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Freelance Packet Core Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ericsson

Packet Core Solution Integrator Intern

Plano, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join Ericsson's Packet Core integration team in Plano, TX-a hands-on engineering group that delivers and validates 5G and Packet Core solutions for major telecommunications operators across the US ...

3B Staffing LLC

Network Automation Engineer

Murphy, TX · On-site

Final Onsite Interview in Plano, TX - Mandatory Strong hands-on experience with Nokia Packet Core ... Engineer to support a critical Core Implementation and Observability initiative. This role will ...

Ask IT Consulting Inc.

Network Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

... Packet Core Networking. · Experience with Evolved Packet Core- EPC protocols (Gx, Diameter etc.) and call flows . · 3GPP Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Policy Control and enforcement architecture. · ...

3B Staffing LLC

Network Automation Engineer

Murphy, TX · On-site

Final Onsite Interview in Plano, TX - Mandatory Strong hands-on experience with Nokia Packet Core ... Engineer to support a critical Core Implementation and Observability initiative. This role will ...

Ericsson

Solution Integrator Intern

Plano, TX · On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Join Ericsson's Packet Core integration team in Plano, TX-a hands-on engineering group that delivers and validates 5G and Packet Core solutions for major telecommunications operators across the US ...

Ask IT consulting

Network Engineer

Redmond, WA · On-site

Experience with Evolved Packet Core- EPC protocols (Gx, Diameter etc.) and call flows . 3GPP Evolved Packet Core (EPC) Policy Control and enforcement architecture. Experience in Wireless networking ...

3B Staffing LLC

Traffic Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Packet core * Working on multiple mobility platforms (4G LTE, 5G, FirstNet, etc.) * Less focused on IT work like setting up firewalls and routers, but more on managing customer traffic on these ...

3B Staffing LLC

Traffic Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Packet core * Working on multiple mobility platforms (4G LTE, 5G, FirstNet, etc.) * Less focused on IT work like setting up firewalls and routers, but more on managing customer traffic on these ...

RF Connect

Network Operations Director

Farmington Hills, MI · On-site

$83K - $112K/yr

Lead all NOC operations supporting RAN , Packet Core , and Backhaul environments. * Manage network ... Partner with engineering teams on capacity planning , network optimization , and technology ...

Redolent, Inc.

US_West | Data Engineer_L3

Anaheim, CA · On-site

MANDATORY "Capgemini Engineering combines, under one brand, a unique set of strengths from across ... packet core & UE configuration ( IMSI , key ect) and log collection for DU and CU & UE or UE ...

Zealot Labs, Inc.

$100 - $195/hr

... packet core. * + Reverse engineer firmware and management planes on equipment from Nokia, Ericsson, Huawei, ZTE, Calix, and similar vendors to train models that generalize across platforms ...

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Freelance Packet Core Engineer information

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$14

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$132

How much do freelance packet core engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance packet core engineer in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance packet core engineer?

A Freelance Packet Core Engineer is a telecommunications specialist who works independently (not as a full-time employee) to design, implement, and maintain packet core networks within mobile communication systems such as 4G LTE and 5G. Their role involves configuring core network elements like SGW, PGW, and MME, troubleshooting network issues, ensuring data security, and optimizing network performance. They often work with mobile operators or vendors on a project basis, providing expertise for network deployments, upgrades, or migrations. Freelance Packet Core Engineers need to have strong knowledge of networking protocols, mobile core architectures, and relevant industry standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance packet core engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Packet Core Engineer, you need expertise in mobile core network technologies (such as EPC, 4G/5G, and IP networking), typically backed by a degree in telecommunications or computer science. Proficiency with tools like Wireshark, EPC nodes (MME, SGW, PGW), and certifications from vendors like Cisco or Nokia are highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and self-management skills set standout engineers apart in client-driven environments. These skills ensure reliable network performance, efficient troubleshooting, and successful project delivery in a rapidly evolving telecom landscape.

What are the most common challenges faced by freelance packet core engineers when working with multiple clients?

Freelance Packet Core Engineers often face challenges such as quickly adapting to varying network architectures, managing different client expectations, and ensuring seamless integration with diverse legacy and next-generation systems. Each client may use distinct equipment and have unique security policies, requiring the engineer to rapidly familiarize themselves with new platforms and protocols. Effective communication and time management are also crucial, as freelancers often juggle several projects simultaneously while maintaining high standards of performance and documentation.

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

AspectFreelance Packet Core EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
CredentialsNetworking certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP), LTE/5G knowledgeNetworking certifications, basic troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentRemote, project-based, client-specificOn-site or remote, monitoring network systems
Industry UsageTelecom, mobile network providers, freelance platformsTelecom, ISPs, enterprise networks

Freelance Packet Core Engineers focus on designing, implementing, and optimizing core network components for telecom providers, often working remotely on specific projects. NOC Technicians monitor and troubleshoot network issues in real-time, typically within a fixed environment. While both roles require networking knowledge and certifications, the freelance Packet Core Engineer emphasizes project-based work on core network infrastructure, whereas NOC Technicians focus on ongoing network maintenance and support.

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Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Packet Core Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 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 $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Packet Core Solution Integrator Intern

Ericsson

Plano, TX • On-site

$14.25 - $19.25/hr

Full-time, Internship

Posted 15 days ago

Ericsson rating

9.2

Company rating: 9.2 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 101 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

Join our Team
Location: Plano, TX.
Start date: May 25th 2027
Ericsson Inc. does not sponsor U.S work authorizations for this job position including U.S. immigration filings for initial and/or change of employer paperwork for H-1's, H-1B1's, E-3's, O-1's, and TN's. Ericsson also does not hire F-1's working on CPT or EAD for this position.
About this opportunity:
Join Ericsson's Packet Core integration team in Plano, TX-a hands-on engineering group that delivers and validates 5G and Packet Core solutions for major telecommunications operators across the US and Americas. We work at the cutting edge of cloud-native networking, leveraging AI-driven tools, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines, and automation frameworks to optimize how data flows through the world's networks.
This internship offers direct exposure to production-grade telecom infrastructure and real project impact. You'll work alongside senior system integrators and solution architects, contributing to customer deliveries and live network improvements. Our team culture is collaborative, pragmatic, and learning-focused-we encourage questions, trust interns with real ownership, and provide clear mentorship into full-time Packet Core integration roles.
What you will do:
  • Plan and execute software product deployment and integration work
  • Install, configure, and integrate Packet Core solutions in lab and customer environments
  • Prepare and complete module testing, end-to-end validation, and acceptance testing
  • Troubleshoot issues, identify defects, and drive resolution with the team
  • Contribute to scripting and automation tasks
  • Document findings and improvements to enhance team processes
  • Shadow experienced system integrators during integration, testing, and technical reviews
  • Join customer and project calls to understand requirements and see how our work impacts live networks
  • Work cross-functionally with automation and architecture teams on small improvements
  • Participate in internal training on 5G Core, Packet Core products, and automation tools
  • Contribute to automation scripts and CI/CD pipelines that reduce manual effort
  • Help improve the quality and consistency of integration and test documentation
  • Identify opportunities to streamline our delivery methods
  • Own specific integration and test tasks for one or more Packet Core products
  • Contribute at least one automation or tooling improvement the team adopts
  • Demonstrate reliable troubleshooting skills and clear communication

The skills you bring:
  • Currently enrolled in a Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD program at a US university
  • Understanding of mobile telecom fundamentals, Packet Core (4G/5G), and cloud networking
  • Knowledge of virtualization technologies (KVM, SR-IOV, DPDK, VMware, or Kubernetes)
  • Practical scripting experience with at least one language (preferably Python)
  • Linux administration and scripting skills
  • Interest in learning CI/CD pipelines, Git, and automation frameworks
  • Collaborative mindset with a willingness to learn and improve

Nice-to-Have:
  • Prior lab or internship experience in telecom, networking, or cloud environments
  • Experience with automation frameworks (Ansible, Jenkins) or CI/CD job creation
  • Familiarity with Ericsson Packet Core or competing 5G Core solutions
  • Strategic thinking with ability to shift between big-picture and tactical details
  • Packet Core Integration Engineer - Take on more complex integration and troubleshooting across multiple nodes
  • Senior System Integrator - Broader responsibility, deeper automation expertise, and team leadership

What happens once you apply?
Click Here to find all you need to know about what our typical hiring process looks like.
Ericsson uses a merit-based hiring approach that values people with different experiences, perspectives and skillsets. We truly believe this approach drives innovation, which is essential for our future growth. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply and realize their full potential as part of our Ericsson team. Ericsson is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, learn more.
If you need assistance or to request an accommodation due to a disability, please contact Ericsson at hr.direct.americas@ericsson.com.
DISCLAIMER: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees in this position. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position, and you may be required to perform additional job tasks as assigned.
Primary country and city: United States (US) || Plano (Country/ City)
Job details: Integration Engineer
Compensation and Benefits at Ericsson
At Ericsson, we know that our people are the key to our success. We offer a competitive package to help with your individual needs and goals.
Your Pay
The salary range for this position is dependent on various factors including, but not limited to, location, and the candidate's combination of job-related knowledge, qualifications, skills, education, training, and experience.

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