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Full Time Core Network Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Denver, CO · On-site

$160K/yr

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 ...

Wow

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Augusta, GA

$160K/yr

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 ...

Edutek Ltd.

Network Engineer Level 1

White Plains, NY · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Network Engineer Level 1s assist more senior Network Engineers with support, maintenance and optimization of core network services, devices and communications systems. Fully On-site Certifications ...

Vantage Point

Network Engineer

Mitchell, SD · On-site +1

This full-time position, available remote or in-office, supports internet service providers and ... Design, implement, and optimize ISP and broadband network solutions across core, aggregation ...

Tier4 Group

Systems & Network Engineer

Seattle, WA · Hybrid

This is a hands-on role with broad technical ownership, spanning core networking, wireless ... Engineer, support, and optimize enterprise wireless infrastructure, including secure SSID design ...

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Full Time Core Network Engineer information

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How much do full time core network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time core network engineer in the United States is $109,040.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $133,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Full Time Core Network Engineers?

Full Time Core Network Engineers are IT professionals responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, and optimizing the core components of a telecommunications or enterprise network. Their work ensures reliable connectivity, high performance, and secure data transmission across the network infrastructure. They often manage routers, switches, firewalls, and other critical hardware, and may troubleshoot network issues, plan upgrades, and collaborate with other IT teams. Being 'full time' means they work standard or extended hours as permanent employees, rather than on a contract or part-time basis.

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

AspectFull Time Core Network EngineerNetwork Operations Center (NOC) Technician
CredentialsNetworking certifications (e.g., CCNA, CCNP)Networking certifications (e.g., CompTIA Network+)
Work EnvironmentDesign, implement, and maintain core network infrastructureMonitor and troubleshoot network issues in real-time
Employer & Industry UsageTelecom, ISPs, large enterprisesTelecom, ISPs, managed service providers

Full Time Core Network Engineers focus on designing and maintaining the core network infrastructure, requiring advanced certifications and technical expertise. NOC Technicians primarily monitor and troubleshoot network issues in real-time, often working in a 24/7 environment. Both roles are essential in network operations but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Full Time Core Network Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Full Time Core Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network protocols, routing and switching, and typically hold a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Cisco IOS, Juniper Junos, network monitoring systems, and certifications such as CCNP or JNCIP are highly valued. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly are essential soft skills. These competencies enable efficient management of complex networks, minimize downtime, and ensure reliable connectivity crucial for organizational operations.

What are some common challenges a Core Network Engineer may face when working with evolving network technologies?

As a Core Network Engineer, one frequent challenge is keeping up with rapidly changing technologies, such as the transition from legacy systems to next-generation networks like 5G or SDN (Software Defined Networking). Integrating new solutions with existing infrastructure often requires deep troubleshooting skills and close collaboration with cross-functional teams, including operations and security. Additionally, maintaining network reliability while implementing upgrades can be demanding, making proactive planning and continuous learning essential for success in this role.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Core Network Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Full Time Core Network Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Core Network Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Core Network Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Full Time Core Network Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Core Network Engineer jobs include:
Full Time Core Network Engineer jobs near you

Principal Engineer, Core Network

Wow

Denver, CO • On-site

$160K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 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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