Network Architect - NFF Inc

Since 1996, NFF has designed, architected, and delivered IT network and security solutions to many state, and local government agencies, K-20 educational institutions, federal agencies, and large enterprise businesses across the mid-Atlantic. NFF is a technology services and solutions provider, specializing in next-generation IT infrastructure including networks, data centers, cloud migrations, IT security, collaboration and mobility, and full/part-time staff augmentation services.   Our solutions, professional services and IT staffing portfolio are centered around building more resilient, secure, adaptive, and intelligent IT infrastructure and include comprehensive assessment, architecture, design, integration and installation services, and ongoing performance management services though our Network Operations Center (NOC).  

NFF is a Cisco Gold Partner with a Customer Experience Specialization and was a “Cisco Top-5 Mid-Atlantic SLED Partner” in 2019, 2020 and 2022. NFF has maintained Cisco Gold Partnership since 2008, is the only Cisco Gold Partner headquartered in the District of Columbia. In addition to Cisco, NFF has key partnerships with many manufacturers and IT solution providers including, Rapid7, Arctic Wolf, VMware, NetApp and Splunk.

NFF is a District of Columbia (DC) Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) and a SBA Certified Small Business with headquarters in downtown Washington, DC. Our dedication to quality is reflected in our accomplishment of being awarded multiple ISO 9001:2015 certifications.

The Network Architect role is to develop and maintain the high-level design & low-level design plan for the overall logical and technical network architecture. This individual will provide technical solutions and consulting across the organization, from strategic decision making down to the project planning level. The Network architect will gain organizational commitment for all network infrastructure plans and initiate and participate in projects to evaluate technologies and methods for implementing these plans

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Design and implement short- and long-term strategic plans to make certain network capacity meets existing and future requirements.
• Develop, implement, and maintain policies, procedures, and associated training plans for network resource administration and appropriate use.
• Develop and deploy methodologies for testing network performance and providing network performance statistics and reports.
• Conduct research on emerging technologies in support of network development efforts and recommend technologies that will increase cost effectiveness and network flexibility.
• Develop, document, make recommendations, and communicate plans for investing in network technologies, including analysis of cost reduction opportunities.
• Participate in the development of network strategies in collaboration with the executive team.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on products, services, protocols, and standards in support of all network procurement and development efforts.
• Ensure network services have sufficient capacity, stability, and agility to satisfy service level agreements with businesrs units.
• Create and maintain documentation as it relates to network configuration, network mapping, processes, and service records

Acquisition & Deployment

• Plan, acquire, and coordinate installation of in-house and remote network devices and appliances across the organization’s network.
• Conduct research and make recommendations on network products, services, protocols, and standards in support of network procurement and development efforts.
• Design company LANs, WANs, VMs, virtual networks, and wireless networks, including servers, routers, hubs, switches, UPSs, and other devices.
• Oversee new and existing equipment, hardware, and software upgrades.
• Interact with vendors, outsourcers, and contractors to secure network products and services.
• Recommend improvements and/or alternatives to the company’s existing systems architecture and technology portfolio.
• Review new and existing network design projects and procurement or outsourcing plans for compliance with standards and architectural plans.

Operational Management

• Establish and maintain regular written and in-person communications with the organization’s executives, decision-makers, stakeholders, department heads, and end users regarding pertinent network activities.
• Conduct feasibility studies for various upgrade projects, improvements, and other conversions.
• Configure networks to ensure their smooth and reliable operation for fulfilling business objectives and processes.
• Monitor network performance and troubleshoot problem areas as needed.
• Oversee installation, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting of end user workstation hardware, software, and peripheral devices.
• Ensure network connectivity of all servers, workstations, telephony equipment, fax machines, and other network appliances.
• Manage servers, including database, e-mail, print, and backup servers and their associated operating systems and software.
• Practice network asset management, including maintenance of network component inventory and related documentation and technical specifications information.
• Monitor and test network performance and provide network performance statistics and reports.
• Participate in managing all network security solutions.

NFF offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits and flexible paid time off options, for eligible employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision, Health Savings Account, Flexible Spending Account
• STD, LTD, Supplemental life insurance and ADD&D
• Comprehensive 401k plan
• Paid Time Off

NFF is an Equal Opportunity Employer.