Cloud architect
A cloud architect is a person who turns the technical requirements of a project into the architecture of a solution that runs in the cloud.
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Rate 5 of the 5 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
plan migration to cloud
design cloud architecture
design cloud networks
collaborate with engineers
cloud technologies
About cloud architect
The cloud architect designs cloud architecture: selecting services, the layout of environments, how data is stored, and designing cloud networks — the division into zones, access rules, connections back to the client's premises. Knowledge of cloud technologies and of architectural principles underpins this, which is what lets the architect say which design will absorb growth in load and which stops being affordable once traffic multiplies.
The architect also plans the migration of existing systems to the cloud: the order in which systems go, how data is transferred, the outage window, and the fallback if a move does not succeed. Workload architecture is reviewed and high-risk points named: single points of failure, missing backups, access granted more widely than needed.
The work has a commercial and a teaching side. The architect takes part in pre-sales discussions, prepares proof-of-concept projects, runs workshops for the client's teams, and works with the engineers responsible for software delivery and development. Formal requirements are set by the employer.
Key Work Functions
Core areas of responsibility for a cloud architect.
Cloud Architecture Design and Planning
- Design comprehensive cloud architectures that convert technical project requirements into scalable solutions
- Plan cloud infrastructure layouts including compute, storage, networking, and security components
- Develop detailed architectural documentation and diagrams for stakeholder review
Cloud Migration Strategy and Execution
- Plan and execute migrations from on-premise and legacy systems to cloud platforms
- Assess current infrastructure, identify migration blockers, and develop phased migration roadmaps
- Minimize downtime and risk during migration by implementing best practices and fallback procedures
Workload Architecture Review and Optimization
- Review existing and proposed workload architectures for scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency
- Identify high-risk architectural issues and develop remediation strategies
- Provide guidance on cloud resource optimization and cost management
Cloud Technologies and Network Design
- Design cloud networks with proper segmentation, security zones, and connectivity requirements
- Select and integrate appropriate cloud technologies and services (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) based on requirements
- Ensure compliance with security, data governance, and regulatory requirements
Pre-Sales and Implementation Leadership
- Perform pre-sales activities including client consultations and cloud strategy development
- Deliver proof-of-concept projects and architectural workshops to demonstrate cloud solutions
- Lead implementation projects and collaborate with DevOps engineers to build and deploy cloud solutions
Key skills in this occupation
Essential skills and knowledge areas from the European ESCO classification, 5 in total. The ones most specific to this occupation come first.
- plan migration to cloud
Select existing workloads and processes for potential migration to the cloud and choose migration tools.
practical skill - design cloud architecture
Design a multi-tier cloud architecture solution, which tolerates faults and is fit for the workload and other business needs.
practical skill - design cloud networks
Apply cloud networking concepts and implement connectivity services of cloud.
practical skill - collaborate with engineers
Work closely and communicate with engineers on designs or new products.
practical skillresilient to AI - cloud technologies
The technologies which enable access to hardware, software, data and services through remote servers and software networks irrespective of their location and architecture.
knowledgeresilient to AI
Check which of these skills you already have ↑
Optional skills (11) — show
Agile project management
cloud security and compliance
ICT architectural frameworks
Agile development
do cloud refactoring
develop with cloud services
coordinate engineering teams
design database in the cloud
automate cloud tasks
design for organisational complexity
DevOps
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
Frequently asked questions
What does a cloud architect do?
Cloud architects are responsible for converting the technical features of a project into the architecture to lead to the final product. To develop technical cloud strategy, they have in-depth knowledge of the architectural principles and services, assisting with cloud migration efforts, review workload architectures, and provide guidance on how to address high-risk issues. They typically perform in a pre-sales capacity and are often asked to deliver proof-of-concept projects, topical workshops, and lead implementation projects. They team up with DevOps engineers to build the appropriate technologies.
What skills does a cloud architect need?
A cloud architect needs 5 essential skills, including cloud technologies, plan migration to cloud, design cloud architecture, design cloud networks, collaborate with engineers.
Will AI replace cloud architect jobs?
The AI disruption score for cloud architect is 87/100 (very high risk). Skills most exposed to automation: automate cloud tasks, cloud security and compliance, do cloud refactoring. Most resilient: collaborate with engineers, cloud technologies, Agile project management.
AI Replacement Risk
Skills most at risk from AI
Skills resilient to automation
This is the average for the whole occupation. The AI Career Shield test (about 10 minutes) shows the risk in your own work and what you can do about it.
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