What is a Solutions Architect at Burns & McDonnell?

The Solutions Architect role at Burns & McDonnell is a pivotal position that bridges the gap between complex technical requirements and strategic business goals. Unlike pure software companies, Burns & McDonnell operates heavily in the engineering, architecture, and construction (AEC) sectors. Consequently, a Solutions Architect here often focuses on designing high-level systems for mission-critical sectors such as Global Facilities (data centers, manufacturing), Aviation, and Federal projects. You are not just writing code; you are architecting the technological and structural frameworks that allow massive physical and digital projects to succeed.

In this role, you drive the definition of solutions that meet client needs while adhering to the firm's rigorous quality and safety standards. You will collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams—ranging from architects and engineers to construction managers—to ensure that the proposed solutions are viable, scalable, and cost-effective. Your work directly impacts the efficiency of major infrastructure projects, making this a high-stakes, high-impact role.

Expect to work in an environment that values employee ownership. As a 100% employee-owned firm, Burns & McDonnell fosters a culture where every team member is expected to think like an owner, prioritizing long-term success and client satisfaction over short-term fixes.

Getting Ready for Your Interviews

Preparation for Burns & McDonnell requires a shift in mindset. You need to demonstrate not only technical competence but also the ability to manage stakeholders in a consulting environment. The interview process can vary significantly in tone, so mental preparation is key.

Focus on these key evaluation criteria:

Technical & Domain Expertise You must demonstrate a deep understanding of the specific domain you are applying for, whether that is data center infrastructure, enterprise IT systems, or facility design. Interviewers will assess your ability to apply standard engineering or architectural techniques to solve novel problems.

Consultative Approach Because this is a client-facing industry, you are evaluated on your ability to "sell" a solution. You need to show that you can listen to client requirements, interpret vague needs, and present a clear, professional technical strategy.

Cultural Fit & Ownership The "employee-owner" culture is not a buzzword here; it is the core of their identity. Interviewers look for candidates who are self-motivated, eager to learn, and willing to take accountability. You should demonstrate that you treat company resources and client relationships as if they were your own.

Adaptability & Resilience Recent candidate experiences suggest that the interview atmosphere can vary. You may face questions that test your patience or how you handle pressure. Showing that you can remain professional and composed, even if an interviewer is rushing or challenging you, is a critical soft skill.

Interview Process Overview

The interview process for a Solutions Architect at Burns & McDonnell has evolved to include modern digital screening tools followed by personal interactions. Based on recent data, the process is generally efficient, though the quality of the experience can depend heavily on the specific hiring manager and location.

Typically, the process begins with a digital, pre-recorded interview. This is a distinctive feature of their initial screen. You will likely use a platform where questions are displayed on the screen, and you are given a set amount of time to prepare your answer before the recording starts. This format allows you to compose your thoughts, but it removes the immediate feedback loop of a human conversation. Candidates report that the company is often responsive after this stage, sometimes following up within a day.

If you pass the digital screen, you will move to interviews with the Hiring Manager and potentially a panel of peers. These rounds focus on your resume, your "years of experience" (which is heavily weighted), and behavioral scenarios. Be prepared for a mix of technical vetting and questions about how you handle workplace dynamics. While some candidates report a positive, easy-going experience, others have noted that interviewers can be direct or even rushed.

The timeline above illustrates the typical flow. The Digital Screen is your first hurdle; treat it as seriously as a live call. The subsequent Hiring Manager and Panel rounds are where you must advocate for your specific qualifications, as some candidates have noted that general "years of experience" are scrutinized closely if they don't perfectly align with the job description.

Deep Dive into Evaluation Areas

Candidates for the Solutions Architect role are evaluated on a mix of technical acumen and professional maturity. Based on candidate reports, you should be prepared for the following areas.

Digital & Behavioral Competency

Since the first round is often digital, you are evaluated on your ability to communicate clearly and concisely without a human prompts.

• Structured Communication: Can you answer a prompt comprehensively within a time limit?
• Professional Presentation: Do you maintain eye contact with the camera and speak with confidence?
• Response to Ambiguity: When a question is broad, do you narrow it down effectively?

Technical Problem Solving

You will be asked to describe how you approach complex projects.

• System Design: How you architect solutions for specific industries (e.g., manufacturing, aviation).
• Tool Proficiency: Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Revit, or specific enterprise architecture tools relevant to the job description.
• Process Knowledge: Understanding of construction documentation, specification development, or IT lifecycle management.

Be ready to go over:

• Project Lifecycles: How you manage a solution from concept to delivery.
• Conflict Resolution: Specific examples of handling disagreements with clients or team members.
• Technical failures: Times when a solution didn't work and how you fixed it.

Example questions or scenarios:

• "Describe a time you had to learn a new technology quickly to solve a client problem."
• "How do you handle a situation where a client disagrees with your technical recommendation?"
• "Tell us about a project where you had to manage conflicting priorities under a tight deadline."

Key Responsibilities

As a Solutions Architect, your daily work is dynamic and heavily project-based. You are responsible for the planning and design of complex systems. In the context of Global Facilities, this might involve designing the layout and systems for mission-critical data centers, aerospace manufacturing plants, or district energy systems.

You will work collaboratively with project teams consisting of architects, engineers, and designers. A significant part of your role involves construction documentation and specification development. You ensure that the high-level architecture is translated into actionable, compliant, and accurate technical documents.

Client interaction is also central to the role. You may be tasked with client presentations, programming (defining the scope of work), and reviewing shop drawings during the construction administration phase. You are expected to be a problem solver who can assist lead engineers in correcting designs and updating systems as project needs evolve.

Role Requirements & Qualifications

To be competitive for this role, you need to meet specific educational and experiential benchmarks. Burns & McDonnell places significant emphasis on formal qualifications and tenure.

• Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (Architecture, Engineering, or Computer Science depending on the specific vertical) is virtually non-negotiable. A strong GPA (3.0+) is often preferred.
• Experience: "Years of experience" is a critical metric here. Candidates have noted that HR and hiring managers scrutinize your work history closely. You need to show a linear progression of responsibility.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office is a baseline. Depending on the team, you may need deep knowledge of CAD/BIM software (Revit, AutoCAD) or enterprise architecture frameworks.
• Soft Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills are mandatory due to the consulting nature of the business. Demonstrated leadership skills—even in previous internship or junior roles—are highly valued.

Must-have skills:

• Legally authorized to work in the US without sponsorship (strictly enforced).
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team environment.

Nice-to-have skills:

• Prior consulting experience.
• Active involvement in community or volunteer organizations (aligns with culture).

Common Interview Questions

Interview questions at Burns & McDonnell tend to be a mix of standard behavioral inquiries and experience-verification questions. The digital interview format means you will often see these questions written out before you have to speak.

Behavioral & Situational

These questions test your cultural fit and past performance.

• "Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a coworker. How did you resolve it?"
• "Describe a situation where you had to meet a tight deadline. How did you prioritize your tasks?"
• "What is your biggest professional failure, and what did you learn from it?"
• "Why do you want to work for Burns & McDonnell specifically?"
• "Describe a time you went above and beyond for a client."

Technical & Experience

These questions verify your resume and technical depth.

• "Walk us through your experience with [specific tool/technology from your resume]."
• "How do you approach creating construction documentation for a complex facility?"
• "Describe a technical problem you solved using data analysis."
• "How do you ensure quality control in your design process?"

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How difficult is the interview process? The difficulty is generally rated as medium. The challenge often lies not in impossible technical brain-teasers, but in navigating the digital interview format effectively and demonstrating the specific "employee-owner" cultural fit that the company prizes.

Q: What is the "Digital Interview" like? It is a pre-recorded session (often HireVue or similar). You will see a question, have a short period (e.g., 30-60 seconds) to think, and then a set time to record your answer. You usually cannot re-record multiple times, so preparation is essential.

Q: Is the salary competitive? Candidate feedback on salary is mixed. Some reviews for the Solutions Architect role mention offers being lower than expected or strictly tied to years of experience rather than skill level. However, the total compensation package often includes significant benefits related to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), which can be very valuable long-term.

Q: Does Burns & McDonnell offer remote work? The company generally emphasizes an in-office culture to foster collaboration and mentorship, though policies may vary by team. Most roles, especially in architecture and engineering, require being on-site or at client sites (travel is typically around 5%).

Q: How long does it take to hear back? The process can be surprisingly fast. Some candidates reported hearing back within one day of their digital interview. However, if you decline an offer or do not fit the exact experience profile, communication may become abrupt.

Other General Tips

Master the Digital Format Since the first round is often pre-recorded, practice talking to your webcam. Ensure your lighting is good, your background is professional, and you speak with energy. This is your first impression, and you won't have a human on the other end to guide the conversation.

Emphasize "Employee Ownership" Research the ESOP model before you interview. Mentioning that you are attracted to the accountability and long-term reward structure of an employee-owned company will resonate strongly with interviewers.

Prepare for Behavioral Scenarios Have 3-5 "STAR" method stories ready (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Focus on stories that highlight collaboration, safety, and client satisfaction.

Know the Market Segments Read the job description carefully to see if it falls under Global Facilities, Aviation, or Federal. Tailor your answers to show you understand the specific constraints (e.g., security for Federal, uptime for Data Centers) of that industry.

Summary & Next Steps

The Solutions Architect role at Burns & McDonnell offers a unique opportunity to work on tangible, large-scale infrastructure projects within a 100% employee-owned environment. It is a role for professionals who are technically grounded but also business-minded, capable of navigating the complexities of construction, engineering, and client management.

To succeed, focus your preparation on the digital interview format and refining your behavioral stories. Be ready to discuss your specific technical experiences in detail and demonstrate how your background aligns with the rigorous demands of the AEC industry. While the process can be fast-paced and occasionally direct, showing resilience and a "owner's mindset" will set you apart.

The salary data above provides a baseline, but remember that for a full-time Solutions Architect (non-intern), compensation will be significantly higher and structured differently, often heavily weighted toward the ESOP and annual bonuses. Evaluate the total compensation package, not just the base salary, when considering an offer.

For more detailed interview questions and community insights, continue your research on Dataford. Good luck!