Systems Architect

Title: Systems Architect Location: Washington, DC (On-Site) Terms: Full-Time Clearance: Top Secret / SCI Required Travel: 0-10%    RESULTS. INNOVATION. VALUES. ACCOUNTABILITY. That’s RIVA. Our employee-first approach has cultivated a culture that attracts the best and brightest. By investing in people first and providing a flexible work environment, our employees experience higher morale, increased productivity, and lower turnover. At RIVA, people are our #1 priority. RIVA is seeking an experienced and highly technical Systems Architect to support the Department of Commerce (DOC). The ideal candidate will have expertise in designing and implementing secure network architectures, integrating multiple technologies, and advancing enterprise IT systems in support of national security operations.    Key Responsibilities include: 

• Design the “to-be” architecture for DOC’s national security network topology, addressing current and future requirements. 

• Propose and implement new network and system solutions while maintaining and optimizing existing infrastructure. 

• Perform system and network architecture analysis, ensuring compliance with security requirements. 

• Draft, maintain, and update network design documentation, topology diagrams, and system architecture plans. 

• Monitor, troubleshoot, and rectify network performance issues, outages, and design flaws. 

• Recommend strategic improvements to network health, security posture, and operational efficiency. 

• Perform disaster recovery planning and implement backup strategies. 

• Support the deployment and configuration of network devices such as routers, switches, firewalls, servers, intrusion detection/protection systems, and encryption devices (e.g., TACLANEs). 

• Collaborate with system owners, cybersecurity teams, and engineers to ensure seamless system and network integration. 

• Stay abreast of emerging tools, technologies, and industry trends, recommending solutions that enhance mission performance. 

• Interface with vendors regarding procurement, maintenance, and evaluation of network and system components. 

   Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or related field. 

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in systems architecture, network design, and enterprise IT operations. 

• Strong knowledge of Cisco, Palo Alto, VMware, Microsoft technologies, and modern network security best practices. 

• Expertise in network structure design, system engineering, hardware/software requirements analysis. 

• Proficient in network monitoring, troubleshooting, and performance optimization. 

• Ability to develop disaster recovery architectural plans and implement proactive monitoring solutions. 

• Must have an active Top Secret / SCI clearance. 

   Preferred Skills and Experience: 

• Experience designing network architectures for federal agencies or similar environments. 

• Familiarity with security frameworks such as RMF, CNSS Policies, and DISA STIGs. 

• Strong experience with network management tools and enterprise IT modernization efforts. 

• Industry certifications such as CCNP, CCIE, CISSP, or equivalent are preferred but not required. 

   Salary: Max up to $170,000 a year, depending on experience RIVA Benefits: 

• Health, Dental, and Vision Coverage 

• Life Insurance 

• Retirement Benefits / 401K with Company Matching 

• HSA/FSA Spending Accounts 

• Long- and Short-Term Disability 

• Pet Insurance 

• Wellness Program Initiatives 

• RIVA Flex 

• Additional Workplace Benefits 

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.