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Systems & Solutions Architect

Technology

Design and develop solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions.

Computer Science

What you'd do all day

The tasks that matter most in this job, most important first.

  1. 1Communicate with staff or clients to understand specific system requirements.
  2. 2Investigate system component suitability for specified purposes, and make recommendations regarding component use.
  3. 3Provide customers or installation teams guidelines for implementing secure systems.
  4. 4Direct the analysis, development, and operation of complete computer systems.
  5. 5Monitor system operation to detect potential problems.
  6. 6Direct the installation of operating systems, network or application software, or computer or network hardware.
  7. 7Verify stability, interoperability, portability, security, or scalability of system architecture.
  8. 8Identify system data, hardware, or software components required to meet user needs.
  9. 9Perform ongoing hardware and software maintenance operations, including installing or upgrading hardware or software.
  10. 10Research, test, or verify proper functioning of software patches and fixes.
  11. 11Configure servers to meet functional specifications.
  12. 12Collaborate with engineers or software developers to select appropriate design solutions or ensure the compatibility of system components.
  13. 13Document design specifications, installation instructions, and other system-related information.
  14. 14Design and conduct hardware or software tests.
  15. 15Evaluate existing systems to determine effectiveness, and suggest changes to meet organizational requirements.
  16. 16Perform security analyses of developed or packaged software components.
  17. 17Provide technical guidance or support for the development or troubleshooting of systems.
  18. 18Define and analyze objectives, scope, issues, or organizational impact of information systems.
  19. 19Establish functional or system standards to address operational requirements, quality requirements, and design constraints.
  20. 20Develop system engineering, software engineering, system integration, or distributed system architectures.
  21. 21Provide advice on project costs, design concepts, or design changes.
  22. 22Evaluate current or emerging technologies to consider factors such as cost, portability, compatibility, or usability.
  23. 23Develop or approve project plans, schedules, or budgets.
  24. 24Communicate project information through presentations, technical reports, or white papers.
  25. 25Train system users in system operation or maintenance.
  26. 26Complete models and simulations, using manual or automated tools, to analyze or predict system performance under different operating conditions.
  27. 27Develop application-specific software.
  28. 28Develop efficient and effective system controllers.

Also known as

What this job is called on JobStreet, LinkedIn and in job ads. Search these too.

  • IT Engineer
  • IT Architect
  • Web Architect
  • Cloud Engineer
  • Cloud Architect
  • Network Analyst
  • Network Engineer
  • Systems Engineer
  • Target Developer
  • Firmware Engineer

How far is this from you?

Roughly how much preparation this job usually takes. In Malaysia your UPU route and the programme's syarat still decide entry, so treat this as a guide, not a gate.

  1. 1

    Entry straight after SPM

  2. 2

    SPM + sijil / short TVET course

  3. Typical entry

    Diploma / TVET (sijil–diploma)

  4. 4

    Degree (ijazah sarjana muda)

  5. 5

    Postgrad (sarjana / PhD) or professional route

Typical educationPost-secondary certificate

Subjects that matter here

The SPM subjects worth your effort for this career, with the reason for each.

Computer Science / ICTDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesDraws directly on Computers and Electronics — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
EnglishDraws directly on English Language — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
PhysicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).
Additional MathematicsDraws directly on Engineering and Technology — a top knowledge area for this role (O*NET).

What you'd need to know

The subject areas this job leans on most, and the SPM subjects that build them.

  • Computers and Electronics98%

    Computer Science / ICTElectrical & Electronic Eng. Studies

  • English Language82%

    English

  • Telecommunications79%

    Electrical & Electronic Eng. StudiesComputer Science / ICT

  • Customer and Personal Service77%
  • Engineering and Technology75%

    PhysicsAdditional MathematicsDesign & Technology (RBT)

  • Administration and Management66%

    BusinessEconomics

Tools you'd use

Software and equipment that show up in this job, worth learning early.

Where to learn these, free

Scholarships & funding

What the work feels like

Day-to-day working conditions, so you can tell whether the job suits how you like to work.

  • Face-to-face discussionsEvery day
  • Contact with other peopleConstant contact
  • Dealing with customers or the publicA little
  • Leading or coordinating othersHigh
  • Handling conflict situationsRarely
  • Indoors, air-conditionedEvery day
  • Outdoors, in all weatherAlmost never
  • Noisy environmentAlmost never

AI and demand for this job

A few real, dated data points — not a single score. AI making some tasks faster usually means a job changes, not that it disappears.

21%

Share of everyday tasks today's AI can already help with (2023)

This estimate is from 2023 — already out of date, since AI moves fast. Treat it as a rough, aging starting point, not the current picture.

1.18%

Of Malaysian Claude conversations, about this kind of work

Measures how much people use Claude for this work, not how many Malaysians do this job — and more AI use can mean people relying on it, not that it's replacing them.

Growing role in the US

US Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not Malaysian. Shown because it's the only forward-looking demand estimate we have for this job.

Pay in Malaysia

We don't have a sourced Malaysian salary range for this job yet, and we'd rather show nothing than a number we can't stand behind.

Where to check:

  • JobStreet and Hiredly job ads for this title
  • DOSM Salaries & Wages Survey
  • SSPA scheme tables, if you're aiming for a government post

Check what you may qualify for

Enter your SPM grades and see which routes and programmes you may qualify for. An estimate to plan with, not an offer.

Check my eligibility Not sure yet? Take the quiz

How to get here

Post-SPM pathways with programmes in this career's fields. Tap one to see real programmes and entry requirements.

Asasi / Foundation

One-year runway into a specific university: public via UPU or private direct entry.

12 months

Diploma

Skill-first qualification. Work after, or enter degree Year 2. Polytechnics keep it affordable.

2.5–3 years

Related careers

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About this information

This describes what the job involves. Pay, demand and entry routes differ in Malaysia, so check the Pathways and Programmes pages for local requirements.

O*NET occupation: Computer Systems Engineers/Architects

Job responsibilities, knowledge areas and work context from O*NET 30.3, US Department of Labor, used under CC BY 4.0. onetcenter.org