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Core Network Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

GDIT

Black Core Network Engineer

Concord, NC · On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

Juniper, Network Routing, Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) Certifications: None Experience: 10 + years of related experience US Citizenship Required: Yes Please take this opportunity to join one of ...

ATS

Wireless Packet Core Expert

Ridgeland, MS · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

ATS is hiring Packet Core network engineers for our clients in USA. Key and skills required: * Wireless packet core network design and operations * Operation & Maintenance of packet core network (MME ...

ATS

Wireless Packet Core Expert

Ridgeland, MS · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

ATS is hiring Packet Core network engineers for our clients in USA. Key and skills required: * Wireless packet core network design and operations * Operation & Maintenance of packet core network (MME ...

C3EL

Senior Network Engineer

Honolulu, HI

$102K - $140K/yr

This position is responsible for the design, installation, configuration, and maintenance of core network infrastructure solutions supporting Department of Defense operations. The Senior Network ...

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All JobsCore Network Jobs

Core Network information

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$22K

$106.6K

$162.5K

How much do core network jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for core network in the United States is $106,570.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying networking job?

The highest paying networking jobs typically include senior roles such as Network Architect, Network Engineering Manager, or Chief Network Officer, with salaries often exceeding six figures. These positions require advanced skills in network design, security, and management, along with relevant certifications like CCNP or CCIE.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Core Network position, and why are they important?

To thrive in a Core Network role, you need expertise in IP networking, protocols, network architecture, and a relevant degree in telecommunications, IT, or a similar field. Familiarity with core network equipment such as routers, switches, network management systems, and certifications like CCNP, CCIE, or equivalent are usually required. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure help professionals excel in this position. These skills ensure the reliable operation, troubleshooting, and optimization of critical network infrastructure for service providers or large organizations.

Is NOC a good career?

A career in Network Operations Center (NOC) involves monitoring and maintaining network infrastructure, requiring technical skills and certifications such as Cisco or CompTIA. It offers opportunities for advancement in IT and telecommunications fields, with shifts often including nights and weekends. Overall, it can be a stable and rewarding career for those interested in network management.

What are some typical challenges faced in a Core Network role, and how can I prepare for them?

Working in a Core Network position often involves addressing complex network faults, ensuring high availability, and implementing upgrades without service disruption. You may need to respond quickly to critical outages, investigate root causes, and coordinate with cross-functional teams to maintain network stability. To prepare, it's helpful to stay current with evolving network technologies, practice hands-on troubleshooting, and develop strong documentation and incident response skills. A proactive learning mindset and solid teamwork abilities will help you succeed when adapting to industry changes and emerging challenges.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

In the field of core network engineering, senior roles such as Network Architects or Lead Network Engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and specialized skills can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially in large tech companies or financial institutions. These positions often require expertise in network design, security, and management of complex infrastructure.

What is a Core Network job?

A Core Network job involves designing, maintaining, and optimizing the central part of a telecommunications network, which handles data, voice, and messaging traffic. Professionals in this role ensure seamless connectivity, high performance, and network security. They work with technologies like IP networking, routing, switching, and protocols such as MPLS and VoIP. This role is crucial for maintaining network reliability and efficiency for service providers and enterprises.

What is a core network job description?

A core network job involves managing and maintaining the central part of a telecommunications network that handles data routing, switching, and overall network performance. Roles typically require knowledge of network protocols, hardware, and software, and may involve troubleshooting, configuration, and optimization of network infrastructure. Professionals in this field often work with tools like routers, switches, and network management systems to ensure reliable connectivity.
More about Core Network jobs
What job categories do people searching Core Network jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Core Network jobs are:
Core Network jobs near you
Infographic showing various Core Network job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,570 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Wow

Pinellas Park, FL • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 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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