Job Description

• Gather requirements and specifications from clients and users.
• Work closely with sales team members and enterprise architects to gain a complete sense of stakeholder expectations and limitations before undertaking a major development project.
• Examine existing systems and programs to identify areas for improvement and integration.
• Develop schedules and test plans, prepare documentation based on analyst reports, and assemble documents presenting project guidelines and milestones to team members.
• Identify potential issues between systems and client specifications and propose new solutions to work around these limitations.
• Determine a project’s scope before developers begin any major work.
• Identify areas where implementation may require more solutions to be successful.
• Communicate directly with enterprise architects, developers, and clients.
• Direct and oversee the activities of a team of developers, answering questions or helping to resolve issues as they arise.
• Monitor timelines and progress to ensure that team members are adhering to these specifications.
• Meet with clients to provide feedback and updates on development projects throughout – from the initial conversations to determine project scope and specifications to the final presentation of software solutions.
• Prepare reports and presentations, as well as demonstrations, to keep the client informed about issues that arise during development and report on integration and deployment.
• Work with outside vendors to develop and implement specific aspects of the software solution.
• Consider costs and timelines and ensure that vendors meet deadlines for deliverables and project elements.
• Review proposals and estimates from vendors and determine whether they fit into existing budgetary and time restrictions

Skill Sets and Experience Needed for a Solution Architect

• Possess a high level of technical literacy and the ability to analyze in detail.
• Extensive time management skills to determine development schedules and milestones and ensure that deliverables are completed on time
• Experience with team leadership and motivation is essential
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Possess excellent problem-solving attitude, and ability to quickly change direction based on updated client specifications or system limitations

Degree

• Bachelors/Masters in Computer Science or a related field