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Freelance Packet Core Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Technical expertise with KRATOS T500MX-XC or ARKA P&DBs (Packet & Data Buffers), or basic Linux ... No relocation offered Core Competencies Demonstrates extensive expertise in network solution design ...

New

Network Engineer Level 5

Arlington, VA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Operations & Troubleshooting: Provide Tier 3/4 escalation support, conducting deep-packet ... Knowledge of 5G core networking or virtualized platforms (VMware, OpenStack). * Experience with ...

Sr. Network Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$119K - $163K/yr

Qualifications Core Competencies: . Excellent communications skills interacting with technical and ... Must possess strong understanding of packet analysis tools and be proficient at reading network ...

Detection Engineer

Arlington, VA · On-site

$91K - $221K/yr

Packet and malware analysis using tools like Wireshark * Git and GitHub for detection code version ... This is grounded in our core values and our experience that hiring and developing great people who ...

Showing results 41-60

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 job categories do people searching Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Freelance Packet Core Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Freelance Packet Core Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Network Analyst (2026-0073) with Security Clearance

Acclaim Technical Services

Manassas, VA • On-site

$180K - $225K/yr

Other

Re-posted 3 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Coordinate with multidisciplinary teams to provide network analysis of telecommunications networks

  • Perform analysis on wireless and wireline circuit-switched and packet-switched telecommunications networks and transmission protocols

  • Present analysis findings to technical and non-technical audiences and serve as a focal point for tracking emerging technologies


Job description

Acclaim Technical Services, founded in 2000, is a leading cyber operations, intelligence solutions and operations, network infrastructure, engineering and business enablement and enterprise operations company supporting a wide range of U.S. Federal agencies. We are an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) company, which is uncommon within our business sector. We see this as a significant strength, and it shows: ATS is consistently ranked as a top workplace among DC area firms and continues to grow. We are actively hiring Network Analysts to join our Operations and Targeting Division working in Northern Virginia. The Network Analyst is a member of a multidisciplinary team who provides analytical support to various internal customers. The network analysis team is composed of analysts who address very distinct areas of telecommunications. The successful candidate is likely to be a subject matter expert in one of the following: * Telecom and data transport and switching engineer in support of tractional telecos. * Data center network engineer in support of intra and inter data center transport * Network architect or cellular network engineering for 3G, 4G, or G5 to include core network (EPC) and radio networking engineer. Duties: The Network Analyst will perform the following functions: * Coordinate with the customer's other multidisciplinary teams to provide timely and accurate network analysis regarding the logical and physical routes of key telecommunications networks * Collaborate with team members and other organization to evaluate the role and value of potential network operations * Display mastery of network operations, principles, and best practices * Creatively employ a mastery of telecom domain to support the multidisciplinary teams in providing direct mapping and graphics inputs into the customer's modeling tool * Perform analysis on wireless and wireline circuit-switched and packet-switched telecommunications networks * Perform analysis on transmission protocols * Perform analysis on network technologies * Present analysis to a range of technical and non-technical audiences * Serve focal point for tracking and understanding emerging technologies * Maintain appropriate technical training to ensure skills and tradecraft are kept current with evolving technology * Perform other duties as assigned at the direct of project management Required Qualifications: * Ability to obtain and maintain TS/SCI clearance with Poly * Minimum of six (6) years of commercial experience in one of the following roles: * Facility Engineer or Network Planner (TDM and/or Data) * Large Scale Networking engineering across multiple packet fabrics, such as google B4 * Core Network engineer, or radio network engineer with experience in 3g, 4g, and/or 5G * Bachelor's Degrees in STEM discipline (Computer Science, Cyber Security, Engineering, Mathematics, or Statics, etc.) * Experience with telecommunication networks providing physical and logical network routes to answer strategic requirements * Demonstrated knowledge of Network Management Systems (NMS), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), or Software Defined Networking (SDN) * Demonstrated knowledge of network elements to include switches, routers, multiplexers, and wireless and wireline transport infrastructure * Demonstrated analytical skills * Demonstrated understanding of network technologies and network protocols, networking systems and equipment * Demonstrated advanced knowledge of, or experience with, one of more of the following: * Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) * Data Networks (IP, MPLS, traffic engineering, OpenFlow) * Dedicated/Private communications networks * VOIP networks, Softswitch Technology, or Session Border Controllers (SBC's) * Fiber Optic cable characteristics, engineering, installation, and maintenance * RF-related technologies (Cellular, microwave, millimeter wave, VSAT) * Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) technology Bonus Knowledge: * Expert level knowledge of the OSI model at layer 1, 2 or 3 * Private sector work experience with an industry leading telecom company (Verizon, ATT, Sptint) or hardware provider (Cisco, Lucent, Qualcomm, Nokia) Core Hours: Traditional business hours with a high degree of flexibility to meet team needs Travel: None required, potential opportunities if desirable Salary Range: $180,000 - $225,000