What does a core network engineer do?
A Core Network Engineer designs and develops the backbone of an establishment's computer network, facilitating connections from one system to another. They conduct research and assessments to identify project requirements, install and maintain networks, establish guidelines and protocols, develop test structures to identify bugs, troubleshoot errors, and provide technical support as needed. It is also their responsibility to implement security systems and policies, all while maintaining records. A Core Engineer often works together with other engineers to strengthen the workflow and quality of networks.
Core network engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real core network engineer resumes:
- Design and manage printer repair and installation for the corporate Nortel campus.
- Manage Cisco NAS, QNAP NAS encrypt storage device configurations, perform IOS upgrades.
- Provide technical support with managing data from the Verizon LTE network to pass through WiFi access points.
- Manage deployment and testing updates for wireless systems, such as WCS, WiSM, and WLC.
- Manage marketing and exec team's ad-hoc inquiries via PERL, PL/SQL, SQL and Unix script processes.
- Utilize advanced encryption devices to secure communications between all locations manage by the department.
- Experience in troubleshooting TCP/IP with protocol analyzers, Wireshark.
- Maintain, configure of TCP/IP, DHCP, DNS and wireless data communications.
- Perform network design and architecture using HR-DSS, ERP-OFDM, and OFDM technologies in WLANS.
- Engineer Cisco LWAPP and IOS solutions to integrate wireless LAN coverage into customer facilities and upgrade existing LAN infrastructure.
- Perform lab analysis of equipment configurations prior to deployments to mitigate equipment failures and ensure quality LAN and WLAN installations.
- SIP, VoIP, and IMS configuration.
- Perform IOT with Nokia (NSN) Combi SGSN and various vendors BSC/RNC's.
- Perform IOT with Nokia (NSN) Combi SGSN and Huawei's RNC's.
- Configure MSCS, MGW, SGSN, GGSN, HLR and IMS for VoIP and video call service.
Core network engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 10% of Core Network Engineers are proficient in IP, Java, and Troubleshoot. They’re also known for soft skills such as Analytical skills, Communication skills, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Core Network Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- IP, 10%
Performed IP planning along with network equipment configuration.
- Java, 9%
Implemented support elements for this plug-in layer that allowed java tools to be used in the collaborative framework with minimal effort.
- Troubleshoot, 6%
Worked with field techs to troubleshoot any voice or data issues upon new installs, i.e.
- Linux, 5%
Developed software using a combination of Linux, Python, and R for test and production environments.
- Network Design, 5%
Drafted network design documents and China Mobile DRA functional and test specification.
- Ethernet, 4%
Verified, tested and turned up Alcatel-Lucent 1850 suite equipment and facilities providing Ethernet services for Cell Phone back Haul.
"ip," "java," and "troubleshoot" are among the most common skills that core network engineers use at work. You can find even more core network engineer responsibilities below, including:
Analytical skills. One of the key soft skills for a core network engineer to have is analytical skills. You can see how this relates to what core network engineers do because "administrators need to evaluate networks and systems to make sure that they perform reliably and to anticipate new requirements as customers’ needs change." Additionally, a core network engineer resume shows how core network engineers use analytical skills: "analyze traffic requirements and optimize network topology. "
Communication skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling core network engineer duties is communication skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "administrators must describe problems and their solutions to non-it workers." According to a core network engineer resume, here's how core network engineers can utilize communication skills in their job responsibilities: "supervised operational business needs of the fti (federal aviation administration telecommunication infrastructure) primary network operations control center. "
Problem-solving skills. This is an important skill for core network engineers to perform their duties. For an example of how core network engineer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "administrators must quickly resolve problems that arise with computer networks." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a core network engineer: "worked with provisioning to provide solutions for incorrectly provisioned towers across the network. ".
The three companies that hire the most core network engineers are:
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Core network engineer vs. Systems administrator
Systems administrators are employees who oversee information technology infrastructures in the office. They are skilled information technology professionals who are knowledgeable about the company's network systems and other technology-related infrastructures. They are responsible for installing, configuring, or updating network systems, software, and hardware. They also monitor the different systems and troubleshoot any issues that users may encounter. Systems administrators manage the access of users, ensure the security of the network, and address any challenges that users may have. They conduct repairs and routine maintenance to ensure that the systems in place are in the best shape.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a core network engineer are more likely to require skills like "network design," "ethernet," "juniper," and "debugging." On the other hand, a job as a systems administrator requires skills like "windows server," "database," "powershell," and "os." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Systems administrators tend to make the most money working in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $86,962. In contrast, core network engineers make the biggest average salary, $109,240, in the automotive industry.The education levels that systems administrators earn slightly differ from core network engineers. In particular, systems administrators are 5.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than a core network engineer. Additionally, they're 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Core network engineer vs. Administrator
Administrators are administrative professionals who oversee the whole office or department. They manage office activities and supervise administrative functions in the office. They work the office calendar and oversee the appointment-setting process. They coordinate office events and ensure that all preparations are made and that there are no conflicting schedules. They also maintain a database of external providers of various office needs. Administrators also oversee office supplies and prepare purchase requisitions. They also manage janitorial services and other functions that are related to the maintenance of the physical office space. Administrators ensure that all fixtures and equipment in the office are functioning well and have no problems.
In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, core network engineer responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "ip," "java," "tcp ip," and "network design." Meanwhile, an administrator has duties that require skills in areas such as "customer service," "data entry," "payroll," and "financial reports." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.
Administrators may earn a lower salary than core network engineers, but administrators earn the most pay in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $78,798. On the other hand, core network engineers receive higher pay in the automotive industry, where they earn an average salary of $109,240.administrators earn similar levels of education than core network engineers in general. They're 2.4% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Core network engineer vs. Information technology administrator
An Information Technology (IT) administrator is an individual responsible for managing the day-to-day operation of an organization's IT systems and ensuring that the systems are running effectively. IT administrators must conduct consistent analyses of the computer system and install updates when needed. They are required to assess the organization's security programs and run the system for viruses and spyware. IT administrators also extend support to the organization's end-users and train them on desktop applications.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, core network engineers are more likely to have skills like "java," "network design," "ethernet," and "juniper." But a information technology administrator is more likely to have skills like "customer service," "database," "vmware," and "windows server."
Information technology administrators make a very good living in the finance industry with an average annual salary of $93,678. On the other hand, core network engineers are paid the highest salary in the automotive industry, with average annual pay of $109,240.information technology administrators typically earn lower educational levels compared to core network engineers. Specifically, they're 7.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Core network engineer vs. System technician
A system technician is an individual responsible for supporting users with issues related to the computer system. System technicians conduct appropriate diagnostics on computer issues and must be able to explain technical issues to clients or team members. They should carry out tests on the system so that they can generate error reports to identify and fix any computer system problems. System technicians also can write and maintain computer programs and work with computers and electronics, including circuit boards, computer hardware and software, and computer processors.
Types of core network engineer
Updated January 8, 2025











