IT architect job profile: Your tasks and responsibilities
Like architect? I thought I came here to learn about jobs in the IT industry? Not all architects design houses! In your job as a software architect, you are the creative mind behind the conception and planning of innovative software solutions. Similar to an architect who designs building plans, you create the basis for new software systems. IT architecture plays a crucial role in software development projects, as it includes the design and coordination of the IT infrastructure.
Your goal as a software architect: to develop software systems that are not only powerful, but also future-proof and tailored to the needs of the customer.
What is an IT architecture?
Just start programming and see what happens? That may be enough for developing hobby projects, but when it comes to professional software and web applications for companies, you need a clear plan - and this is where software architecture comes into play.
Imagine you are an architect designing a building. Would you just start building? Certainly not! Instead, you set yourself specific goals, coordinate with other stakeholders, draw up a detailed plan and adapt it as necessary. This is exactly how software architecture works.
What does an IT architect / software architect do?
A software architect is the visionary behind the successful creation of software solutions. With their specialized knowledge in the field of software architecture, they plan and manage the development of applications - always with the aim of translating customer wishes and project requirements into technically sound solutions. He works closely with IT teams and software developers to ensure that the software is seamlessly integrated into existing systems and meets all requirements.
Your main tasks as a software architect at a glance:
You maintain an overview: As a software architect, you always have a bird's eye view of the individual building blocks of our software solutions and ensure that everything meshes smoothly.
You are the interface: You are the central link between the customer, the requirements provider and the software development team. Your communication drives projects forward at all levels in the company.
You coordinate frontend and backend: with your expertise, you mediate between the teams and ensure that all components fit together. As a software architect, you have a varied job!
You translate expectations into software solutions: You translate customer requirements into a clear software architecture. You take economic and technical aspects into account in equal measure.
You design and expand IT projects: Whether designing, developing new or scaling existing solutions - you are the brains behind the strategic planning and create the foundation for the creation of software solutions.
You support your team: You advise your team in all phases of a project and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
You arein control: As a software architect, you ensure efficient processes from design to budget monitoring.
You ensure quality: In the initial project phase, you take over testing and ensure that the software is seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures. A stable IT environment is crucial to ensure the continuous adaptation and renewal of systems.
Your expert knowledge counts: As a software architect, you are also in demand as a consultant - whether for graphic designers, UX/UI developers or project managers. You check the feasibility of their ideas and develop technical concepts that inspire and convince.
Software architect vs. software developer: what's the difference?
In the world of software development, both software architects and software developers play essential roles in a software development team - but with different focuses. While both specialists pursue the goal of creating innovative software solutions, the software architect's focus is on the "big picture", while the software developer concentrates on the implementation of the individual building blocks.
The focus makes the difference:
As an IT architect, you are the visionary planner. You create the basis for software solutions by defining the overall structure and design of the architecture.
As a software developer, your strength lies in practical implementation. You program, test and optimize the code that forms the basis for functioning software.
The tasks of the IT architect:
You are the architect behind software solutions. In your job, you lay the foundations by designing the architecture and deciding which technologies and platforms are used and drive the digital transformation forward. You make decisions that determine the functionality, scalability and security of our software systems. You will analyze and evaluate design alternatives and always keep the long-term goals in mind.
The tasks of a software developer:
Software developers turn the architecture you plan as a software architect into reality. They are the experts for programming, debugging and testing software modules. Together, you work hand in hand to ensure that the developed solutions function perfectly and meet the highest quality standards. Experienced software developers often grow into the role of software architect.
What skills does a software architect need?
To work as a software architect, you need a comprehensive skillset that covers both technical expertise and personal skills. A 'Certified Professional for Software Architecture' certification is particularly valuable for gaining qualifications in the fast-moving IT industry and advancing your career. Your job as a software architect is to plan, manage and successfully implement complex software projects - and to do this you are both a strategist and a communicator.
Technical skills that impress:
Experience in software development: a deep understanding of software development processes, system landscapes and integration of software components is essential in order to plan projects holistically and solve problems with foresight.
Programming languages: Versatility is required in software development - from modern languages such as JavaScript, C++ or Python to established classics such as Cobol or Fortran, depending on the project requirements.
Modelling and planning: The ability to visualize software architectures with tools such as UML and the confident use of presentation software are crucial for communicating ideas clearly.
Agile methods: Knowledge of agile approaches such as Scrum or Kanban makes it easier for you to react flexibly to changing requirements in software development.
Soft skills that make the difference:
In addition to technical knowledge, the work of a software architect is strongly characterized by communication and teamwork. The most sought-after skills in this profession include
Communication skills: you can explain complex technical concepts in an understandable way and, as an IT specialist, you are a link between everyone involved in the project.
Creativity and solution orientation: With fresh suggestions and an eye for what is feasible, you can master even difficult challenges in dealing with software.
Organization and determination: You set clear priorities, keep an eye on deadlines and lead projects in the company to success.
Team spirit and empathy: Working closely with developers, project managers and other stakeholders requires a good feel for people and situations.
How do you become a software architect?
The path to becoming a software architect is varied and depends heavily on your individual interests and qualifications. Whether through an apprenticeship, a degree or as a career changer - the most important thing for a successful career start and a career in the IT sector is that you gain practical experience in the field of software and continue your education. Studies and salary reports are valuable resources for gaining a realistic salary outlook and adjusting your career planning accordingly.
The classic route: training and studies
Training: Training in the IT sector, e.g. as an IT specialist for application development or system integration, provides a solid basis for starting out in software development. Building on this, you can specialize in software architecture through further training.
Studies: A university degree in an IT-related subject area is an excellent foundation. Suitable degree courses include
Computer science
Business informatics
Software engineering
Media informatics
Computer engineering
Mathematics or physics (as a basis with IT specialization)
The alternative career path: lateral entry
As a career changer, you also have a good chance of becoming a software architect. The prerequisite is that you:
Gain experience as a developer and actively work on several software projects.
Obtain IT certifications, such as TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework), AWS Certified Solutions Architect or Microsoft Azure Architect.
Develop practical skills in dealing with common technologies and frameworks.
Advancement to Senior Software Architect
If you want to work as a Senior Software Architect, many companies expect you to have
A university degree in an IT-related field (e.g. computer science, business informatics or software engineering).
Several years of professional experience as a programmer and software architect.
Proven success in large-scale software projects, ideally in management or key positions.
Specializations in sought-after areas such as cloud computing, microservices, SAP ABAP programming or DevOps.
Conclusion
Regardless of your background, as a prospective software architect you should have a broad skillset that combines technical knowledge with strategic thinking and soft skills. It is also worth keeping an eye on trends and new technologies in order to keep your finger on the pulse. Software architects have one of the most exciting jobs in software development. Are you looking for an exciting job as a software architect? Then take a look at our job vacancies. Maybe your future job is among them! We are regularly on the lookout for new talent in software development.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions about working as an IT architect
An IT architect designs holistic IT landscapes and ensures that technical solutions meet strategic and operational requirements while being economical and future-proof.
The IT architect is responsible for the overall picture: technology selection, system integration, interfaces and long-term structure. The software developer focuses on the specific implementation of individual components and functionalities.
Important technical knowledge includes: sound understanding of software and system landscapes, modeling using UML or similar methods, knowledge of modern technologies (e.g. cloud, microservices) and architecture frameworks.
Communication and mediation skills, the ability to work in a team, solution orientation, strategic thinking and the ability to present technical complexity in an understandable way are essential - especially between the specialist side, IT teams and stakeholders.
They often start out with training or a degree in IT, followed by practical experience as a developer or in system/landscape support. Further training, certifications and experience in larger projects facilitate the transition to architectural responsibility.
During a project, this includes analyzing the requirements, defining the architecture, selecting the technologies, coordinating with stakeholders, quality assurance and supporting the implementation through to integration into the system landscape.
There are many areas of application: from software and system architecture, infrastructure and cloud architecture to enterprise or solution architecture in sectors such as IT services, industry, insurance or public administration.
With experience, roles such as senior architect, lead architect, enterprise architect or architecture consultant open up. There is also potential for growth in the direction of architecture governance, technical management or strategic IT management.
Due to the growing complexity of IT systems, increasing digitalization, cloud and microservices architectures and rising demands for scalability, security and efficiency, professional architecture management is becoming increasingly important for successful IT projects.
