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Freelance Core Network Engineer Jobs in California

Senior Core Network Engineer

Moorpark, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Position Summary We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Core Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our carrier-grade IP/MPLS and FTTH network infrastructure.

Network Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

You have demonstrated experience in classified network environments, a solid command of core ... If you're ready to put your network engineering skills to work on a mission that matters, let ...

Security and Network Engineer

Pasadena, CA · On-site

$114K - $156K/yr

While cybersecurity and federal compliance are the primary focuses of this position, your core network engineering expertise will directly inform your security architecture. As part of a close-knit ...

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $120K/yr

Network Engineer Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes - 25% of the time Minimum Clearance ... Working knowledge of core networking concepts and protocols. Clearance: * Must be a U.S. Citizen.

Network Engineer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Working knowledge of core networking concepts and protocols. Clearance : * Must be a U.S. Citizen ... engineering, intelligence, and enterprise information technology markets. SAIC is Redefining ...

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Freelance Core Network Engineer information

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

AspectFreelance Core Network EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
CertificationsCCNA, CCNP, Cisco certificationsCompTIA Network+, CCNA
Work EnvironmentRemote, client sites, project-based24/7 NOC facilities, shift work
Employer & IndustryFreelance, consulting firms, telecomsTelecom companies, managed service providers

The Freelance Core Network Engineer typically works independently on complex network design, configuration, and troubleshooting projects for clients remotely or on-site. In contrast, a NOC Technician monitors and maintains network health in a centralized facility, often working in shifts. Both roles require networking certifications like CCNA, but the freelance engineer focuses on project-based work, while the NOC technician handles ongoing network operations.

What are the most commonly searched types of Core Network Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Core Network Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Core Network Engineer jobs in California? For Freelance Core Network Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Core Network Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Core Network Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Freelance Core Network Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Freelance Core Network Engineer job openings:

$130K - $150K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Description

Position Summary


We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Core Network Engineer to lead the design, implementation, and optimization of our carrier-grade IP/MPLS and FTTH network infrastructure. This role is critical to ensuring scalability, resiliency, and performance across our core, aggregation, and access networks.


The ideal candidate has deep experience operating within an Internet Service Provider (ISP) or telecommunications environment, with hands-on expertise in Adtran access platforms, Arista routing/switching, and large-scale FTTH deployments.


This is a senior-level technical role requiring both architectural leadership and advanced operational troubleshooting capability.

Key Responsibilities
Core Network Architecture & Engineering

  • Design, implement, and maintain high-availability IP/MPLS core networks.
  • Engineer scalable BGP-based edge and peering infrastructure.
  • Architect resilient L2/L3 topologies for aggregation and backbone layers.
  • Lead IPv4/IPv6 dual-stack strategy and deployment.

FTTH & Access Network Engineering

  • Design and support FTTH (Fiber-to-the-Home) GPON/XGS-PON environments.
  • Configure and manage Adtran OLTs, aggregation platforms, and access systems.
  • Support subscriber provisioning models and service delivery frameworks.
  • Collaborate with outside plant (OSP) and field engineering teams.

Routing & Switching (Arista Focus)

  • Deploy and support Arista switching and routing platforms in core and aggregation roles.
  • Implement EVPN/VxLAN where applicable.
  • Optimize traffic engineering, QoS, and multicast routing.

ISP Operations & Optimization

  • Support upstream providers, IX peering, and transit relationships.
  • Perform traffic capacity planning and bandwidth forecasting.
  • Lead root cause analysis of network outages and performance incidents.
  • Develop monitoring, alerting, and performance visibility standards.
  • Participate in Tier 3 escalation and on-call rotation.

Automation & Documentation

  • Drive automation initiatives (Python, Ansible, etc.).
  • Maintain accurate network diagrams, IP schema, and routing policies.
  • Develop operational runbooks and engineering standards.


  • Required Qualifications
    7-10+ years of experience in a carrier, ISP, or telecommunications environment.
    Extensive experience with:
         - Adtran platforms (OLT, aggregation, access equipment)
         - Arista switches and routers
         - FTTH architecture and subscriber networks
    Deep expertise in:
        - BGP (iBGP, eBGP, route reflectors)
        - OSPF and/or IS-IS
        - MPLS (L2VPN/L3VPN preferred)
        - VLAN, QinQ, QoS
        - Multicast (PIM)
    Experience with ISP edge routing and peering design.
    Strong troubleshooting skills in production networks serving large subscriber bases.
    Experience designing high-availability and redundant architectures.

Preferred Qualifications
Experience with GPON and XGS-PON design.
Familiarity with BRAS/BNG architectures.
Experience with subscriber management and AAA (RADIUS).
Knowledge of DDoS mitigation and ISP security best practices.
Experience with DWDM or transport integration.
Industry certifications:
    - CCNP/CCIE (Service Provider preferred)
    - Arista ACE
    - MEF or equivalent carrier certifications

Key Competencies

  • Carrier-grade design mindset
  • Strong understanding of ISP traffic patterns and subscriber behavior
  • Ability to operate in fast-growing network environments
  • Excellent documentation and cross-team communication skills
  • Leadership capability for mentoring junior engineers


Why Join Us?

  • Build and scale next-generation fiber infrastructure.
  • Work in a high-growth ISP environment.
  • Influence core network strategy.
  • Competitive compensation and benefits.
  • Medical, Dental, Vision, Long Term Disability, Short Term Disability and Voluntary Buy Up of Life Insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Parental Leave
  • Team Building events
  • Opportunity for technical leadership and career growth.