a strategy business planner or consultant
Career tips
Experience of project management methods like PRINCE2 will be helpful along with a working knowledge of project development and information management practices like Agile and ITIL .
Guides for this industry
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