Network Architect
Description
Title: Network Architect
Location: Boulder, CO – Onsite
Terms: Full-time
Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
Travel: Minimal; <10% anticipated
RESULTS. INNOVATION. VALUES. ACCOUNTABILITY.
That’s RIVA. Our employee-first approach has manifested a culture that attracts the best and brightest. By investing in people first and providing a flexible work environment, our employees have higher morale, higher productivity rates, and lower turnover. At RIVA, people are our #1 priority.
Program Overview
RIVA Solutions is supporting the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) under the ISCOM Division to deliver mission-critical IT modernization and cybersecurity services. This effort focuses on enhancing the security, reliability, and efficiency of NTIA’s infrastructure, driving forward their mission of advancing broadband access, data-driven policymaking, and secure communications through modern digital tools and compliance with federal standards.
Position Overview
RIVA Solutions is seeking a Network Architect to provide both strategic leadership and hands-on technical implementation of enterprise network solutions under the NTIA ISCOM contract. This individual will design, deploy, and maintain highly available, scalable, and secure network architectures supporting NTIA’s mission-critical operations.
The Network Architect will serve as the senior technical expert, combining architecture and engineering responsibilities—owning everything from conceptual design and planning to configuration, implementation, testing, and optimization. This position requires an individual who thrives in a hands-on role, leading deployments while collaborating with engineering teams and federal stakeholders to deliver robust, modern network solutions.
Core Responsibilities
- Architect, design, and deploy complex enterprise network infrastructures across LAN, WAN, and hybrid cloud environments.
- Configure and implement routers, switches, firewalls, VPNs, load balancers, and related components in accordance with architecture designs.
- Provide hands-on installation, integration, and troubleshooting of network hardware and software.
- Lead network modernization efforts, including migration, segmentation, and automation initiatives.
- Perform advanced diagnostics and root-cause analysis of network incidents; drive resolution and document lessons learned.
- Develop network topology diagrams, configuration standards, and system documentation for both design and operational continuity.
- Implement and validate network security controls, collaborating with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance with federal standards.
- Conduct performance monitoring, capacity planning, and system optimization to enhance reliability and availability.
- Support the deployment and management of cloud-connected networks, including VPN gateways and hybrid routing.
- Evaluate emerging technologies, vendors, and tools; recommend upgrades or new solutions aligned with program goals.
- Collaborate with IT operations and program stakeholders to ensure design intent is met throughout build and deployment phases.
- Mentor junior engineers and contribute to knowledge sharing across the technical team.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in network architecture and engineering, including hands-on implementation.
- U.S. Citizenship required with the ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance.
- Extensive experience in the design, configuration, and deployment of enterprise network systems.
- Expert-level knowledge of routing and switching protocols (BGP, OSPF, EIGRP, MPLS, VLANs, QoS).
- Strong background in firewall administration, VPN configuration, and network access control.
- Experience integrating and securing cloud or hybrid networks (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
- Proficiency with network monitoring and troubleshooting tools (e.g., SolarWinds, Wireshark, NetFlow analyzers).
- Demonstrated ability to balance high-level architectural planning with detailed, hands-on implementation.
Preferred Qualifications
- Advanced industry certifications such as:
- Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) or Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
- AWS Certified Advanced Networking – Specialty
- Microsoft Certified: Azure Solutions Architect Expert
- CompTIA Advanced Security Practitioner (CASP+) or CISSP
- Experience implementing Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) principles within enterprise networks.
- Familiarity with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV).
- Knowledge of automation and orchestration tools (e.g., Ansible, Terraform) for network deployment and management.
- Experience supporting network design and deployment for federal or regulated agencies in compliance with NIST, FISMA, or FedRAMP.
- Strong leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse technical teams.
Salary
Up to $160,000 depending on experience.
RIVA Benefits
- Paid Time Off / Sick Leave
- Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage
- Life Insurance
- 401K Retirement Plan with Company Match
- HSA/FSA Spending Accounts
- Long- and Short-term Disability
- Pet Insurance
- Wellness Program Initiatives
- RIVA Flex (Flex Hours and Hybrid Work Support)
- Additional Perks & Workplace Benefits
Equal Opportunity Statement
RIVA Solutions is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any protected class. If you need a reasonable accommodation to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please email [email protected]. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.