As a Solutions Architect at Quantexa, my role is a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the world of Commercials, Solution Engineering, TAPs, Delivery, data, and technology! We wear many hats and juggle a variety of responsibilities. From donning our superhero capes to assist the Commercial Team with technical support during demos and workshops, we swoop in to provide infrastructure guidance, effort estimates, and sizing recommendations. We’re the wizards behind the curtain, crafting SOWs (Statements of Work) that turn customer visions into reality.
When we’re not busy casting spells with the Delivery Team to implement solutions, we’re partnering with the customer-facing teams to ensure everything runs smoother than a well-oiled machine. Our mission is to help customers optimize their TCO (Total Cost of Ownership), drive down infrastructure costs, and make the most of their Quantexa investments.
But wait, there’s more!
We’re also the bridge between the trenches and the ivory tower, working closely with R&D and Product to refine and enhance our core product. We’re not shy about suggesting new features and capabilities—after all, innovation is our middle name.
Last but not least, we’re the trusty sidekicks to our customers, supporting them through upgrades and enabling new features on existing platforms.
It’s all in a day’s work for the dynamic, ever-busy Solutions Architecture team!
Meet Farshid:
As a Solutions Architect in the APAC region, I have the pleasure of overseeing our foundational customer, the largest Quantexa client in terms of use cases and implementations. I’m also working on federal government projects - our key focus area this year.
On a typical day, you may find me deep in the trenches of documentation, especially on topics like Streaming and Kafka. I've had the good fortune to work on several Streaming projects at Quantexa, so I'm constantly sharing my insights and learnings.
Beyond that, I provide technical guidance to our APAC Delivery Engineers, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed. I wear the hat of a Platform Engineer manager, coordinating efforts and setting the technical direction. And because mentorship is close to my heart, I spend time mentoring, sharing knowledge, and hopefully inspiring the next generation of Quantexa rock stars. It's a mix of strategy, hands-on technical work, and a dash of mentorship.
Every Friday, I send a cheerful message to all Quantexans, spreading positivity and good vibes. I've been doing this since I joined, and it’s become a tradition—some people even know me as "Mr. Happy Friday"! It’s a fun way to connect, though I sometimes wonder if people think that’s all I do.
I have a deep passion for engineering, having been in the industry for nearly 20 years. My journey began as a web developer at just 16, and I've since evolved through various roles, including Software Engineer, Senior Engineer, Lead Engineer, and now Solutions Architect.
At work, I'm an active member of the APAC Socials Committee, helping to organize events and socials in Melbourne. I ensure our Melbourne office is stocked with snacks and other goodies, guaranteeing everyone has what they need to stay energized and happy. It’s all about balancing the serious work with a bit of fun and making sure the office feels like a great place to be!
Beyond work, I love to travel and have visited nearly 30 countries, soaking up diverse cultures and experiences. I'm an avid reader, especially interested in topics like science, politics, humanity, society, and, of course, technology. I enjoy sharing my adventures and thoughts through a YouTube channel where I post videos about my travels and other interesting finds. I also connect with people and share more about my life on a public Instagram account.
How do you normally start your working day?
My day starts simply: I wake up around 5:30, go for a swim to kickstart the morning, and then head home for breakfast. I then head to the office. On Friday I post my Happy Friday message before breakfast. It's a little ritual that sets a positive tone for the day!
How would you describe a typical day?
A typical day for me is a blend of technical problem-solving, collaboration, and a bit of fun. My mornings often involve providing technical guidance and support, whether that's assisting the APAC Delivery Team, mentoring colleagues, or working with customers on infrastructure optimization and solution implementation.
Somewhere in there, I make time for connecting with colleagues—whether it's chatting about the latest project or sharing a laugh. My day is a mix of technical challenges, teamwork, and community-building, all wrapped up with a positive, can-do attitude.
What do you enjoy most in your role?
The people I get to work with. At Quantexa, we're lucky to have a kind of magnet that attracts good people with great intentions, positive energy, and wonderful personalities. It's inspiring to be part of such a talented and supportive team.
Additionally, I thrive on the challenges that come with my role. I love tackling complex problems, finding creative solutions, and constantly learning new things. Whether it's navigating technical issues or collaborating on innovative projects, the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the work keeps me engaged and motivated.
What are your main goals as a Solutions Architect?
- Driving technical excellence throughout sales, delivery, and post-delivery
- Supporting other teams to success
- Working with Product and R&D on improvements, and new features
- Mentorship and leadership
- Working with customers in driving success, cost optimisation, self-sufficiency, maintenance, and efficiency
What are your most memorable moments?
There have been many highlights throughout my time at Quantexa:
I’m particularly proud of the successes we’ve achieved, including securing new deals and delivering successful projects. The growth we’ve experienced in the APAC region has been a significant milestone.
One of the most unforgettable experiences was our Winter party in Sydney in 2021, where we celebrated on a boat. The week-long Winter party in London in 2022 was also incredible, with festivities extending throughout the week and a chance to meet colleagues from across the globe.
However, the most memorable moment was when Vish (our CEO) announced that I was chosen to be the Quantexa Champion of the Year for Teamwork in 2022, which was a tremendous honour.
What do you think are the most important attributes of a Solution Architect?
In my view, the most important attributes of a Solution Architect include being personable, approachable, and positive. A successful Solution Architect should also be collaborative, working seamlessly with diverse teams and stakeholders. Additionally, a commitment to continuous learning and discovery is crucial, as it helps in staying ahead in a rapidly evolving field and finding innovative solutions to complex problems.
What are you excited about at the moment?
Our continuous growth and drive to penetrate new markets. There's always something new and thrilling on the horizon at Quantexa, and it’s energizing to be part of a team constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new opportunities.
What is the best tip you have learned for using Quantexa?
Be patient and thoroughly understand the software. Often, the solution to your problem will become clear once you’ve invested time in learning the system and its capabilities.
What is your favourite area of the Quantexa Community?
My favorite area of the Quantexa Community is the content related to technology and engineering. I really enjoy reading posts about various issues and solutions, as well as the blogs written by engineers sharing their experiences and insights. It’s fascinating to see how others approach problem-solving and build innovative solutions.
