What does an information technology architect do?
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.
Information technology architect responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real information technology architect resumes:
- Used PowerShell to automate routine tasks within the environment.
- Manage the transition of an enterprise data set from disparate storage systems to a NetApp V6280A.
- Manage and architect high visibility projects for implementation of ERP, CRM, EDW and middleware solutions.
- Manage end to end testing with QA team for upcoming release and ensure that all critical bugs are track.
- Develop company product strategy and lead the team to produce and operate a secure and very compute intense SaaS offering.
- Lead CIO sponsor strategic corporate initiatives resulting in production-deploy solutions and realize ROI.
- Manage application development teams both domestic and international that focus on developing applications using corporate partner API's.
- Develop IP scheme for all stores
- Upgrade Cisco switches when need.
- Monitor Ethernet switches, routers and servers performance.
- Experience on application and server migration to AWS.
- Automatize deployment of VM through power shell VMWARE5.
- Work on PowerShell scripts to perform the tasks.
- Experience on AWS data migration from third party applications.
- Design server environment using Cisco UCS B/C servers with SAN storage.
Information technology architect skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Information Technology Architects are proficient in Cloud, Java, and Emerging Technologies. They’re also known for soft skills such as Business skills, Leadership skills, and Analytical skills.
We break down the percentage of Information Technology Architects that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Cloud, 10%
Migrated obsolete legacy applications into cloud based solutions that eliminated fixed cost hosted proprietary solutions.
- Java, 9%
Designed and developed a Java Client/Server application used by IBM external suppliers to print shipping documentation.
- Emerging Technologies, 6%
Keep pace with current and emerging technologies, and have the ability to lead large complex portfolio of technology projects.
- Azure, 5%
Provided strategies for ensuring data consistency between applications communicating via REST API hosted in Microsoft Azure.
- Project Management, 5%
Collaborated with executives and project management teams to recommend applications, technology services, and other relevant solution strategies.
- Enterprise Architecture, 4%
Developed C2 related enterprise architectures, solution architectures, target architectures, blueprints and designs.
Most information technology architects use their skills in "cloud," "java," and "emerging technologies" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential information technology architect responsibilities here:
Business skills. One of the key soft skills for an information technology architect to have is business skills. You can see how this relates to what information technology architects do because "it managers must develop and implement strategic plans to reach the goals of their organizations." Additionally, an information technology architect resume shows how information technology architects use business skills: "optimized aaa team performance through business process modeling and architecture development resulting best practices, documentation, analysis and implementing improvements. "
Leadership skills. Many information technology architect duties rely on leadership skills. "it managers must lead and motivate it teams or departments so that workers are efficient and effective.," so an information technology architect will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways information technology architect responsibilities rely on leadership skills: "orchestrated superlative technical leadership in creation of zero-touch fully-automated infrastructure by supervising product development, testing, documentation and deployment planning. "
Analytical skills. information technology architects are also known for analytical skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to information technology architect responsibilities, because "it managers must analyze problems and consider and select the best ways to solve them." An information technology architect resume example shows how analytical skills is used in the workplace: "designed and developed a java application used by ibm manufacturing and ibm external suppliers to analyze files systems and archive data. "
Communication skills. For certain information technology architect responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "communication skills." The day-to-day duties of an information technology architect rely on this skill, as "it managers must explain their work to top executives and give clear instructions to their subordinates." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what information technology architects do: "web services communication over soap was implemented by using axis and xfire. "
Organizational skills. A commonly-found skill in information technology architect job descriptions, "organizational skills" is essential to what information technology architects do. Information technology architect responsibilities rely on this skill because "some it managers must coordinate the work of several different it departments to make the organization run efficiently." You can also see how information technology architect duties rely on organizational skills in this resume example: "centralized and standardized the organizational approach to the use of service oriented architecture (soa). "
The three companies that hire the most information technology architects are:
Choose from 10+ customizable information technology architect resume templates
Build a professional information technology architect resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your information technology architect resume.
Compare different information technology architects
Information technology architect vs. Systems architect
A systems architect specializes in designing and developing computer networks and systems for company operations. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around conducting research and analysis to identify a company's needs, devising strategies to reach particular goals, improving existing systems, and implementing solutions for optimal processes. A systems architect must also monitor the progress of all implementations, prepare progress reports and presentations, provide technical support as needed, and train new workforce members, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations, including vision and mission.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between information technology architects and systems architect. For instance, information technology architect responsibilities require skills such as "digital transformation," "cloud security," "itil," and "saas." Whereas a systems architect is skilled in "python," "system architecture," "strong analytical," and "spring boot." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Systems architects earn the highest salaries when working in the automotive industry, with an average yearly salary of $116,386. On the other hand, information technology architects are paid more in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $124,038.The education levels that systems architects earn slightly differ from information technology architects. In particular, systems architects are 3.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an information technology architect. Additionally, they're 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information technology architect vs. Lead architect
A lead architect spearheads architectural operations while maintaining an active communication line with clients. They typically meet with clients to discuss the project's needs and specifications, agree on a budget, provide advice and recommendations, and negotiate contracts. They are also in charge of developing building designs, coordinating staff, devising plans, incorporating essential systems, and providing technical and guidance as needed. Moreover, as the lead architect of the project, they must enforce policies and regulations to maintain a smooth and efficient workflow.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, information technology architect responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "project management," "itil," "saas," and "san." Meanwhile, a lead architect has duties that require skills in areas such as "architecture," "infrastructure," "api testing," and "taking care." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Lead architects may earn a lower salary than information technology architects, but lead architects earn the most pay in the insurance industry with an average salary of $112,852. On the other hand, information technology architects receive higher pay in the manufacturing industry, where they earn an average salary of $124,038.lead architects earn higher levels of education than information technology architects in general. They're 9.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Information technology architect vs. Enterprise architect
An enterprise architect is responsible for evaluating systems to develop business operations, ensuring efficiency and profit growth. They mostly establish architectural models according to business plans and existing systems, perform research and analysis, recommend changes in the information technology structures, and conduct skills assessment to determine the needs of employees. One may also spearhead training programs for new employees, coordinate with different departments, and suggest alternatives for cost reduction. Furthermore, as an enterprise architect, it is essential to implement the company's policies and regulations, including its vision and mission.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an information technology architect is likely to be skilled in "c++," "san," "ip," and "technical solutions," while a typical enterprise architect is skilled in "infrastructure," "roadmap," "aws," and "governance."
Enterprise architects make a very good living in the hospitality industry with an average annual salary of $123,283. On the other hand, information technology architects are paid the highest salary in the manufacturing industry, with average annual pay of $124,038.When it comes to education, enterprise architects tend to earn higher degree levels compared to information technology architects. In fact, they're 5.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Information technology architect vs. Senior architect
A Senior Architect performs design drafting and evaluates architectural or engineering plans regarding building construction or improvement projects. They review building plans and site design for aesthetics, environmental acceptability, and compliance with quality standards.
Types of information technology architect
Updated January 8, 2025
