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If you’ve Googled “System Architect job description,” you’ve probably noticed the same thing: most of them look like they were copied and pasted from a corporate HR manual.
They’re full of jargon, endless bullet points, and zero personality. Something like:
- Responsibilities
- Requirements
- Apply here.
The problem? Posts like that don’t attract the kind of candidates you actually want. Great System Architects aren’t inspired by bland checklists — they want to know the vision they’ll help design, the problems they’ll solve, and the team they’ll collaborate with.
But most job descriptions don’t inspire. They don’t connect. And they certainly don’t make top-tier architects think, “This is the place for me.”
👉 If you haven’t already, I recommend checking out our full guide on how to write a job post that attracts top talent , Link https://workscreen.io/how-to-write-a-job-post/ — it breaks down why generic posts fail to convert and how to write ones that actually attract top talent.
The good news: you don’t need to be a marketing wizard to write a compelling System Architect job description. You just need the right structure and the right intention. In this guide, I’ll show you how to write one that not only explains the role but also sells the opportunity.
Hiring doesn’t have to be hard.
If your hiring process is stressful, slow, or filled with second-guessing—WorkScreen fixes that. Workscreen helps you quickly identify top talent fast, eliminate low-quality applicants, and make better hires without the headaches.
What A System Architect Actually Does - Their Roles
A System Architect is the person who designs the “blueprint” for how all your technology systems fit together. Think of them like the chief planner of a city — instead of roads, bridges, and utilities, they’re designing databases, servers, applications, integrations, and workflows.
They don’t just make sure systems work — they make sure they scale, stay secure, and align with the long-term vision of the business. A strong System Architect sees the big picture:
- How each piece of technology connects.
- Where bottlenecks or risks could appear.
- How to future-proof the company’s tech for growth.
It’s a role that blends technical expertise (cloud platforms, software design, infrastructure planning) with strategic thinking (what does the company need now, and what will it need three years from now?).
In short: a System Architect is not just a “tech person.” They’re a problem-solver, a strategist, and often the bridge between engineering teams and leadership.
Two Great System Architect Job Description Templates
We’ll provide two tailored job description options:
1.✅ Option 1: For employers looking to hire an experienced candidates with prior experience.
2.Option 2: For employers open to hiring entry-level candidates or those willing to train someone with potential.
✅ Job Description Template 1: Experienced System Architect
Job Title: Senior System Architect – Cloud & Infrastructure (Remote, US)
💼 Full-Time | Remote | $120,000–$150,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | Flexible hours
▶ A quick word from our hiring manager (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
RidgeLine Commerce OS is a remote-first SaaS company (founded 2016; HQ in Denver) powering unified checkout, inventory, and pricing for 140+ mid-market retail brands across North America and the EU. On a typical day, our platform processes 6–8 million transactions. Our core stack: AWS (EKS, RDS, DynamoDB), Kafka, Redis, Terraform, Python/Go microservices, and a zero-trust security model. We’re SOC 2 Type II certified and ship with a strong bias for measurable impact.
What You’ll Do
- Own the end-to-end reference architecture across multi-account AWS, on-prem integrations, and partner APIs.
- Design for scale, resilience, and observability (multi-region, active-active where it matters).
- Establish architectural standards, review RFCs, and guide platform/tooling decisions.
- Lead capacity planning, cost governance, and security-by-design with DevOps/SecOps.
- Coach engineers and collaborate with product to align roadmaps with technical realities.
What We’re Looking For
- 6+ years in systems/solutions architecture for high-throughput systems.
- Depth in AWS (EKS, VPC, IAM, RDS/DynamoDB), event streaming (Kafka), and IaC (Terraform).
- Strong understanding of networking, distributed systems, and microservices.
- Hands-on with CI/CD, SLOs, tracing/logging/metrics, and threat modeling.
- Clear communicator who can translate trade-offs for technical and non-technical partners.
Perks & Benefits
- Comprehensive medical, dental, vision + 401(k) with match
- 20 days PTO + 12 company holidays + flexible winter shutdown
- $2,000 annual learning budget (certs, conferences, books)
- Home office stipend + top-tier laptop & peripherals
- Optional equity grants for senior ICs
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll shape a high-scale retail OS used by millions daily.
- Green-light to set standards and drive platform evolution, not just maintain it.
- Work with a senior, low-ego team that values data, reliability, and good design.
Our Hiring Process
- WorkScreen skill evaluation → architecture interview → system design deep dive → team chat → offer. We respond to every application.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen Link] (short, practical evaluation focused on real-world problem-solving).
✅ Job Description Template 2: For Entry-Level / Willing-to-Train System Architect
Job Title: Junior System Architect (Willing to Train)
💼 Full-Time | Hybrid (Atlanta, GA) | $65,000–$85,000/year
🕒 Schedule: Mon–Fri | 9AM–5PM (Tue/Thu in-office)
▶ A quick word from our hiring manager (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
Who We Are
ParcelPilot is a logistics tech startup (founded 2021; based in Atlanta) helping regional carriers optimize route planning and last-mile delivery. We orchestrate real-time tracking for ~75k daily stops across 8 states. Our stack runs on GCP (GKE, Pub/Sub, Cloud SQL, BigQuery) with service meshes, IaC, and a growing event-driven architecture. We’re a learning-first team that mentors ambitious engineers into architects.
What You’ll Do
- Shadow senior architects to learn system mapping, trade-offs, and patterns.
- Help document reference architectures and build diagrams with C4/PlantUML.
- Contribute to POCs, reliability improvements, and runbooks.
- Support migrations (monolith → services), data pipelines, and internal tooling.
What We’re Looking For
- CS/IT degree or equivalent practical experience.
- Familiarity with at least one cloud (GCP/AWS/Azure) and containerization basics.
- Curiosity about distributed systems, queues, caching, and reliability.
- Clear communicator; comfortable asking questions and iterating fast.
Perks & Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision + commuter benefits
- 15 days PTO + 10 holidays + quarterly hack days
- Paid certifications (e.g., Google Professional Cloud Architect)
- Dedicated mentor, structured growth plan, and internal tech talks
- Annual equipment refresh + learning stipend
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- A clear path from junior to architect with hands-on guidance.
- Real impact on deliveries people rely on every day.
- Modern stack with space to experiment and learn safely.
Our Hiring Process
- WorkScreen evaluation → technical chat → mini system-design exercise → culture interview → offer. We reply to every applicant.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen Link] (skill-based, fair, and fast).
Don’t let bad hires slow you down.
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Breakdown of Why These System Architect Job Posts Work
🔹 Experienced System Architect (RidgeLine Commerce OS)
- Clear, Specific Title
- Instead of just “System Architect,” the title specifies: Senior, Cloud & Infrastructure, Remote, US.
- This filters in the right talent (seasoned, cloud-focused professionals) and avoids ambiguity.
- Instead of just “System Architect,” the title specifies: Senior, Cloud & Infrastructure, Remote, US.
- Human Touch with a Video
- The quick intro video from the hiring manager makes the post feel more personal. Candidates see a face behind the company and immediately connect.
- The quick intro video from the hiring manager makes the post feel more personal. Candidates see a face behind the company and immediately connect.
- Authentic About Us Section
- It’s not fluff — it names the company, the problem they solve (retail transactions at scale), and the exact stack they use. Serious candidates instantly know if their skills align.
- It’s not fluff — it names the company, the problem they solve (retail transactions at scale), and the exact stack they use. Serious candidates instantly know if their skills align.
- Impactful Role Description
- Responsibilities are written to show impact, not just tasks. Example: “Own the end-to-end reference architecture” signals ownership and influence.
- Responsibilities are written to show impact, not just tasks. Example: “Own the end-to-end reference architecture” signals ownership and influence.
- Transparency in Requirements
- Technical depth (AWS, IaC, microservices) is spelled out clearly. This saves time on mismatched applicants and builds trust.
- Technical depth (AWS, IaC, microservices) is spelled out clearly. This saves time on mismatched applicants and builds trust.
- Separated Perks & Benefits
- Clear breakdown of tangible benefits vs. the why it matters to your career. This makes the role attractive on both practical and aspirational levels.
- Clear breakdown of tangible benefits vs. the why it matters to your career. This makes the role attractive on both practical and aspirational levels.
- Respectful Hiring Process
- By outlining the exact steps and assuring responses, it sets RidgeLine apart from faceless postings that never follow up.
- By outlining the exact steps and assuring responses, it sets RidgeLine apart from faceless postings that never follow up.
🔹 Entry-Level System Architect (ParcelPilot)
- Purpose-Driven Title
- “Junior System Architect (Willing to Train)” immediately signals opportunity for ambitious candidates who may not tick every box. It attracts potential, not just credentials.
- “Junior System Architect (Willing to Train)” immediately signals opportunity for ambitious candidates who may not tick every box. It attracts potential, not just credentials.
- Personalized Video Element
- Including a hiring manager video adds warmth and lowers the intimidation barrier for entry-level applicants.
- Including a hiring manager video adds warmth and lowers the intimidation barrier for entry-level applicants.
- Authentic Company Context
- Instead of generic wording, ParcelPilot’s description highlights real daily impact (75k daily deliveries tracked), giving candidates a sense of purpose.
- Instead of generic wording, ParcelPilot’s description highlights real daily impact (75k daily deliveries tracked), giving candidates a sense of purpose.
- Encouraging Requirements
- By saying “familiarity” and “curiosity” instead of rigid years of experience, the post widens the pool to include self-taught learners and career changers.
- By saying “familiarity” and “curiosity” instead of rigid years of experience, the post widens the pool to include self-taught learners and career changers.
- Perks vs. Growth Opportunities Split
- Candidates can see the immediate, concrete benefits (insurance, PTO, certs) and the long-term career value (mentorship, growth path).
- Candidates can see the immediate, concrete benefits (insurance, PTO, certs) and the long-term career value (mentorship, growth path).
- Respectful Process
- Clear timeline, skill-based evaluation, and promise to reply to every applicant shows professionalism and respect — rare in junior roles.
- Clear timeline, skill-based evaluation, and promise to reply to every applicant shows professionalism and respect — rare in junior roles.
🎯 Why Both Posts Succeed
- They avoid generic HR speak and instead highlight culture, purpose, and impact.
- They’re transparent (salary, process, perks) which builds trust.
- They use a human tone that makes candidates feel wanted, not processed.
- Both posts sell the opportunity — not just list duties.
Example of a Bad System Architect Job Description (And Why It Fails)
❌ Bad Job Post Example
Job Title: System Architect
Company: GlobalTech Solutions
Location: New York, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
GlobalTech Solutions is looking for a System Architect to oversee the company’s IT systems. The candidate will be responsible for ensuring systems are secure and efficient.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage IT systems.
- Maintain system security.
- Ensure proper system functioning.
- Coordinate with other departments.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field.
- 5+ years of experience.
- Strong technical knowledge.
- Good communication skills.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should email their résumé and cover letter to hr@globaltech.com. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
❌ Why This Job Post Fails
- Generic Title
- “System Architect” alone is vague and uninspiring. No seniority, focus area, or mission is communicated.
- “System Architect” alone is vague and uninspiring. No seniority, focus area, or mission is communicated.
- Cold Introduction
- The job summary feels lifeless: “oversee IT systems.” There’s no context on the company’s mission, stack, or vision.
- The job summary feels lifeless: “oversee IT systems.” There’s no context on the company’s mission, stack, or vision.
- No Salary or Benefits
- Leaving out compensation signals a lack of transparency. Today’s candidates see this as a red flag.
- Leaving out compensation signals a lack of transparency. Today’s candidates see this as a red flag.
- Empty Responsibilities
- Duties like “maintain system security” are so broad they could apply to hundreds of roles. There’s no clarity or sense of impact.
- Duties like “maintain system security” are so broad they could apply to hundreds of roles. There’s no clarity or sense of impact.
- Generic Requirements
- “Strong technical knowledge” is meaningless. Which cloud platforms? What kind of systems? The vagueness turns serious candidates away.
- “Strong technical knowledge” is meaningless. Which cloud platforms? What kind of systems? The vagueness turns serious candidates away.
- Cold Application Process
- Ending with “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels dismissive. It shows little respect for applicants’ time.
- Ending with “only shortlisted candidates will be contacted” feels dismissive. It shows little respect for applicants’ time.
- No Personality or Culture
- Nothing about how the team works, values, or what makes the company different. It could be copy-pasted to any firm.
- Nothing about how the team works, values, or what makes the company different. It could be copy-pasted to any firm.
⚠️ Bottom line:
This bad example shows why so many companies fail to attract strong applicants. It checks HR boxes but doesn’t inspire or connect. Compare it with the strong templates earlier — the difference is night and day.
Bonus Tips to Make Your Job Description Stand Out
Most companies stop at listing responsibilities and requirements. But if you want to truly attract top-tier candidates, add these elements:
🔐 1. Security & Privacy Notice
Build trust by protecting candidates upfront. Add a short statement like:
“We take the privacy of all applicants seriously. We will never request payment, bank details, or personal financial information during the hiring process.”
This reassures candidates that your process is safe and professional.
🌴 2. Mention Leave Days or Flex Time
Candidates value work-life balance. Don’t hide it in a contract — put it right in the post. Example:
“Enjoy 20 PTO days + 12 company holidays every year, plus flexible hours so you can recharge when needed.”
📈 3. Highlight Training & Growth Opportunities
Top candidates look for more than a paycheck — they want growth. Add specifics:
“We invest in your development with an annual $2,000 learning budget, paid certifications, and mentorship programs.”
🎥 4. Add a Video from the Team or CEO
A short Loom or YouTube video where the hiring manager or CEO explains the role and culture creates instant trust. Candidates get to “meet” the people behind the company — something 99% of job posts don’t offer.
Here is an example that we used in our master guide on how to write a great job post description , you can check it out here https://www.loom.com/share/ba401b65b7f943b68a91fc6b04a62ad4
💬 5. Humanize the Hiring Process
Most posts end coldly. Instead, write something like:
“We respect your time. That’s why we review every application and respond within two weeks. Whether you move forward or not, you’ll always hear from us.”
This small change makes your company stand out as one that actually values people.
✨ Adding these details costs you nothing, but makes your job post 10x more attractive to serious, high-quality applicants.
Should You Use AI to Write a System Architect Job Description?
With tools like ChatGPT, Jasper, and even ATS platforms like Workable or Manatal offering “AI job description generators,” it’s tempting to let software write the whole thing for you.
But here’s the problem:
❌ Why You Shouldn’t Rely on AI Alone
- Generic, lifeless posts — AI defaults to the same buzzwords: “dynamic,” “fast-paced,” “responsible for overseeing.” It feels templated.
- Wrong candidates — Bland AI content attracts job seekers who apply to everything, not mission-driven System Architects looking for the right fit.
- Hurts your brand — A job description is often the first impression a candidate has of your company. A copy-paste AI post signals laziness and lack of culture.
✅ The Smarter Way to Use AI
AI is powerful — if you feed it the right context. Don’t say:
“Write me a job description for a System Architect.”
That’ll give you something forgettable.
Instead, come prepared. Give AI the raw ingredients:
- What your company does (mission, industry, scale, tech stack)
- The role’s purpose and impact
- Your culture and values
- Salary range + perks
- What you’re looking for in an ideal candidate
Then use a prompt like:
“Help me write a System Architect job description for [Company Name]. We build [product/mission], and we’re hiring a [job title] to design and optimize [systems/tech stack]. Our culture is [describe values], and we want to attract candidates who are [traits]. We offer [benefits + salary]. Our hiring process is [steps].Here are a few notes I’ve written to get you started: [paste your notes]. Please write it in a conversational, engaging tone that shows why this role matters.”
This way, AI acts as a polishing tool — helping refine tone, structure, and clarity — not as a one-click generator.
💡 Key takeaway: Use AI to enhance your authentic message, not replace it. The candidates you want (experienced, thoughtful System Architects) can smell a lazy AI job post from a mile away.
Build a winning team—without the hiring headache.
WorkScreen helps you hire fast, confidently, and without second-guessing.
Copy-Paste System Architect Job Description Templates
We get it — sometimes you don’t have the time to reinvent the wheel. Maybe you’ve read this guide, understand the principles, and now just need a solid foundation you can copy, paste, and tweak for your company.
That’s what this section is for.
✏️ Important Reminder:
Don’t copy this word-for-word and expect magic.
This is a foundation, not a final draft.
Add a Loom video, inject your team culture, and edit the details to reflect your actual company.
In this section, you’ll find two ready-to-use job description templates for quick copy-paste use — but please remember, like we mentioned above, don’t just copy them word-for-word and expect results.
Think of these as starting points, not final drafts.
- Option 1: A more conversational, culture-first job description that highlights personality and team fit.
- Option 2: A more structured format, including a Job Brief, Responsibilities, and Requirements for a traditional approach.
✅ Option 1: Conversational Job Description (Culture-First Style)
Job Title: System Architect – Design the Backbone at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
▶ A quick word from our hiring manager/CTO (Insert Loom/YouTube link)
About Us
[Company Name] is a [industry/niche] company building [product/platform] that serves [customer segment] across [regions/markets]. We process [volume/scale metric—e.g., transactions/day, MAUs] and operate on a modern stack: [cloud provider], [container/orchestration], [datastores], [infra-as-code], [observability], with a strong focus on [security/compliance].
What You’ll Be Doing
- Design and evolve [cloud/hybrid/on-prem] architectures for scale, reliability, and security.
- Create reference architectures, standards, and decision records (RFCs/ADR).
- Partner with product/engineering to align systems with business goals and SLAs/SLOs.
- Lead architectural reviews, capacity planning, and cost/performance trade-offs.
- Champion observability, incident readiness, and security-by-design.
What We’re Looking For
- [5–8]+ years in system/solutions architecture or platform engineering.
- Depth in [AWS/Azure/GCP], [containers/Kubernetes], [datastores: SQL/NoSQL], [IaC: Terraform/Pulumi].
- Solid understanding of networking, distributed systems, and microservices patterns.
- Hands-on with CI/CD, monitoring/tracing/logging, and threat modeling.
- Clear communicator who can explain trade-offs to technical and non-technical audiences.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision], [retirement/401(k) match]
- [PTO days] + [company holidays] + [flex time/remote stipend]
- Annual learning budget ([amount]) + paid certifications
- [Equipment/home office stipend]
- [Equity/bonus eligibility if applicable]
Why This Role Is a Great Fit
- You’ll set standards and shape the backbone of [platform/product] used by [scale/impact].
- Work with a senior, low-ego team that values data, reliability, and craftsmanship.
- Real ownership: your architectural choices will directly influence roadmap and outcomes.
How to Apply
Apply via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen Link]. You’ll complete a short, skill-based evaluation focused on real-world problem-solving. We reply to every applicant.
✅ Option 2: Structured Job Description (Job Brief + Responsibilities + Requirements)
Job Title: System Architect – Build Secure, Scalable Systems at [Company Name]
💼 Location: Remote (HQ: [City, State])
🕒 Type: [Full-Time/Part-Time]
💰 Salary Range: [${X},000 – ${Y},000]/year
Job Brief
[Company Name] is hiring a System Architect to design, document, and guide the architecture of [platform/product]. You’ll ensure our systems are scalable, reliable, and compliant with [standards: SOC2/HIPAA/PCI/etc.], partnering closely with engineering, product, and security.
Responsibilities
- Produce architecture diagrams and docs (e.g., C4, ADRs); maintain technical standards.
- Lead system audits and resilience/cost/security improvements across [cloud/on-prem/hybrid].
- Guide integrations with [internal services/third-party platforms].
- Define observability baselines and readiness for incidents/DR.
- Mentor engineers on architecture patterns and trade-offs.
Requirements
- [4–6]+ years designing systems at [company size/domain].
- Proficiency with [AWS/Azure/GCP], [Kubernetes/containers], [SQL/NoSQL].
- Strong grasp of networking, security models, caching, queues, and data flows.
- Experience with IaC (Terraform/Pulumi) and CI/CD.
- Ability to present architectural decisions to leadership and cross-functional teams.
Perks & Benefits
- [Health/Dental/Vision] + [retirement/401(k) match]
- [PTO days] + [company holidays] + [parental leave/flex time]
- Paid training/certifications + [learning stipend amount]
- [Wellness/commuter benefits/equipment stipend]
How to Apply
Submit your application via WorkScreen: [Insert WorkScreen Link]. Our process is transparent and skill-focused, and every applicant hears back.
Why Stop Here? Let WorkScreen Handle the Next Step
Writing a strong job description is only the first half of the hiring equation. Once your post attracts candidates, you need a reliable way to separate the truly qualified applicants from the noise.
That’s where WorkScreen.io comes in.
With WorkScreen, you can:
- Quickly identify your most promising candidates.
WorkScreen automatically evaluates, scores, and ranks applicants on a performance-based leaderboard—making it easy to spot top talent, save time, and make smarter, data-driven hiring decisions.
- Easily run one-click skill tests.
With WorkScreen, you can administer one-click skill tests to assess candidates based on real-world ability—not just credentials like résumés and past experience. This helps you hire more confidently and holistically.
- Filter out low-effort or AI-generated applications.
WorkScreen automatically eliminates low-effort applicants who use AI Tools to apply, copy-paste answers, or rely on “one-click apply.” This way, you focus only on genuine, committed, and high-quality candidates—helping you avoid costly hiring mistakes.
- Deliver a better candidate experience.
Respect applicants’ time with clear, skill-based evaluations that feel modern, fair, and transparent.
✨ Bottom line:
You’ve learned how to write a job description that inspires. Now let WorkScreen handle the heavy lifting — evaluating applicants, surfacing top talent, and helping you make smarter hiring decisions, faster.
Frequently Asked Questions - System Architect Job Description
A System Engineer is typically hands-on — they implement, maintain, and optimize the systems already in place. A System Architect, on the other hand, designs the overall structure of those systems. Architects create the “blueprint” (how components connect, scale, and remain secure), while engineers build and operate within that blueprint. In short: the architect plans the city, the engineer builds and maintains the roads.
Look for a blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking. Key skills include:
- Deep knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)
- Proficiency in networking, databases, and distributed systems
- Ability to design for scalability, performance, and security
- Familiarity with DevOps practices, automation, and infrastructure as code
- Strong communication — they must explain technical trade-offs to non-technical stakeholders
- Strategic foresight to align technology with business growth
Compensation varies by region, seniority, and industry. Generally:
- Entry-level / Junior Architects: around $70,000–$90,000/year
- Mid-level Architects: around $95,000–$120,000/year
- Senior/Enterprise Architects: often $130,000–$160,000+ per year
In high-demand markets (like Silicon Valley or NYC), senior roles can exceed $180,000/year.
- Entry-level / Junior Architects: around $70,000–$90,000/year
Not always at the same depth as software engineers, but they should understand coding and system design principles. Many architects still write proof-of-concepts, automation scripts, or infrastructure code to validate their designs.
Many companies use inventory management systems such as NetSuite, Oracle, SAP, QuickBooks, or Fishbowl Inventory. At minimum, candidates should be comfortable with spreadsheets (Excel/Google Sheets). Entry-level candidates can be trained on advanced systems if they demonstrate adaptability.
