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Freelance Packet Core Engineer Jobs in Georgia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

... core business capabilities are effectively protected from today's cyber threats. Skill set ... DevOps, etc.) * Proven experience influencing at all levels of a technology organization, from ...

... week, core business hours (9a-5p), no OT/Holiday Travel: Potential for work travel for team ... Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide. Everforth Apex Systems is an ...

New

HR Intern

Dalton, GA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... design and engineering. Techniplas has long-term relationships with many of the world's leading ... This role offers hands-on exposure to core HR and payroll processes and is well suited to a student ...

HR Intern

Dalton, GA · On-site

$13.25 - $17.75/hr

... design and engineering. Techniplas has long-term relationships with many of the world's leading ... This role offers hands-on exposure to core HR and payroll processes and is well suited to a student ...

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Freelance Packet Core Engineer information

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.

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 cities in Georgia are hiring for Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs?

Cities in Georgia with the most Freelance Packet Core Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Packet Core Engineer job openings in Georgia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Wow

Augusta, GA

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 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