Most Technical Architects usually find employment in large organizations in both the private and public sectors. Some opportunities exist to do this on a contracted basis as an employee of a consulting or systems integration firm.

How You Do It

Depending on the project, you will begin by identifying and defining the technologies that are required to support an organization’s automation environment. Your primary purpose in this process is to ensure:

organization-wide connectivity,
standardization,
that information and data are integrated, and
integrated applications are implemented.

You will usually begin this process by creating a Technical Architect plan. This is a high-level document, which contains the technical and procedural recommendations to follow to facilitate connectivity within an organization. Basically, it sets out how the organization can connect everyone to support:

shared information,
input/output devices,
messages,
shared resources such as computers, networks, programming software and database software.

Also included in this report are technical and management guidelines required to control the information systems. You, as Technical Architect, influence the IT strategy in an organization.

You provide and assist in the implementation of a high-level master plan which shows:

the integration of existing and future systems,
the standards which must be followed,
security measures, and
how the technical environment will be supported, upgraded and evaluated.

An effective plan will allow the organization to increase its capability of accessing data that meets its needs.

Challenges

As a Technical Architect, you will be required to work in a variety of settings and projects. You will be expected to be knowledgeable in a wide range of technical and computer skills.

In addition, you will be required to continually update your skills and keep up-to-date with the latest technology and innovations.

You will also be required to have an understanding of a wide variety of languages, software packages, hardware, operating systems, communication environments, etc.

You may have to reconcile the competing interests of groups within the organization that want to build different systems. Your job is to ensure all applications fit within the “big picture” – the organization’s overall computer software and systems plan.

Skills

gather and interpret relevant data and information,
gain new skills and knowledge easily,
interact with computer technology to solve a variety of complex problems,
interview and relate to people,
anticipate effects of trends and issues,
communicate clear and consistent information,
think analytically while problem solving,
make effective decisions under pressure,
explain complex information in simple terminology, and
pay attention to detail and work effectively under pressure.

Working Conditions

Technical Architects generally work in comfortable office/computer environments. Although a 40-hour week is the stated norm, overtime is a part of the job.

Like other workers who spend their time in front of a computer terminal, Technical Architects are susceptible to eyestrain, back discomfort and hand and wrist problems. The responsibilities associated with the job can also produce high stress levels.

What the Future Holds

As the trend to connect and integrate information systems continues, the demand for Technical Architects will continue to rise.

Skill Levels

Entry Level Technical Architect

Working under the supervision of a more senior informatics staff member, you may do any of the following:

assist in developing strategies and policies,
evaluate or pilot new technology,
research technology including the assessment of product reviews,
assist in implementing new technology,
prepare language and specifications for contracts and new technology,
communicate technical and non-technical terminology,
provide direction to contractors, and
train and educate users.

Full Working Technical Architect

You will be performing the job as Technical Architect without supervision and you may be responsible for the supervision of other staff on a project. In addition you may be responsible for small projects or portions of medium-large projects, and you may also be required to:

assess business requirements and technology alternatives,
contribute to strategy and policy development,
build consensus in the organization for multi-platform technology,
evaluate or pilot new technologies,
monitor compliance with policies and procedures,
implement new technologies in small/medium size environments,
communicate with informatics specialists re: data management etc.,
research technology assessing product reviews, analysis reports,
prepare language and specifications for contracts etc.,
contribute to the development of business cases,
provide direction to contractors and supervise staff on a project basis, and
respond to Requests for Proposals (RFP) as required.

Intermediate Technical Architect

As the Intermediate Technical Architect, you will be expected to supervise staff. You may also be required to:

implement new technology architecture in large complex environments,
coordinate the evaluation of technology,
build consensus within the organization,
lead multi-disciplinary and multi-organizational planning projects,
recognize technology opportunities and generate strategies,
define regulations, standards, policies and trade-offs,
communicate and market technical and non-technical concepts, and train, discipline and appraise staff.

Senior Technical Architect

As the Senior Technical Architect you will most likely be involved in planning, conducting and supervising complex informatics assignments. You will also be involved in designing and applying new methods and procedures and supervising staff. You could also be required to:

coordinate implementation of new Technical Architect,
coordinate the evaluation of technical environments, technology,
build consensus within technical area and advocate technical alternatives,
lead multi-disciplinary and multi-organizational planning projects,
define regulations, standards, policies and codes,
coordinate tendering process to evaluate and acquire new technology,
provide consultation and advice to senior management,
coordinate and market technical and non-technical concepts,
coordinate the development of business cases for technical analysis, and
supervise, train and evaluate staff.

Salary Range

$44,250 – $93,500

Education and Training

Junior Technical Architect

You need a university degree or college diploma with 0-2 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in this stream.

Full Working Technical Architect

This level requires 3-5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Intermediate Technical Architect

This level requires 5 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience in addition to a university degree or college diploma.

Senior Technical Architect

This level requires 6-8 years experience in the IT industry and specific job experience as well as a university degree or college diploma.

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