What does a chief architect do?
Chief architects are C-level executives in information technology (IT) who look at IT functions that may be centralized for seamless collaboration. They are also called enterprise architects who design and manage the software release team base on the scrum/agile development methodologies. Their job involves systems analysis, and they project plan in transitioning the Internet operation of MCI to wireless and cable platforms. Also, they offer a disaster recovery solution for a virtual or physical server to a data center in the cloud.
Chief architect responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real chief architect resumes:
- Manage cross-functional product team in creation of cloud application product that including office productivity software.
- Develop and implement risk strategy, risk governance, risk management, risk quantification and inter-dependencies to achieve desire company strategy.
- Leverage AWS and Linux virtual machines for an active-active network of cloud-base and on-premise data centers.
- Work with external resources for xml base integration.
- Provide primary support for a legacy Ruby/MongoDB system host in AWS.
- Design and deploy enterprise e-mail system for customer using Linux, sendmail, and various IMAP/POP3 services.
- Managed/Le a group of 14 ETL developers and architects responsible for designing and implementing integrate data marts.
- Work on multiple data integration mappings between healthcare data layers including Informatica, ESB and business analytics systems.
- Key role in driving the company towards SaaS models, deliver white paper on strategies toward adoption of SaaS solutions.
- Administer small compliment of principle front, middle, and back end agile scrum developers for a number of web products.
- Implement complex SeeBeyond Java base components.
- Champion Linux base systems whenever possible.
- Develop finished windows client and supporting Linux servers.
- Project management of technology and development for ERP implementations.
- Assign to guide integration efforts between SaaS systems acquisitions across the organization.
Chief architect skills and personality traits
We calculated that 8% of Chief Architects are proficient in Cloud, Infrastructure, and Digital Transformation. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Problem-solving skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Chief Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Cloud, 8%
Led the Mobile Solution Reference Architecture and Cloud Computing solutions at a large enterprise taking into consideration integration and security mechanisms.
- Infrastructure, 6%
See: http://www.eweek.com/cloud/dell-aims-to-make-it-easier-to-deploy-manage-hybrid-clouds.html http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/06/04/dell_active_infrastructure_update/ http://www.ovum.com/research/dell-active-system-manager-v7-1/
- Digital Transformation, 6%
Involved in digital transformation project where bank is upgrading all its existing systems to best use the latest technolocy available.
- AWS, 5%
Leverage AWS and Linux virtual machines for an active-active network of cloud-based and on-premise data centers.
- Java, 5%
Facilitated multiple training sessions to a mixed audience of Java and non-Java architects and developers.
- C++, 4%
Developed primarily in C++ for Windows and Unix, utilizing cross-platform libraries.
Common skills that a chief architect uses to do their job include "cloud," "infrastructure," and "digital transformation." You can find details on the most important chief architect responsibilities below.
Detail oriented. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a chief architect to have is detail oriented. Their role and responsibilities require that "developers often work on many parts of an application or system at the same time and must therefore be able to concentrate and pay attention to detail." Chief architects often use detail oriented in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "assisted the business development team contact new prospects and presenting the technical details to them. "
Problem-solving skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling chief architect duties is problem-solving skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "because developers are in charge of software from beginning to end, they must be able to solve problems that arise throughout the design process." According to a chief architect resume, here's how chief architects can utilize problem-solving skills in their job responsibilities: "championed the replacement of latent analytical solution for a brms drools, java based solution. "
Analytical skills. chief architects are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to chief architect responsibilities, because "developers must analyze users’ needs and then design software to meet those needs." A chief architect resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "created database jobs using stored java procedures which communicated using oracle pipes. "
Communication skills. chief architect responsibilities often require "communication skills." The duties that rely on this skill are shown by the fact that "developers must be able to give clear instructions to others working on a project." This resume example shows what chief architects do with communication skills on a typical day: "created low-level communication protocol to communicate between java and c components. "
Creativity. Another crucial skill for a chief architect to carry out their responsibilities is "creativity." A big part of what chief architects relies on this skill, since "developers are the creative minds behind new computer software." How this skill relates to chief architect duties can be seen in an example from a chief architect resume snippet: "invented and patented ui engine platform for network management applications and their development. "
The three companies that hire the most chief architects are:
- Nokia26 chief architects jobs
- Leidos12 chief architects jobs
- Autodesk7 chief architects jobs
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Compare different chief architects
Chief architect vs. Director of software development
A director of software development is primarily in charge of overseeing the workflow and the workforce involved in the entire software development process. Their responsibilities also include creating strategies for optimal performance, coordinating with different teams and departments to identify strengths and weaknesses, implementing training and workshop programs, and liaising with external agencies, including key clients. Furthermore, as a director, it is essential to lead and encourage the team to reach new heights.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, chief architect responsibilities require skills like "digital transformation," "analytics," "system architecture," and "technology strategy." Meanwhile a typical director of software development has skills in areas such as "software engineering," "product development," "debugging," and "continuous integration." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Directors of software development tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $163,503. In contrast, chief architects make the biggest average salary, $161,179, in the retail industry.The education levels that directors of software development earn slightly differ from chief architects. In particular, directors of software development are 2.3% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a chief architect. Additionally, they're 2.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief architect vs. Information technology architect
An information technology architect is responsible for designing and creating new technology systems and optimizing the performance of existing ones. Information technology architects analyze the business needs and client requirements to identify system features and technology infrastructure according to budget limitations and timetables. They also consider the public demands and technology trends to ensure that the deliverables would reach the audience's interest to boost awareness and attract potential clients, generating more resources for revenues. An information technology architect should have excellent technical and project management skills, especially on implementing technology solutions and running diagnostic tests to measure systems compatibility.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, chief architect responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "infrastructure," "aws," "analytics," and "web application development." Meanwhile, an information technology architect has duties that require skills in areas such as "itil," "lifecycle management," "san," and "api management." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Information technology architects may earn a lower salary than chief architects, but information technology architects earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $124,038. On the other hand, chief architects receive higher pay in the retail industry, where they earn an average salary of $161,179.In general, information technology architects achieve similar levels of education than chief architects. They're 4.8% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 2.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for chief architects in the next 3-5 years?
Dak Kopec Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design Program, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
Chief architect vs. Architect and developer
An Architect And Developer is focused on the technical design, architecture, and development of products. They generally work as a part of the development team.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a chief architect is likely to be skilled in "cloud," "infrastructure," "digital transformation," and "aws," while a typical architect and developer is skilled in "design patterns," "application architecture," "spring boot," and "html css."
Architects and developer earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $125,314. Chief architects earn the highest pay from the retail industry, with an average salary of $161,179.architects and developer typically earn similar educational levels compared to chief architects. Specifically, they're 1.0% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 3.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Chief architect vs. Chief technology officer
The job of chief technology officers (CTOs) is to oversee the technological needs and research and development of an organization. The CTOs, who are like chief information officers, make decisions for a company's technology infrastructure that aligns with the organization's business goals. They must ensure that they are updated on new and existing technologies for them to guide the company's future endeavors. Other responsibilities include fixing issues related to information technology, developing and managing the company's technological resources, and participating in management decisions on corporate governance.
Types of chief architect
Updated January 8, 2025
