Systems Engineer V (IT Architect)

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Systems Engineer V (IT Architect)

Location : Boulder, CO (Onsite)

Terms : Full-Time

Clearance : U.S. Citizenship with ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust

Travel : Up to 10%

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

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) is a world leader in applying cutting-edge research and innovative IT systems to improve weather and environmental forecasting across the globe. Based in Boulder, Colorado, GSL’s mission supports the development and integration of advanced computing, modeling, artificial intelligence, and software engineering to meet the growing needs of the scientific and environmental community.

RIVA Solutions supports NOAA GSL through a range of IT, systems engineering, cybersecurity, and DevOps services. Our team plays a critical role in maintaining secure, high-performance computing environments that enable NOAA’s researchers and operational teams to deliver next-generation climate, weather, and environmental solutions for the nation.

Position Overview

RIVA Solutions is seeking a Systems Engineer V (IT Architect) to provide high-level architectural vision, technical expertise, and strategic guidance in support of NOAA's Global Systems Laboratory (GSL) IT infrastructure. This position involves translating business needs into innovative and secure technical designs while working directly with engineers, scientists, and senior leadership to develop scalable IT solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in Linux systems administration, scalable storage solutions, backup systems, and automation within complex computing environments.

Core Responsibilities

Evaluate GSL’s current IT infrastructure and develop future-state architectures to meet evolving scientific and operational needs

Collaborate with GSL scientists and engineers to gather technical and business requirements for new deployments

Architect scalable solutions that comply with NOAA’s security boundary requirements

Research, assess, and recommend new technologies aligned with mission objectives

Develop cost models and recommend cloud vs. on-prem deployment strategies

Generate architectural documentation and monthly status reports

Collaborate with peers across IT operations and senior management to ensure design alignment

Attend relevant conferences and meetings to support ongoing strategy and innovation

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience

5+ years of Linux Systems Administration or Systems Engineering experience

Strong expertise in :

Scalable storage systems

Backup systems and data protection strategies

Linux OS (e.g., RedHat)

Configuration management and process automation

IT infrastructure design and systems analysis

Strong understanding of DNS, NFS, TCP / IP, and basic routing concepts

Proficiency in scripting languages and systems programming

Deep knowledge of IT security principles

Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Strong organizational skills and ability to manage competing priorities

Salary

Up to $155,000 (based on experience)

RIVA Benefits

Paid Time Off / Sick Leave

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 accommodations@rivasolutionsinc.com. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.