DevOps architect job description.

What does a DevOps architect do?

 

A DevOps architect designs scalable, automated infrastructure and delivery pipelines that support modern software development. They define tooling, cloud environments, and deployment patterns used by engineering teams.

 

Responsibilities include choosing architecture frameworks, implementing best practices in automation, and integrating monitoring, testing, and release tools. They serve as technical leads across engineering and operations.

 

In enterprises, DevOps architects work across multiple teams and regions. In smaller setups, they play a key role in scaling systems quickly and safely. Strong cloud and security experience is essential in this role.

 

Key responsibilities of a DevOps architect.

 

The responsibilities of a DevOps architect focus on designing scalable, secure systems for efficient software delivery. Common duties include:

• Defining infrastructure and pipeline architecture for scalable deployments

• Designing CI/CD workflows using tools like GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or CircleCI

• Selecting and implementing infrastructure-as-code tools and standards

• Designing containerisation and orchestration using Docker and Kubernetes

• Ensuring systems meet SLAs, availability, and disaster recovery goals

• Collaborating with engineering teams to guide infrastructure strategy

• Evaluating new technologies for automation, monitoring, and cloud tooling

• Supporting compliance and governance requirements for infrastructure

• Writing and maintaining architectural documentation and playbooks

• Mentoring DevOps engineers on architecture decisions and principles

This role blends infrastructure design with tooling strategy and system scalability.

 

Skills and requirements for a DevOps architect.

 

DevOps architects design scalable, secure infrastructure solutions. Employers typically look for:

• 6–10 years of experience in DevOps, cloud, or platform architecture

• Deep knowledge of infrastructure design, automation, and resilience

• Experience building and scaling CI/CD pipelines

• Strong scripting and configuration management skills

• Familiarity with high-availability systems, networking, and security

• Confidence working across AWS, Azure, or GCP environments

• Ability to design infrastructure as code using Terraform or Ansible

• Comfortable working with development teams to align architecture

• Strong documentation and stakeholder communication skills

Most DevOps architects shape environments that support performance, scale, and future delivery needs.

 

Average salary for a DevOps architect.

 

In the UK, the average salary for a DevOps architect typically ranges from £85,000 to £125,000, influenced by architectural oversight, infrastructure design, and automation maturity.

• Mid-level DevOps architects usually earn between £85,000 and £105,000

• Senior-level architects leading complex hybrid or multi-cloud environments can earn between £106,000 and £125,000

• These roles often include strategic alignment with engineering leadership and CTOs

London and remote-first tech companies offer the most competitive salaries, especially in AI, finance, and high-availability platforms.

 

Career progression for a DevOps architect.

 

A DevOps architect shapes systems infrastructure, scalability, and automation standards. It’s a senior technical role that often feeds into leadership. A typical path includes:

 

DevOps engineer

 

Builds automation pipelines, monitors environments, and configures cloud infrastructure.

 

Senior DevOps engineer

 

Designs scalable systems, leads IaC adoption, and improves system resilience.

 

DevOps architect

 

Owns infrastructure design, cloud strategy, and tooling selection.

 

Head of DevOps / SRE

 

Leads infrastructure at scale. Aligns uptime, security, and engineering goals.

 

CTO / platform director

 

Sets long-term platform strategy, oversees budgets, and manages cross-functional engineering teams.