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Principal architect skills for your resume and career

Updated January 8, 2025

7 min read

Quoted experts

Korydon Smith,

Randall Randall

Below we've compiled a list of the most critical principal architect skills. We ranked the top skills for principal architects based on the percentage of resumes they appeared on. For example, 8.2% of principal architect resumes contained cloud as a skill. Continue reading to find out what skills a principal architect needs to be successful in the workplace.

15 principal architect skills for your resume and career

1. Cloud

Cloud is a server that is accessed over the internet. There are different programs and software that also run on these servers. These clouds can be accessed from anywhere in the world as they are not present in your computer storage, but have their online servers. Cloud consists of data centers all across the world.

Here's how principal architects use cloud:

Designed and built cloud service models including Infrastructure-as-a-Service, Platform-as-a-Service, and Software-as-a-Service for 6 companies.
Created cloud-based customer solutions by collaborating extensively with cloud computing providers.

2. Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes the organizational and physical structures needed to run an area or a society smoothly. It is a group of basic facilities required for any society or firm to run sustainably and efficiently. The infrastructural system is a high investing area and helps majorly in flourishing the economy and prosperity of a country. It is an underlying system needed for ensuring the safety and comfort of the public and to run a country smoothly. All the tasks needed to be performed for a flourishing economy and a happy and healthy public are included in infrastructure.

Here's how principal architects use infrastructure:

Worked closely with Executive leaders, Data Center Management to minimize expenditures and improve overall delivery of infrastructure solutions.
On-boarded international retail clients that included detailed infrastructure design for Hardware Sizing and High Availability within Enterprise IT.

3. Emerging Technologies

Here's how principal architects use emerging technologies:

Evaluated emerging technologies and aligned their implementation and integration with the current United Airline's needs.
Conducted research on emerging technologies in support of systems development efforts and recommended technologies for cost effectiveness and systems flexibility.

4. Java

Java is a widely-known programming language that was invented in 1995 and is owned by Oracle. It is a server-side language that was created to let app developers "write once, run anywhere". It is easy and simple to learn and use and is powerful, fast, and secure. This object-oriented programming language lets the code be reused that automatically lowers the development cost. Java is specially used for android apps, web and application servers, games, database connections, etc. This programming language is closely related to C++ making it easier for the users to switch between the two.

Here's how principal architects use java:

Designed and developed a reusable java framework to integrate with external applications.
Designed and implemented a Java based reverse proxy that managed application routes.

5. AWS

Here's how principal architects use aws:

Designed TIS 4th generation solution with Vertica and MicroStrategy in AWS.
Managed database architecture and development as well as AWS architecture, deployment and operations for next generation synthetic monitoring platform.

6. Python

Python is a widely-known programming language. It is an object-oriented and all-purpose, coding language that can be used for software development as well as web development.

Here's how principal architects use python:

Developed instrument models and Monte Carlo simulator in Python.
Developed instrument control sequences in Python.

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7. API

Here's how principal architects use api:

Automated processes: creation / RFID encoding / UPS Shipping label API generation ensuring compliance with government contract regulations and guidelines.
Integrated third party merchant clearinghouse API's such as: Authorize.net, PayPal, and Intuit Echo.

8. Azure

Here's how principal architects use azure:

Web application processes and maintains meter reading data for over 29M meter readings using SQL Azure.
Worked on the development of several Proof-Of-Concept (POC) implementations used to provide Azure guidance.

9. Analytics

Here's how principal architects use analytics:

Created a patented data management platform to support over 50 researchers building massive-scale data analytics.
Lead Business Intelligence architect responsible for design and implementation of enterprise-scale Analytics solution.

10. JavaScript

Here's how principal architects use javascript:

Designed an interface between legacy JavaScript functions and Access Manager components in order to implement basic registration functionality.
Designed and developed the rich desktop web client using ExtJS, a JavaScript framework with an extensive library of UI components.

11. C++

C++ is a general-purpose programming language that is used to create high-performing applications. It was invented as an extension to the C language. C++ lets the programmer have a high level of domination over memory and system resources. C++ is an object-oriented language that helps you implement real-time issues based on different data functions

Here's how principal architects use c++:

Enhanced performance of a parser written in C# using C++ techniques.
Characterized ~100 EEMBC benchmarks on C++ architectural simulator, measured thruput and identified bottlenecks.

12. Pre Sales

Here's how principal architects use pre sales:

Interfaced with and assisted pre sales engineers in validating accurate and complete solutions specific to each customer environment.
Interacted with the sales team, customers, channel partners and team of the organization regarding post and pre sales.

13. Amazon Web Services

Here's how principal architects use amazon web services:

Web services deployment and integration with Amazon web services.
Assess customer environments to determine the viability and necessary migration strategy to run their workloads in Amazon Web Services.

14. Cloud Computing

Here's how principal architects use cloud computing:

Developed Cloud computing technology planning, cloud policies, and application assessment for cloud suitability.
Evaluated new technologies and packages such as cloud computing, Geneva Server, SCOM etc and provided recommendations to senior management.

15. Saas

Here's how principal architects use saas:

Designed and developed web applications, SaaS products, web services, using various web technologies.
Design and implement separation of client's corporate domains from external access commercial SaaS application infrastructures following strong security methodologies.

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What skills help Principal Architects find jobs?

Tell us what job you are looking for, we’ll show you what skills employers want.

What skills stand out on principal architect resumes?

Korydon Smith

Professor and Chair, University at Buffalo – The State University of New York

Integrative thinking, a core competency in architecture, will become all the more important across sectors. Problem solving amidst complexity, resource constraints, and dynamic factors is what architects do; all businesses will need people that think this way.

What soft skills should all principal architects possess?

Randall Randall

Program Head Architecture, Professor, University of Idaho

Communication skills (both disciplinary and interpersonal); strong work ethic; reliability.

What hard/technical skills are most important for principal architects?

Randall Randall

Program Head Architecture, Professor, University of Idaho

Adept with hand-drawing, model making, CAD, and graphics software (photoshop, illustrator). Experience with some kind of hands-on-making/construction is a plus.

What principal architect skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?

Dak Kopec Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Coordinator, BA Interior Architecture and Design and Master of Design Program, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

Design thinking. This can be done by looking for certificates or attending a series of seminars. The COVID-19 virus has opened up numerous opportunities to shape an Interior Designer's scope. Using Design Thinking as a means to solve problems will enhance a person's marketability.

Additionally, I would recommend learning about disease transmission and pathology. With a stronger foundation in these areas, the interior designer will be better equipped to address the infection control expectations that will likely be required of future Interior Designers.

What type of skills will young principal architects need?

Michael Armstrong

CEO, NCARB

In most states, students interested in becoming architects will need to graduate from a NAAB-accredited program, earn experience through the Architectural Experience Program® (AXP®), and pass the Architect Registration Examination® (ARE®). These programs ensure young graduates earn knowledge and skills in a wide range of areas—like working with clients, determining project schedules, reviewing building codes and regulations, and establishing sustainability goals—and set them up for a successful career in architecture. For specific state requirements, explore our Licensing Requirements Tool.

We also encourage graduates, and all who are considering the licensed practice as a career, to explore our newly-launched Destination Architect site, an interactive guide with video tutorials and useful tips.

What technical skills for a principal architect stand out to employers?

Marc Neveu Ph.D.

Architecture Program Head, Arizona State University

Here is a baseline of technical skills, usually related to the software used in the office, but software changes. I was in a conversation recently with Christiana Moss, who is a partner at Studio Ma, and she had a great quote. She needed recent graduates "who could be useful." This meant being able to think on their own, to ask questions, and to be able to take on a project without the need to be told how to do everything. We don't expect graduates to know everything they need to know to build a building, but they should be aware of what they don't know and be able to ask good questions, work collaboratively, and also independently.

Do you want to know more?

List of principal architect skills to add to your resume

The most important skills for a principal architect resume and required skills for a principal architect to have include:

Cloud
Infrastructure
Emerging Technologies
Java
AWS
Python
API
Azure
Analytics
JavaScript
C++
Pre Sales
Amazon Web Services
Cloud Computing
Saas
Debugging

Project Management
Application Development
Windows
Digital Transformation
Product Development
Lifecycle Management
UI
CRM
IP
Cloud Security
JSON
ITIL
Design Development
Scrum
ETL
Healthcare

Linux
Microservices
User Interface
Enterprise Architecture
Web Services
IaaS
ERP
Solution Architecture
Leveraged
QA
SDLC
IoT
Hadoop
Technical Liaison

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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