The types of jobs available as a software architect involve application design, planning, engineering and project management. These jobs absolutely require a strong background in computer science and a formal bachelor’s degree related to software creation, programming, maintenance and management, according to CNN Money.
Infrastructure Architect
Infrastructure architects define, lead and evaluate the development of enterprise-level software, hardware and network solutions. These programs enable businesses to meet security, productivity, performance and reliability goals. Infrastructure architects maintain technology standards through continual analysis of industry and market trends. Based on this information, they determine potential risks and impacts on enterprise architecture. They review and approve any technology decisions that affect the enterprise, technology or infrastructure.
These software architects define, manage and focus the engineering system and administration resources on security, usability and performance. They may deal with end-user topology, data technologies, application implementation, infrastructure architecture, business requirements and overall IT strategies. Infrastructure architects establish technology standards and predict infrastructure needs for emerging technologies. They define and document target architecture models, processes and policies related to infrastructure and applications.
Cloud Software Architect
Cloud software architects lead online system and software architecture design projects. They implement decisions, develop road maps, deal with software-as-a-service solutions and communicate architecture design impacts to stakeholders. Cloud software architects test out software units, components and programs. They should have a demonstrated knowledge of scripting languages, such as Perl and Bash, and knowledge of network protocols, such as Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
Cloud software architects anticipate cloud growth to ensure infrastructure scalability for server storage, network support and infrastructure applications. They lead architecture reviews and audits of disaster recovery, technical security and business continuity programs. Cloud software architects design infrastructure, define technical requirements, integrate solutions into existing standards and manage stakeholder expectations. They must recommend solutions, maintain vendor relationships and lead the coordination of information technology and information system partners.
Lead Software Engineer
Lead software engineers’ responsibilities include primary ownership of system architecture definition and evolution. They are also responsible for project budgeting, task development, requirements management, personnel oversight and test documentation. Software engineers must be able to understand business goals, work with teams, create technical architecture, identify security risks and implement mitigations to improve success. They must translate detailed design requirements into software development tasks and plans.
Software engineers review design documentation to ensure compliance with control procedures. They usually have work experience defining complex software architecture. They excel at working in fast paced and multi-tasking environments. Software engineers may work with a variety of technical individuals ranging from the electrical engineers to computer programmers. They may work with non-technical professionals who work in the fields of marketing, accounting, operations and human resources.
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The types of jobs available as a software architect also include project managers, who use their business acumen to drive software development, system architecture and organizational accomplishments. Software analysts apply their systems design and computer programming skills to assess technical feasibility, develop alternative solutions and support business goals. All of these positions require an understanding of software integrity, device firmware and system life cycles.
