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Core Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Charleston, SC

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

Lumos

Sr. Engineer - Core Network

$106K - $145K/yr

Lumos Fiber is seeking a Sr. Engineer, Core Network to help design, build, and optimize the core network infrastructure that powers our rapidly expanding fiber footprint. In this role, you will be ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Madison Heights, MI · On-site

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Denver, CO

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Pinellas Park, FL · On-site

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Augusta, GA · On-site

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to ...

Lumos

OR · On-site

$103K - $142K/yr

Lumos Fiber is seeking a Sr. Engineer, Core Network to help design, build, and optimize the core network infrastructure that powers our rapidly expanding fiber footprint. In this role, you will be ...

Emergent Technologies Inc

Network Engineer (Senior)

Herndon, VA · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

Network Engineer - Senior POS-195 Location: On-Site | Herndon, VA Company: Emergent Technologies ... Core network technologies: * Routing protocols: EIGRP, BGP, ISIS * Switching protocols: STP, LACP ...

Brown & Brown

Network Engineer

Plano, TX · On-site

Brown & Brown is seeking a Network Engineer to join their growing team in Plano, TX. The Network ... Support core network services including DHCP, DNS, IP addressing / subnetting, and network ...

Core Technology Solutions

Senior Network Engineer

Columbia, SC · On-site

$84K - $116K/yr

Salary: Seeking a Senior level Network Engineer for a Long Term contract position located in ... Preferred Skills: * 10+ years of experience with knowledge of monitoring and tracing tools, core ...

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Core Network Engineer information

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$31K

$109K

$158K

How much do core network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for core network engineer in the United States is $109,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Core Network Engineer vs Network Operations Center (NOC) Technician?

AspectCore Network EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certificationsCCNA, CompTIA Network+
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and maintain core network infrastructureMonitor, troubleshoot, and support network systems
Industry UsageTelecommunications, ISPs, large enterprisesService providers, enterprise networks, data centers

Core Network Engineers focus on designing and maintaining the core network infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and security. NOC Technicians primarily monitor network health, troubleshoot issues, and support ongoing operations. While both roles require networking certifications and work within similar environments, their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Core Network Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Core Network Engineer, you need in-depth knowledge of IP networking, routing and switching protocols, and a relevant degree in computer science or engineering. Proficiency with network management tools, telecommunications hardware, and certifications such as Cisco CCNP or Juniper JNCIP is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills set top professionals apart in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for maintaining network reliability, optimizing performance, and swiftly resolving complex technical issues in critical infrastructure.

What are some common challenges faced by Core Network Engineers and how can they be addressed?

Core Network Engineers often deal with challenges such as maintaining high network uptime, managing complex network configurations, and troubleshooting issues in real-time. Keeping up with rapidly evolving technologies and ensuring compatibility between legacy and new systems can also be demanding. To address these challenges, engineers should stay current with industry certifications, collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, and utilize robust monitoring tools to quickly detect and resolve network issues. Continuous learning and effective communication are key to overcoming obstacles in this dynamic role.

What are Core Network Engineers?

Core Network Engineers are professionals responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the central part of a telecommunications network, known as the core network. They ensure seamless data and voice connectivity by managing routing, switching, and network protocols across high-capacity backbone infrastructure. Their role is crucial in supporting large-scale data traffic, ensuring network reliability, and troubleshooting complex issues that impact service providers or enterprise networks.

What does a core network engineer do?

A core network engineer designs, implements, and maintains the central infrastructure of a telecommunications or data network, including routers, switches, and other hardware. They troubleshoot network issues, optimize performance, and ensure network security, often working with protocols like MPLS, BGP, and OSPF. Strong knowledge of networking tools, certifications such as CCNA or CCNP, and experience with network monitoring are typically required.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior network engineers, especially those specializing in core network infrastructure, cybersecurity, or working in high-demand industries, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Achieving this level typically requires extensive experience, advanced certifications, and often leadership responsibilities or working in high-cost-of-living areas.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized network engineer, such as a Lead Core Network Engineer, can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-demand industries or large organizations. Such roles often involve managing complex infrastructure, designing network solutions, and leading teams, with compensation reflecting expertise and responsibility.

What engineers make 200,000 a year?

Senior network engineers, including core network engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills, and relevant certifications, can earn $200,000 or more annually. High salaries are often associated with roles in large organizations, those working in high-cost regions, or engineers with expertise in advanced networking technologies and tools like Cisco or Juniper. Salary levels also depend on factors such as education, certifications, and years of experience.
More about Core Network Engineer jobs
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Core Network Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Core Network Engineer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 5% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,040 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Wow

Charleston, SC

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule (3 days in-office, 2 days remote). Candidates must be within 45 minutes of an office and able to regularly commute to work as required. This is not a fully remote opportunity.

The Opportunity

We're looking for a Principal Engineer, Core Network to serve as the lead architect and technical visionary for our global network infrastructure.

In this highly impactful role, you will drive the evolution of next-generation networking technologies - including Segment Routing - while leveraging deep expertise in OSPF, ISIS, BGP, and MPLS to solve complex connectivity challenges at scale.

This is more than a technical leadership position. As a Principal Engineer, you'll play a critical role in shaping network strategy, ensuring stability and performance across enterprise-grade environments, and mentoring engineering talent to elevate the organization's technical capabilities. You'll bridge high-level business priorities with scalable, resilient, and increasingly automated network execution.

Compensation & Benefits

  • Salary:Up to $160,000 depending on experience

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) with company match

  • Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

  • Tuition reimbursement, flexible spending and health savings account options

  • Employee discounts on WOW! services in applicable service areas

  • Career development opportunities and the ability to make a meaningful impact within a growing organization

What You'll Do

You will be responsible for designing, scaling, optimizing, and modernizing high-availability network infrastructure, including:

  • Designing and scaling high-availability service provider or enterprise-grade networks

  • Leading the transition to next-generation network architectures, including Segment Routing

  • Optimizing core routing protocols including:

    • OSPF

    • ISIS

    • BGP

    to improve overall network performance and stability

  • Architecting and maintaining MPLS-based services, including:

    • RSVP-TE

    • LDP

  • Serving as the final escalation point during critical, large-scale network outages

  • Mentoring both junior and senior engineers to raise the team's collective technical expertise

  • Driving automation initiatives to reduce manual configuration efforts and minimize human error

  • Performing additional duties as assigned

What You Bring

Minimum Required Education & Experience

  • 7+ years of experience in large-scale network engineering and architecture

  • Expert-level mastery of Link State routing protocols, including:

    • OSPF

    • ISIS

  • Deep expertise in BGP, including:

    • iBGP

    • eBGP

    • Communities

    • Policy Routing

  • Advanced knowledge of MPLS, including:

    • L2/L3 VPNs

    • Multicast

    • RSVP traffic engineering

  • Strong understanding of:

    • Network Security

    • Quality of Service (QoS)

    • High-Availability Network Design

  • Bachelor's or Associate degree in a field related to Computer Networking

Skills & Abilities for Success in This Role

Strategic Foresight

The ability to anticipate how architectural decisions made today will impact business performance and scalability over the next 3-5 years.

Influential Leadership

Confidence navigating complex stakeholder environments and building alignment around major infrastructure investments - even without direct authority.

Decisive Crisis Management

A calm-under-pressure mindset with the ability to lead teams through high-impact outages and restore service quickly and effectively.

Effective Mentorship

A genuine passion for developing engineering talent and helping junior team members grow into senior technical leaders.

Analytical Troubleshooting

A methodical, data-driven approach to solving highly complex networking challenges using logic, analysis, and packet-level insights.

Cross-Functional Communication

The ability to translate technical network concepts into business value for executives, stakeholders, and non-technical partners.

Physical Demands & Working Conditions

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

  • Regularly required to talk and hear

  • Required to use hands to type, handle objects, and manage paperwork

  • Required to use close vision and maintain focus

  • Ability to participate in on-call rotations, including occasional overnight and weekend work

  • Ability to travel occasionally

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment
without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran

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