IT Architect

IT Architect Position Concept

The IT Architect participates in translating of the client's business requirements into specific system, application, or process designs. This includes working as a team member with client personnel to identify functional requirements. In addition, it includes working with or, in some instances, leading others in the identification, justification, and design of the client's solution. The IT Architect participates in a wide range of design activities, from requirements analysis to systems, application, and process design specification. At this level, the position requires knowledge across multiple platforms, processes, or architectures.

The IT Architect is at the entry level to the profession and is presumed to have attained skills and responsibilities in prior technical assignments equivalent to the Senior position or above.

Skills

Applies knowledge of information technology and associated methods and tools of the IT Architect profession to attain project/business unit objectives. Demonstrates the required proficiency levels for technical skills.
Advises other professionals (project mangers, IT Architects, and IT specialists) in the team on tools, technology, and methodology related to the design and development of IT solutions, and participates in evaluation and selection. Might be asked to research special topics as part of team responsibilities.
Works effectively with other team members to understand customer needs and to design, evaluate, and develop IT solutions that meet those needs. Guides and influences team members, including the customer, vendor, subcontractor personnel, and IBMers to accomplish the team's technical and schedule goals.
Negotiates effectively with team members (vendors, subcontractors, customers, and IBMers) to identify each member's role in solution design and development, to agree on specific problem solving, requirements analysis, design tasks, and associated work products, and to define approaches for producing them.
Recognizes and articulates complex problems related to the solution being developed.
Applies creativity and judgment in development of multiple IT solutions related to project objectives.
Analyzes problems and creates solutions involving IT technology, methodology, process, tools, and solution components.

Contribution/Leadership

Conducts analysis, problem solving, and evaluation activities on special topics related to project objectives.
Might lead design activities. This includes leading all or portions of the design project, recommending team members, organizing the team, defining tasks, tracking and reporting progress, delivering on time and within budget, and delivering results to the customer.
Defines and determines solution design objectives related to the project. Might lead and guide the efforts of others in these areas.
Understands department/function mission and applies this understanding in project activities.
Influences customers, vendors, subcontractors, and IBMers inside and outside the project with presentations on project-related topics. Influence extends to both management and nonmanagement personnel.
Provides technical guidance to implementation team members throughout the project life cycle. Might lead implementation in a small project or be responsible for subsystem implementation in a large project.
Collaborates with the consultant and/or Market Segment Manager in defining the customer's business and integration requirements/strategy.

Impact on Business/Job Scope

Accountable for products of teams led/department managed in terms of quality, timeliness, and compliance with customer needs.
Regularly participates in overall functional planning. Identifies, estimates, and presents cost, schedule, and technical risk for solution elements, both in marketing and proposal efforts, and in implementation planning.
Works directly with customers. Activities affect customer satisfaction.
Activities lead to cost-effective solutions that positively affect project costs or expenses.