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Freelance Packet Core Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

$107K - $141K/yr

... Engineer, Wireless Infrastructure. What you will be doing: * Lead the technology strategy fornext ... Transform the wireless core into an agentic AI based packet core architecture. * Drive rapid ...

Field Applications Engineer - Satellite & IoT

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$122K - $151K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Core Network & Virtualization: Knowledge of key network elements, including RAN, Evolved Packet ... Programming & Automation: Skilled in Python and shell scripting for automation, diagnostics, and ...

New

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business Administration, or a related field ... Packet Core, 4G/LTE/VoLTE, IP MultiMedia Subsystem (IMS), Multimedia Messaging, VoIP/VoLTE/VoNR)

Associate Engineer, SRE IP

Bethpage, NY · On-site

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

You will effectively function as a Network Core Engineer, maintaining and expanding our high ... Investigate routing anomalies, packet loss, and latency issues using a blameless root-cause ...

Associate Engineer, SRE IP

Bethpage, NY · On-site

$58.25 - $77.50/hr

You will effectively function as a Network Core Engineer, maintaining and expanding our high ... Investigate routing anomalies, packet loss, and latency issues using a blameless root-cause ...

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Freelance Packet Core Engineer information

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$14

$47

$132

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

As of Aug 14, 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 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?

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 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 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.
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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, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Sr. Core Integration Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGIES CORP

Redmond, WA • On-site

$165 - $230/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Sr. Core Integration Engineer (Starlink Mobile)

Redmond, WA

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is exploring the stars is more exciting than one where we are not. Today SpaceX is actively developing the technologies to make this possible, with the ultimate goal of enabling human life on Mars.

As a member of the Starlink Mobile team, this position will play a critical role in integrating, testing and evaluating the functional performance, reliability and robustness of a complex satellite communication network. You will integrate the communication system components on satellite and ground stations. You will explore, assess, track, and report performance status to project leaders. You will implement tools to conduct, track and improve testing processes and effectiveness. You will ensure that satellites and ground networks provide the best possible communications system performance, successful network integration with mobile operators while also ensuring compliance with our operating licenses.

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Define LTE EPC (Evolved Packet Core) Product requirements, identify new product features and develop core network integration plans for communication into carrier‑grade network architecture
  • Identify technology trades and create product roadmaps for cellular core products globally (e.g. emergency, public warning systems and roaming services)
  • Technical partnership program management with international mobile network operators (to scale to 10x what we have today), including deep technical discussions and supporting core network integrations
  • Create and own documentation of cellular core network design, integration and performance metrics for international expansion strategy for direct to handset such as IMS and EPC products, 3GPP feature and interface support, regulatory
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor’s degree in an STEM discipline
  • 5+ years of hands‑on integration of cellular core networks (EPC, 5GC, and IMS)
  • 2+ years of experience in 4G, LTE, or 5G network delivery, automation, design or deployment
  • Experience with application/transport network interfaces and protocols (e.g. diameter, SCTP, GTP, s1/5/6a/8, NAS, Gx/Rx, etc.)
PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
  • Master’s degree in an engineering discipline
  • Experience with strategic technology decision making and designing state‑of‑the‑art telecommunication core networking infrastructure and feature roadmaps with an operator or vendor setting
  • Knowledge of satellite and wireless communication theory
  • Ability to handle C‑Level technical discussions and presentations
  • 5+ years of experience integrating and/or testing cellular 3G/4G/5G, WiFi, or similar protocol stacks
  • Experience with Linux and Linux tools for automation
  • Familiar with lab test equipment such as network analyzers, packet load modules, and network emulators
  • Demonstrable experience in script development for test automation
  • Demonstrable experience in creating test plans and setting up test beds
  • Experience with Atlassian tool suite - JIRA, Stash, Bamboo
  • Familiar with version control tool Git/Gerrit, SVN
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Ability to work independently
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Willing to work extended hours and weekends as needed
  • Willing and able to spend extended periods at partner sites
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Pay Range:

Level 3: $165,000.00 - $230,000.00

Your actual level and base salary will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis and may vary based on the following considerations: job‑related knowledge and skills, education, and experience.

Base salary is just one part of your total rewards package at SpaceX. You may also be eligible for long‑term incentives, in the form of company stock or long‑term cash awards, as well as potential discretionary bonuses and the ability to purchase additional stock at a discount through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. You will also receive access to comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short‑term and long‑term disability insurance, life insurance, paid parental leave, and various other discounts and perks. You may also accrue 3 weeks of paid vacation and will be eligible for 10 or more paid holidays per year. Employees in Washington State accrue paid sick time in compliance with state and federal law. Company shuttles are offered to employees for round‑trip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.

  • To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.

SpaceX is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with SpaceX is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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About SpaceX

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Aerospace product and parts manufacturing, data services, guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing and satellite telecommunications

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Hawthorne, CA, US