Sam is one of our founding partners, starting Archer Recruitment back in 2007. He has over 20 years experience in IT Recruitment. Sam specialises in senior appointments; placing CTOs, Heads of Engineering and Development Managers with companies in Dublin.
He has the expertise to offer leaders looking to take the next step in their career and to companies looking to make a key hire at a senior level.
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Technical Architect Recruitment & Jobs in Ireland
Technical Architect roles are uniquely challenging and complex but every challenge is also an opportunity for personal growth and advancement which makes the Technical Architect space an exciting one for you to seek your next move. The right candidate needs to be comfortable providing high-level guidance and leadership for ongoing projects. This involves taking a wide overview of applications and infrastructure, diagnosing and designing complex solutions.
Archer Recruitment has a number of Technical Architect roles on offer. They’re just waiting for the right candidate to come along. If any of them are right for you, feel free to reach out to one of our consultants.
What is the Career Journey for a Technical Architect?
The career journey for a Technical Architect, sometimes also referred to as a Systems Architect or Solutions Architect, often begins with a foundation in computer science or a related field, typically gained through a bachelor’s degree or equivalent self-learning. This foundational knowledge is crucial as it provides an understanding of fundamental concepts such as data structures, algorithms, and software design principles.
Early in their career, individuals aspiring to become Technical Architects usually start in roles that involve hands-on programming, such as a Software Developer or Engineer. This practical experience allows them to understand the technical intricacies and challenges involved in building software applications.
As they gain experience and deepen their technical skills, they often progress to senior or lead developer roles. Here, they begin to take on more responsibilities, such as designing the architecture of smaller systems, making technical decisions, and guiding junior developers. They are expected to master various programming languages, databases, and systems, and to keep up-to-date with emerging technologies and architectural patterns.
After acquiring significant experience in software development and demonstrating their ability to make high-level design decisions, these professionals may then transition into a Technical Architect role. In this capacity, they design the overall structure of IT systems, choose the right technologies for the business needs, and lead the technical implementation of large projects. They act as a bridge between management and technical teams, ensuring the technical solutions align with the business objectives.
Further along the career path, Technical Architects can progress to more senior roles, such as Senior Technical Architect, Principal Architect, or Chief Architect, where they are responsible for the architecture of multiple systems or even the entire organisation’s technology strategy.
In some cases, Technical Architects may transition into broader IT leadership roles such as a CTO (Chief Technology Officer) or CIO (Chief Information Officer), where they set the technological direction and strategy for an entire organisation. Alternatively, they might specialise further, becoming experts in a specific domain like cloud architecture, data architecture, or security architecture.
As with all career paths, this is a typical journey, but individual experiences can vary significantly. Some Technical Architects might follow a different path, or move into related roles such as Product Management or Project Management. The key is continuous learning, staying abreast of technological advancements, and developing strong leadership and communication skills.
Key Certifications and Qualifications to Become a Technical Architect
Becoming a Technical Architect typically requires extensive experience in the IT field, along with a deep understanding of technology and systems. While work experience is often the most critical qualification, there are several certifications that can help demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in this area. Here are a few key ones:
1. AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers this certification for professionals who design distributed applications and systems on the AWS platform. This is one of the most recognised certifications for cloud computing, a critical skill for many Technical Architects today.
2. Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert: This certification demonstrates expertise in designing solutions on Microsoft’s Azure platform. It covers a range of skills including computing, network, storage, and security.
3. Google Cloud Certified – Professional Cloud Architect: This certification is for professionals who design, develop, and manage robust, secure, scalable, and dynamic solutions on the Google Cloud Platform.
4. TOGAF (The Open Group Architecture Framework) Certification: This is a widely recognised enterprise architecture certification that covers the entire lifecycle of architecture from design to execution.
5. Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification is offered by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC)² and is globally recognised as a leading cybersecurity certification. It’s useful for architects who need to incorporate security into their designs.
6. Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr): This is the highest level of accreditation achievable within the Cisco certification program. It requires a high degree of network infrastructure knowledge.
7. Certified Software Architect (Microsoft): This certification validates your skills in Microsoft technologies. It’s a good fit if you’re working in a Microsoft-based environment.
8. Red Hat Certified Architect (RHCA): This is the top-tier certification from Red Hat and validates a professional’s flexible, robust, and complex skills with Red Hat solutions.
In addition to these certifications, having a degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field can be beneficial. A master’s degree in a related discipline, like information systems or business administration, can also be an asset, especially for roles that require a strong understanding of business strategy.