As a Solutions Architect at Unisys, your daily responsibilities will span the entire lifecycle of client engagements, from pre-sales consultations to final delivery oversight.

You will spend a significant portion of your time collaborating directly with client stakeholders. This involves conducting workshops, gathering business requirements, and translating those needs into comprehensive architectural blueprints. You will write detailed technical proposals, design high-level and low-level system diagrams, and present your solutions to both technical and executive audiences.

Once a design is approved, your role shifts toward enablement and governance. You will work closely with development leads, system engineers, and project managers to ensure the implementation aligns with your architectural vision. You will act as a technical mentor, resolving complex engineering roadblocks and reviewing code or infrastructure configurations when critical issues arise.

Additionally, you will contribute to the broader Unisys technology strategy. This includes evaluating emerging technologies, building reusable architectural patterns, and helping the company refine its service offerings in areas like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and enterprise application modernization.

To be competitive for the Solutions Architect position at Unisys, you must possess a strong foundation of technical credentials and proven professional experience.

Experience & Education

• Professional Experience – Typically requires 8+ years of experience in IT infrastructure, software engineering, or systems integration, with at least 3+ years spent operating in an architect-level role.
• Education – A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is standard, though equivalent practical experience is highly valued.

Technical Skills

• Cloud Platforms – Strong expertise in at least one major cloud provider (AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud Platform), preferably backed by professional-level certifications (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional or Azure Solutions Architect Expert).
• Enterprise Architecture – Deep understanding of enterprise integration patterns, service-oriented architectures, and microservices. Familiarity with frameworks like TOGAF is a strong plus.
• Security & Networking – Solid knowledge of network security, firewalls, encryption, identity management (OAuth, SAML), and modern zero-trust frameworks.

Soft Skills & Competencies

• Client-Facing Presence – Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the ability to build trust with enterprise clients.

• Collaborative Mindset – Proven track record of working effectively across global, cross-functional, and multi-cultural delivery teams.

• Negotiation – Strong ability to manage scope, handle pushback from stakeholders, and negotiate technical trade-offs.

• Must-have qualifications – Strong cloud architecture experience (AWS/Azure), client-facing design experience, and a proven history of delivering enterprise-scale systems.

• Nice-to-have qualifications – Experience with mainframe modernization, container orchestration (Kubernetes), and formal enterprise architecture certifications (TOGAF).

Q: How difficult is the Solutions Architect interview at Unisys? A: Candidates generally describe the interview difficulty as average to difficult. The technical questions are highly practical and scenario-based, focusing heavily on your actual design experience rather than rote memorization of algorithms.

Q: How long does the entire hiring process take? A: The process is thorough and can be lengthy, often taking between 4 to 8 weeks from the initial screening to the final offer. This is especially true for roles with regional coverage, where multiple stakeholders across different geographies must align.

Q: Is there a coding round for this position? A: Generally, no. While you must have a strong understanding of software engineering principles, the evaluation focuses on system design, whiteboarding, and architecture rather than writing active code.

Q: What is the company culture like for architects at Unisys? A: The culture is highly professional, collaborative, and project-focused. Because you will often work on client-facing accounts, the environment demands high accountability, adaptability, and strong stakeholder management skills.

Q: What is the most critical factor for success in the interview? A: The ability to articulate the "why" behind your architectural decisions. Interviewers do not just want to see a functional diagram; they want to hear how you weighed cost, security, complexity, and business constraints to arrive at your design.

To maximize your chances of success during the Unisys interview process, keep these practical, insider tips in mind:

• Focus on Legacy Modernization: Many of Unisys' clients are large enterprises looking to modernize older systems. Be prepared to discuss how you bridge the gap between legacy infrastructures (like mainframes or on-premises servers) and modern cloud solutions.
• Master the Whiteboard: Practice drawing out your architectural designs clearly. Focus on logical flow, clean labeling, and explaining your thought process out loud as you draw.
• Prepare for Tough Salary Negotiations: Candidates have noted that the final HR negotiation phase can be highly structured. Research market rates thoroughly and be ready to articulate the specific value and expertise you bring to the table.
• Showcase Your Team Player Credentials: Ensure you emphasize collaboration in your behavioral answers. Frame your successes around team achievements and demonstrate that you can navigate regional or organizational politics smoothly.

• Inquire About the Project: Use your interview time to ask about the specific project or client account you are being hired for. Showing immediate interest in their unique challenges demonstrates proactive engagement and professionalism.

Securing a Solutions Architect position at Unisys is an exceptional opportunity to drive high-impact digital transformations for some of the world's most vital organizations. The role demands a unique combination of deep technical expertise, robust system design capabilities, and refined stakeholder management skills. By preparing thoroughly for the core evaluation areas and understanding the company's project-driven focus, you can stand out as a highly capable candidate.

As you prepare, focus your energy on structuring your past architectural experiences, mastering the art of the system design whiteboard, and refining your behavioral stories to highlight collaboration and leadership. Dedicated, structured preparation is the key to navigating this rigorous process with confidence.

The compensation data above outlines the typical salary ranges for this role. Use this information to guide your expectations and prepare for the final HR discussions. For more detailed company insights, interview reviews, and preparation resources, you can explore additional materials on Dataford to ensure you are fully equipped to ace your interviews. Good luck!