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IT and Engineering > Systems Architect

Salary National Average

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98960.0000 118840.0000 134650.0000

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Short Description:

A Systems Architect is responsible for designing and overseeing the structure of complex IT systems to ensure they meet an organization’s needs and objectives. They collaborate with stakeholders to understand requirements, create technical specifications, and develop scalable, secure, and efficient system architectures. Systems Architects also evaluate existing systems, recommend improvements, and ensure that system designs are aligned with business strategies. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, along with extensive technical expertise in system design and architecture, are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Modify existing software to correct errors, adapt it to new hardware, or upgrade interfaces and improve performance.
  • Advise customer about or perform maintenance of software system.
  • Analyze information to determine, recommend, and plan the installation of a new system or modify an existing design.
  • Consult with engineering staff to evaluate the interface between hardware and software, develop specifications and performance requirements, or resolve customer problems.
  • Direct software programming, development, and documentation.
  • Store, retrieve, and manipulate data to analyze system capabilities and requirements.
  • Confer with data processing or project managers to obtain information on limitations or capabilities for data processing projects.
  • Consult with customers or other departments on project status, proposals, or technical issues, such as software system design or maintenance.
  • Coordinate installation of the software system.
  • Prepare reports or correspondence concerning project specifications, activities, or status.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Critical Thinking:  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
  • Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Programming: Writing computer programs for various purposes.
  • Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
  • Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
  • Operations Analysis: Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
  • Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the audience's needs.
  • Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
  • Active Learning: Understanding new information's implications for current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
  • Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Job Zones

  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years of preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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