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Freelance Packet Core Engineer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Augusta, GA

$160K/yr

Principal Engineer, Core Network Location Requirement: This position operates on a hybrid schedule ... and packet-level insights. Cross-Functional Communication The ability to translate technical ...

Cobb EMC

Education & Community Relations Intern

Marietta, GA

$14.25 - $19/hr

... programming Helping organize and support the exciting Solar Sprint Competition Assisting with ... packets, and outreach materials Supporting programs that benefit foster care children and families ...

Cobb EMC

Education & Community Relations Intern

Marietta, GA · On-site

$14.25 - $19/hr

... programming Helping organize and support the exciting Solar Sprint Competition Assisting with ... packets, and outreach materials Supporting programs that benefit foster care children and families ...

Cobb EMC

Education & Community Relations Intern

Marietta, GA

$14.25 - $19/hr

... programming Helping organize and support the exciting Solar Sprint Competition Assisting with ... packets, and outreach materials Supporting programs that benefit foster care children and families ...

Auben Realty

Customer Experience Manager

Augusta, GA · On-site

Who we are: We are investors, developers, owners and operators of Scattered Site Single Family ... Work with Resident Experience Managers on Section 8 Housing paperwork (RFTA packets). * Mail ...

All JobsPacket Core Engineer JobsFreelance Packet Core Engineer JobsFreelance Packet Core Engineer Jobs in Georgia

Freelance Packet Core Engineer information

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.

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

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 engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A senior or specialized freelance Packet Core Engineer with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in LTE, 5G, or network infrastructure can potentially earn $500,000 annually. Such high earnings are typically associated with highly skilled consultants working on complex projects for large telecommunications companies or as independent contractors with premium rates.

How much is a BT engineer paid?

A BT engineer's salary varies based on experience and location, but typically ranges from £25,000 to £45,000 annually. Senior or specialized engineers with certifications can earn higher wages, especially when working on complex network infrastructure or in supervisory roles.

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.

Can a network engineer be self-employed?

Yes, a network engineer, including those specializing in packet core or network infrastructure, can work as a self-employed freelancer. Many self-employed network engineers offer consulting, network design, and troubleshooting services independently, often requiring relevant certifications and technical skills. They typically set their own schedules and work remotely or on client sites.

What is a packet core engineer?

A packet core engineer designs, implements, and maintains the core network infrastructure for mobile and wireless communication systems, focusing on data packet routing and management. They work with technologies like LTE, 5G, and IP networks, often using network simulation tools and requiring knowledge of protocols such as GTP and SIP.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Packet Core Engineer jobs in Georgia? The most popular types of Packet Core Engineer jobs in Georgia are:
What are popular job titles related to Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs in Georgia? For Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs in Georgia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs in Georgia look for? The top searched job categories for Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs in Georgia are:
What cities in Georgia are hiring for Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs? Cities in Georgia with the most Freelance Packet Core Engineer job openings:
Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Packet Core Engineer job openings in Georgia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Remote job distribution.

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Wow

Augusta, GA

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 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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