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Independent Contractor Network Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

NETWORK OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and ... to run these projects independently * Understanding of service provider and home networks ...

SR. IT NETWORK AUTOMATION ENGINEER SpaceX is looking for an experienced Sr. Network Automation ... Ability to run projects independently * Excellent communication skills and the ability to ...

NETWORK OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARLINK) Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and ... to run these projects independently * Understanding of service provider and home networks ...

Ability to run projects independently * Excellent communication skills and the ability to ... Pay Range: Sr. IT Network Automation Engineer: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year Your actual level ...

Ability to run projects independently * Excellent communication skills and the ability to ... Pay Range: Sr. IT Network Automation Engineer: $160,000.00 - $225,000.00/per year Your actual level ...

Field Inspector

Kent, WA · Remote

$1.5K/mo

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

Field Inspector

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$1.5K/mo

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

Field Inspector

Everett, WA · On-site

$1.5K/mo

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

Field Inspector

Kent, WA · On-site

$25/hr

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

Field Inspector

Seattle, WA · Remote

$1.5K/mo

As an independent contractor, you will travel to assigned locations to perform floorplan audits ... network. Learn more about us by visiting our website: Inspecting the world one asset at a time ...

Showing results 41-60

Independent Contractor Network Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$35.3K

$124.1K

$179.8K

How much do independent contractor network engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for independent contractor network engineer in Seattle, WA is $124,090.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,300.00 and $151,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an independent contractor network engineer?

An Independent Contractor Network Engineer is a professional who designs, implements, and manages computer networks on a contract basis, rather than as a full-time employee. They typically work with various clients or organizations to ensure network reliability, security, and performance. These engineers may handle tasks such as network troubleshooting, configuration, upgrades, and security assessments. As independent contractors, they are responsible for managing their own business operations, client relationships, and project timelines.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor network engineer?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Network Engineer, you need a solid understanding of network architecture, protocols, and troubleshooting, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related certifications like Cisco CCNA/CCNP. Familiarity with network management tools, firewalls, VPNs, and cloud networking platforms is also essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and effective client communication skills set top performers apart. These competencies ensure reliable network performance, client satisfaction, and successful project completion in a dynamic, client-driven environment.

How do independent contractor network engineers typically manage multiple client projects and deadlines?

Independent Contractor Network Engineers often juggle several projects at once, each with unique requirements and timelines. Successful contractors rely on strong organizational skills, clear communication, and effective use of project management tools to prioritize tasks and set realistic expectations with clients. It’s common to work remotely or on-site, depending on client needs, and proactive status updates help maintain transparency and client satisfaction. Building a reputation for reliability and flexibility is key to securing ongoing work and referrals in this role.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Network Engineer vs Network Administrator?

AspectIndependent Contractor Network EngineerNetwork Administrator
CredentialsCertifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP, CompTIA Network+Similar certifications often required, such as Cisco CCNA
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often remote or client sitesFull-time, in-house or office-based
Employer/Industry UsageFreelance or consulting firms, multiple clientsOrganizations, companies, or institutions
Search/Comparison IntentProject-based, freelance, or contract networking rolesIn-house network management roles

The main difference is that Independent Contractor Network Engineers work on a contract basis, often with multiple clients and project-specific tasks, while Network Administrators typically hold full-time positions managing internal networks within an organization. Both roles require similar certifications and technical skills, but their work environments and employment structures differ.

What are the most commonly searched types of Network Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Network Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Independent Contractor Network Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Independent Contractor Network Engineer job openings:

Network Operations Engineer (Starlink)

SpaceX

Redmond, WA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago


SpaceX rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 149 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

SpaceX was founded under the belief that a future where humanity is out exploring the stars is fundamentally 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.
NETWORK OPERATIONS ENGINEER (STARLINK)
Starlink is the world's largest satellite constellation and is providing fast, reliable internet to millions of users worldwide. We've only begun to scratch the surface of Starlink's potential global impact and are looking for best-in-class engineers to help develop the systems that enable providing service in new markets and even greater system performance and growth potential.
As a Network Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for engineering the operational systems and processes used to support the Starlink Network as it scales to millions of users around the globe. Join the team operating the network that is revolutionizing global connectivity and internet access. The successful Network Operations Engineer will create the tools, technology and processes to maintain, operate and evolve the most advanced network in the solar system. You will work with subsystem responsible engineers, software engineers, guidance navigation and control engineers, and network engineers to develop alerts, mitigations, and upgrades to orbital and terrestrial assets and drive improvements to core Starlink systems. Through continuous improvement, you will drive process and automation upgrades to the point of minimal manual intervention. You will be responsible for the complete lifecycle of the projects you own, including development, testing, deployment and support.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Develop, implement and scale Starlink Network Operations processes and tools to provide global internet access
  • Work with development engineering teams to drive design for operations, solve technical issues, and incorporate debugging tools and strategies into NetOps processes
  • Own and protect the overall Starlink customer experience, advocating for fast problem resolution with various teams inside SpaceX
  • Interact with key stakeholders to identify their desired outcomes, take their inputs and deliver improvements to Network Operations owned processes
  • Ensure network incident response processes are rapid, organized, and minimize customer impact
  • Work with the diverse teams across the Starlink program to develop monitoring, alerting and triage processes that quickly drive resolution to emergent problems
  • Define and develop projects, milestones, and roadmaps, practicing flexible prioritization and scope management in order to deliver on program directives
  • Take extreme ownership of deliverables and make risk-conscious decisions under pressure

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline; OR 2+ years of professional experience in software development, system administration, site reliability, or working in a network operations center
  • Experience with Python, SQL, and/or bash scripting
  • Experience with modern networking protocols: (TCP/IPv4/IPv6, voice, video, broadcast, streaming)

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
  • Advanced degree in computer science, engineering, math, or science discipline
  • 2+ years of experience developing software, processes, or projects in a rapidly changing, highly demanding environment and ability to run these projects independently
  • Understanding of service provider and home networks technologies including but not limited to:
    • Connectivity (Ethernet, WiFi, WDM, IPv4 and IPv6)
    • Switching (MPLS, QinQ)
    • Routing (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS)
    • Subscriber Management (BNG, RADIUS/AAA, QoS, BSS/OSS integration)
    • Network security and Anti-DDoS measures
    • Internet services (DNS, DHCP, NTP, UPnP, NAT etc.)
    • Knowledge and troubleshooting about most common consumer devices (NAS, IoT, Smart devices, etc...)
    • Residential or enterprise WiFi design and remote troubleshooting
  • Residential or business customer interaction experience, customer support preferred
  • Experience creating documentation and procedures from scratch
  • Experience working within complex, software defined networking (SDN) and/or network function virtualization (NFV) environments
  • Current associate level or higher industry networking certification (JNCIA, CCNA or equivalent)

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must be able to participate in on-call rotation to support critical operations as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Pay Range:
Level 1: $105,000 - $122,500
Level 2: $120,000 - $150,000
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 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 roundtrip travel from select Seattle locations to the SpaceX Redmond office Monday to Friday.
ITAR REQUIREMENTS:
  • 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.
Applicants wishing to view a copy of SpaceX's Affirmative Action Plan for veterans and individuals with disabilities, or applicants requiring reasonable accommodation to the application/interview process should reach out to EEOCompliance@spacex.com.

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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