What does a computer systems architect do?
Computer systems architect responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real computer systems architect resumes:
- Create PowerShell scripts to automate deployment.
- Create SharePoint program library repository and manage access control.
- Manage QA teams in local and distribute international locations.
- Develop strategic initiative for computer infrastructure & networks at 22 AMC bases.
- Create Java GUI controls in Java2D as overlays to visual simulation applet.
- Integrate image and 3D data sources to visual simulation applet in Java and OpenGL.
- Utilize out-of-the box cloud integration templates to provide a starting point for best practice.
- Provide PC support including hardware/software and imaging new systems.
- Help integrate a newly acquire company into the corporate infrastructure.
- Develop and delete network user access while configuring/setting up PC hardware.
- Design component base architecture to allow content re-use, consistent documentation and a shorter integration time, thus increasing program affordability.
- Integrate security architecture and database user security SME.
Computer systems architect skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Computer Systems Architects are proficient in Computer System, Linux, and Windows. They’re also known for soft skills such as Problem-solving skills, Analytical skills, and Communication skills.
We break down the percentage of Computer Systems Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Computer System, 22%
Determine system specifications and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility for new and existing complex computer systems.
- Linux, 13%
Standardized Linux host deployment policy and procedure using standard configuration scripts and templates, ongoing monitoring and automatic replacement as needed.
- Windows, 11%
Test Windows Server 2003 for upgrade and compatibility to proprietary software.
- Infrastructure, 10%
Helped integrate a newly acquired company into the corporate infrastructure.
- System Security, 6%
Determine system specifications, input/output processes, and working parameters for hardware/software compatibility and maintenance of system security.
- Cots, 5%
Researched the market for custom or COTS (Component-Off-The-Shelf) hardware components with the specification requirements required to satisfy design intent.
Most computer systems architects use their skills in "computer system," "linux," and "windows" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential computer systems architect responsibilities here:
Problem-solving skills. The most essential soft skill for a computer systems architect to carry out their responsibilities is problem-solving skills. This skill is important for the role because "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." Additionally, a computer systems architect resume shows how their duties depend on problem-solving skills: "assist sales team in producing client cloud proposals, delivery estimates, and solution designs. "
Analytical skills. Another essential skill to perform computer systems architect duties is analytical skills. Computer systems architects responsibilities require that "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Computer systems architects also use analytical skills in their role according to a real resume snippet: "integrated image and 3d data sources to visual simulation applet in java and opengl. "
Communication skills. This is an important skill for computer systems architects to perform their duties. For an example of how computer systems architect responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a computer systems architect: "identify customer issues before they become problems using open communications, quality management system and site reporting systems. ".
The three companies that hire the most computer systems architects are:
- Leidos20 computer systems architects jobs
- Northrop Grumman15 computer systems architects jobs
- Lockheed Martin4 computer systems architects jobs
Compare different computer systems architects
Computer systems architect vs. Network engineer
A network engineer is responsible for managing a network system, monitoring its performance, and upgrading its features to optimize performance and boost efficiency. Network engineers also create new systems, designing them based on clients' specifications and business needs. They also check network defects, perform troubleshooting, improve data security systems, and install security updates. A network engineer must have excellent knowledge of the technology industry, as well as a broad understanding of system codes, programming languages, and network configurations.
There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, computer systems architect responsibilities require skills like "computer system," "windows," "infrastructure," and "system security." Meanwhile a typical network engineer has skills in areas such as "switches," "troubleshoot," "network infrastructure," and "bgp." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.
Network engineers earn the highest salaries when working in the technology industry, with an average yearly salary of $90,927. On the other hand, computer systems architects are paid more in the technology industry with an average salary of $95,267.On average, network engineers reach lower levels of education than computer systems architects. Network engineers are 7.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems architect vs. Senior network engineer
A senior network engineer is responsible for managing the organization's network infrastructure, handling advanced network issues, upgrading the system's design for optimization, configuring network features, and ensuring the network's highest security measures to avoid unauthorized access and suspicious activities. Senior network engineers work with network architects to implement network designs, run diagnostic tests, and create network solution reports for review and recovery reference. A senior network engineer must have excellent communication and organization skills and broad knowledge of the technology industry, programming languages, and system codes.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real computer systems architect resumes. While computer systems architect responsibilities can utilize skills like "computer system," "windows," "infrastructure," and "system security," senior network engineers use skills like "switches," "bgp," "ospf," and "troubleshoot."
Senior network engineers may earn a higher salary than computer systems architects, but senior network engineers earn the most pay in the finance industry with an average salary of $112,997. On the other hand, computer systems architects receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $95,267.senior network engineers earn lower levels of education than computer systems architects in general. They're 6.0% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems architect vs. Network administrator
A network administrator is responsible for managing an organization's computer systems, ensuring its smooth operations and highest efficiency. Network administrators' duties include inspecting network malfunctions, troubleshooting unresponsive programs, improving system processes, analyzing client's specifications, upgrading existing applications, coordinating with the technology department, and creating a report of network issues resolutions. A network administrator should display a strong command of programming languages. Extensive knowledge in the technology industry and analytical and problem-solving skills to manage network problems immediately is also necessary.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from computer systems architect resumes include skills like "windows," "infrastructure," "system security," and "cots," whereas a network administrator is more likely to list skills in "switches," "windows server," "troubleshoot," and "network hardware. "
Network administrators make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $74,936. On the other hand, computer systems architects are paid the highest salary in the technology industry, with average annual pay of $95,267.When it comes to education, network administrators tend to earn lower degree levels compared to computer systems architects. In fact, they're 10.4% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 1.2% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Computer systems architect vs. Administrator
Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.
Even though a few skill sets overlap between computer systems architects and administrators, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a computer systems architect might have more use for skills like "computer system," "windows," "infrastructure," and "system security." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of administrators require skills like "data entry," "troubleshoot," "payroll," and "financial reports. "
Administrators enjoy the best pay in the manufacturing industry, with an average salary of $78,798. For comparison, computer systems architects earn the highest salary in the technology industry.In general, administrators hold lower degree levels compared to computer systems architects. Administrators are 5.4% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.3% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of computer systems architect
Updated January 8, 2025