Network Engineer - Packet Core Frisco, TX (onsite 3 days a week) 1 year contract Shifts: on-call rotation (day & overnight) SUMMARY: Our Fortune 100 telecom client is hiring a Packet Core Network Engineer to join their Engineering Business Support team. This role focuses on configuring, maintaining, and supporting the mobile packet core network-including EPC, 5G Core, and related infrastructure components. You'll work hands-on with OEM platforms to execute network changes, support node upgrades, and troubleshoot core services, contributing to the stability and scalability of the core network.
RESPONSIBILITIES:- Execute packet core node configurations and changes (e.g., MME, SGW, PGW, AMF, SMF, UPF) using defined keystroke and command-line sequences
- Implement change requests and upgrades on core network elements-ensuring minimal impact to network performance
- Configure and maintain core network functions (e.g., GTP-U, Diameter, DNS, SCTP, IPsec, QoS)
- Monitor and optimize packet core network performance and reliability using tools such as NetScout, Wireshark, and OEM-specific management systems
- Participate in on-call rotation; must be flexible to work days or nights on a rotating schedule (e.g., daytime for a month, then nights for a week; or varying weekday/night shifts)
- Work within established change control frameworks to ensure accurate documentation, peer review, and rollback planning
- Collaborate with vendors (e.g., Ericsson, Nokia, Cisco, Mavenir) and internal IT stakeholders for network enhancements and issue resolution
- Support integration testing, feature activation, and software upgrades across LTE and 5G core platforms
REQUIREMENTS:- 4-6 years of experience as a Network Engineer with a focus on mobile Packet Core (EPC and/or 5G Core)
- Strong understanding of protocols including GTP, Diameter, SCTP, S1-U, S11, N4, N6, and N1 interfaces
- Experience configuring and troubleshooting OEM equipment from Ericsson, Nokia, Mavenir, or Cisco
- Proficiency with monitoring and diagnostic tools for packet core and IP networking (NetScout, Wireshark, CDR tools, RAN analytics)
- Experience using provisioning/ticketing systems such as ServiceNow, OneConsole, and Axiom
- Familiarity with virtualized core network elements (VNFs/CNFs) and cloud-native core architecture is a plus
- Certifications such as CCNP, JNCIP, or OEM-specific training (e.g., Nokia CM, Ericsson Certified Expert) are a strong plus
US citizens and all other parties authorized to work in the US are encouraged to apply. We are unable to sponsor.