How To Become A Core Network Engineer: What It Is and Career Path

What is a core network engineer and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Quoted expert

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Core network engineers install telecom core nodes that allow network providers to ensure coverage for their customers. They supervise and execute cabling work and take care of technical specifics like cooling and grounding using building drawings.

As a core network engineer, you'll have the opportunity to work for IT and telecommunications companies. You will investigate sites, draw-up pre-studies, create documentation and reports related to network node installations. You might also be responsible for making sure the system is efficient and recommend improvements wherever you see fit.

You will need a bachelor's degree in engineering to be considered for this role. Experience in the field is also generally required as this is the position of a team lead. You will have to consult clients and be quick on your feet to resolve arising problems while displaying a customer-oriented attitude.

What general advice would you give to a core network engineer?

Dr. Bobby Roohparvar Ph.D.

Professor of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, California State University - East Bay

*The anxiety of AI is likely to change the landscape of computer networking, is a real threat but in my opinion, it won't eliminate the need for human network engineers. The focus will likely shift towards more strategic tasks, complex problem-solving, and leveraging AI tools to improve network efficiency and security.*

*Here again, I will explain in more detail about the expectation and future of Comp. Network Eng.*

* 1. AI Augments, Not Replaces: While AI can automate some network tasks, like data analysis and basic troubleshooting, it won't replace the need for human network engineers. It will increase the productivity for sure; Complex problem-solving, strategic decision-making, and human judgment are still crucial in network management. AI will likely become a valuable tool that assists network engineers in their tasks, making them more efficient.*

*2. Growing Demand: Our reliance on technology and data is constantly increasing. Businesses and organizations need secure, reliable networks to function. This necessitates a skilled workforce to design, implement, maintain, and secure these networks. The demand for qualified network engineers is expected to grow in the coming years.*

*In our technology horizon, I can see the quantum internet coming and I can see the demand for network engineering accelerate.*

*3. Diverse Skillset: A strong foundation in computer networking equips you with a versatile skillset. You'll understand network protocols, security concepts, and troubleshooting methodologies. These skills are valuable across the IT field and can be applied to areas like cloud computing, data center operations, or even cybersecurity. Data Centers for AI are becoming a huge opportunity for Comp Network Eng.*

ScoreCore Network EngineerUS Average

Salary

7.7

Avg. Salary $103,964

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

5.7

Growth rate 5%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.6

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.31%

Asian 13.92%

Black or African American 7.99%

Hispanic or Latino 11.70%

Unknown 5.01%

White 61.07%

Gender

female 14.34%

male 85.66%

Age - 42

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 42

Stress level

5.7

Stress level is manageable

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.7

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

7.1

Work life balance is good

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a core network engineer

Explore core network engineer education requirements

Most common core network engineer degrees

Bachelor's

74.1 %

Master's

14.4 %

Associate

4.2 %

Start to develop specific core network engineer skills

Skills	Percentages
IP	10.18%
Java	8.93%
Troubleshoot	5.52%
Linux	5.21%
Network Design	4.75%

Complete relevant core network engineer training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 3-6 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New core network engineers learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a core network engineer based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real core network engineer resumes.

Research core network engineer duties and responsibilities

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Manage deployment and testing updates for wireless systems, such as WCS, WiSM, and WLC.

Get core network engineer experience

Generally, it takes 1-2 years to become a core network engineer. The most common roles before becoming a core network engineer include engineer, network engineer team lead and systems engineer.

Prepare your core network engineer resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your core network engineer resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a core network engineer resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

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