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Solution Architect Associate Jobs in Chicago, IL

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Solution Architect Associate information

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$17

$72

$98

How much do solution architect associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for solution architect associate in Chicago, IL is $72.29, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62.40 and $82.21 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a solution architect associate?

A Solution Architect Associate is an IT professional who assists in designing and implementing technical solutions that meet business requirements. They work under the guidance of more senior solution architects to analyze client needs, select appropriate technologies, and ensure that systems are scalable, reliable, and secure. Their role often involves collaborating with developers, engineers, and stakeholders to translate business objectives into technical architectures. Solution Architect Associates typically have a foundational understanding of cloud services, software development, and IT infrastructure. This position is a common starting point for those aiming to become full Solution Architects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a solution architect associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Solution Architect Associate, you need a solid understanding of systems design, cloud computing, and software development, often backed by a relevant degree and foundational certifications like AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate. Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud), architecture frameworks, and tools such as UML or infrastructure-as-code solutions is typical. Strong problem-solving abilities, effective communication, and collaboration skills help translate business requirements into technical solutions. These skills ensure the delivery of scalable, secure, and efficient architectures that meet organizational needs.

What are some common challenges solution architect associates face when transitioning from technical roles, and how can they overcome them?

Solution Architect Associates often transition from hands-on technical positions, so adapting to a role that requires strong communication and stakeholder management can be challenging. Balancing technical depth with the ability to convey complex solutions to non-technical audiences is essential. To overcome these challenges, it's helpful to practice active listening, seek mentorship from experienced solution architects, and participate in cross-functional meetings to build confidence in presenting and defending architectural decisions. Continual learning about business priorities and focusing on collaborative problem-solving will also aid in a successful transition.

What is the difference between Solution Architect Associate vs Solution Engineer?

AspectSolution Architect AssociateSolution Engineer
CertificationsTypically AWS, Azure, or cloud-specific certificationsOften similar cloud certifications, plus technical sales or product-specific credentials
Work EnvironmentDesigns solutions, collaborates with teams, focuses on architectureImplements solutions, supports deployment, works closely with clients and sales
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in cloud, IT consulting, and enterprise tech companiesCommon in cloud providers, tech firms, and enterprise solutions

The Solution Architect Associate focuses on designing and planning cloud solutions, while the Solution Engineer is more involved in implementing and supporting those solutions. Both roles require similar certifications and work in overlapping environments, but their primary responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

Can you get a job with an AWS Solution Architect Associate?

An AWS Solution Architect Associate certification can help you qualify for roles such as cloud solutions architect or cloud engineer, as it demonstrates foundational knowledge of AWS services and architecture best practices. However, employers often seek relevant experience, technical skills, and understanding of cloud environments alongside certification for hiring decisions.

What are the most commonly searched types of Solution Architect jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Solution Architect jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Solution Architect Associate jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Solution Architect Associate job openings:

Infographic showing various Solution Architect Associate job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,482 per year, or $72.3 per hour.

AWS Cloud Solution Architect

Quantum Technologies. LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

The AWS Cloud Architect will lead the design, planning, and execution of the Data Center Exit (DC Exit) program. This role focuses on migrating on‑premises infrastructure, applications, and services to AWS Cloud while ensuring performance, scalability, cost efficiency, and compliance with enterprise standards. The architect will partner with cross‑functional teams including application owners, infrastructure engineers, and security teams to define and deliver the end‑state cloud architecture.

Key Responsibilities Assessment & Planning
  • Conduct Migration Portfolio Assessment (MPA) and Migration Readiness Assessment (CAF) across business, governance, security, and operations.
  • Define 7R application dispositions, build dependency maps, and create migration wave plans with TCO and risk analysis.
  • Design scalable, secure, and resilient AWS cloud solutions to replace on‑prem data center infrastructure.
  • Develop target‑state architecture, migration blueprints, and reference architectures aligned with AWS best practices and the AWS Well‑Architected Framework.
  • Select appropriate AWS services (e.g., EC2, ECS, EKS, RDS, S3, Lambda, CloudFront, CloudFormation, IAM) for various workloads.
Migration & Execution
  • Lead migration assessments, application dependency mapping, and wave planning.
  • Collaborate with migration teams to execute lift‑and‑shift, re‑platforming, or re‑architecting strategies.
  • Oversee workload migration validation, performance tuning, and post‑migration optimization.
Governance & Security
  • Implement cloud governance, compliance, and cost‑management practices.
  • Ensure security controls (IAM, KMS, VPC security, GuardDuty, etc.) meet enterprise and regulatory standards.
  • Define tagging standards, automation templates, and operational guardrails.
  • Partner with application teams, networking, and operations to ensure a seamless transition from on‑prem to AWS.
  • Mentor teams on cloud‑native practices, automation, and DevOps adoption.
  • Provide executive reporting on progress, risks, and mitigation strategies for the DC Exit initiative.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 12+ years of experience in infrastructure, cloud, or enterprise architecture.
  • 8+ years of hands‑on AWS Cloud architecture experience, including VPC design, IAM, EC2, RDS, S3, CloudFormation/Terraform, and monitoring tools (CloudWatch, Config).
  • Proven experience leading large‑scale data center migration or exit programs.
  • Strong understanding of networking, security, automation (CI/CD, IaC), and hybrid cloud connectivity.
  • Experience with migration tools (CloudEndure, AWS Migration Hub, Application Discovery Service).
  • Strong knowledge of networking, security, and compliance frameworks.
Preferred Qualifications
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional (preferred) or Associate.
  • Familiarity with multi‑account strategy and AWS Control Tower.
  • Experience in cost optimization and FinOps practices.
  • Exposure to modernization (containers, serverless, microservices) and DevOps practices.
  • Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.

QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of female, minority, disability and veterans, (M/F/D/V). Hiring, promotion, transfer, compensation, benefits, discipline, termination and all other employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, national origin, citizenship/immigration status, veteran status or any other protected status. QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC will not make any posting or employment decision that does not comply with applicable laws relating to labor and employment, equal opportunity, employment eligibility requirements or related matters. Nor will QUANTUM TECHNOLOGIES LLC require in a posting or otherwise U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency in the U.S. as a condition of employment except as necessary to comply with law, regulation, executive order, or federal, state, or local government contract

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