This position is contingent upon the award of a contract and continued contract funding. At Purdue ... Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our ...
This position is contingent upon the award of a contract and continued contract funding. At Purdue ... Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our ...
Contract Boilermaker information
See Indiana salary details
$17.61 - $18.88
12% of jobs
$18.88 - $20.15
3% of jobs
$20.15 - $21.42
1% of jobs
$21.42 - $22.69
4% of jobs
$23.69 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$22.69 - $23.96
6% of jobs
$23.96 - $25.22
13% of jobs
$25.22 - $26.49
11% of jobs
The median wage is $26.53 / hr.
$26.49 - $27.76
18% of jobs
$28.42 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$27.76 - $29.03
15% of jobs
$29.03 - $30.30
13% of jobs
$30.30 - $31.57
5% of jobs
$17
$25
$31
How much do contract boilermaker jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract boilermaker in Indiana is $25.73, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.56 and $28.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What is a contract boilermaker?
Contract Boilermakers are skilled tradespeople who are hired on a temporary or project basis to assemble, install, maintain, and repair boilers, tanks, and other large vessels that hold liquids and gases. They often work in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and energy, and may be employed by contractors for specific projects rather than as permanent staff. Their work involves reading blueprints, using specialized tools, and adhering to strict safety standards. Contract Boilermakers typically travel to different job sites and may work in challenging environments, sometimes requiring overtime or shift work depending on project needs.
What are some typical challenges contract boilermakers face when working on short-term projects?
Contract Boilermakers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new job sites, equipment, and safety protocols, as each project may have different requirements. They must efficiently collaborate with diverse teams, which can include other trades and site supervisors, to ensure work is completed on tight deadlines. Additionally, maintaining high-quality workmanship while adhering to strict safety standards is essential, especially in environments where conditions can change rapidly. Flexibility and strong communication skills are key to overcoming these challenges and successfully completing each contract.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract boilermaker, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Contract Boilermaker, you need expertise in welding, metal fabrication, blueprint reading, and a recognized boilermaker apprenticeship or trade qualification. Familiarity with industrial welding equipment, rigging tools, and safety certifications like OSHA or confined space training is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure safe, efficient construction and repair of boilers and pressure vessels, maintaining compliance with industry standards and minimizing downtime.
What is the difference between Contract Boilermaker vs Welders?
| Aspect | Contract Boilermaker | Welders |
|---|---|---|
| Certifications | Boilermaker certification, welding licenses | Welding certifications (e.g., AWS, CWB) |
| Work Environment | Industrial plants, construction sites, shipyards | Factories, construction sites, repair shops |
| Industry Usage | Heavy industry, power plants, shipbuilding | Manufacturing, construction, maintenance |
Contract Boilermakers and welders often share certifications and work in industrial environments. However, Contract Boilermakers specialize in assembling and repairing large metal structures like boilers and tanks, while welders focus on joining metals in various applications. Both roles are essential in heavy industry, but Contract Boilermakers typically handle more complex, large-scale projects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Boilermaker jobs in Indiana?
The most popular types of Boilermaker jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Boilermaker jobs in Indiana?
For Contract Boilermaker jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Boilermaker jobs in Indiana look for?
The top searched job categories for Contract Boilermaker jobs in Indiana are:
Full-time
Retirement
Posted 18 days ago
Key responsibilities
Support lab and process operations, including testing, sampling, data assessment, and process modeling.
Prepare technical and process documentation such as process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, standard operating procedures, and technical reports.
Assist with troubleshooting, root-cause analyses, and implementing corrective actions to address process bottlenecks or malfunctions.
Purdue University rating
7.5
Based on 136 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
316th of 631 rated colleges and universities
Job description
Chemical Engineer I - Energy and Energetics Lab (PEEL)
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) is seeking a Level I Chemical Engineer to support the PARI PEEL Lab. In this role, you will apply foundational chemical engineering principles while working with senior staff to design, test, and optimize chemical and energetic-material processes across laboratory, pilot, and full-scale operations.
You will contribute to the development of energetic production processes, precursor materials, and material-recycling methods. Key responsibilities include supporting lab and process operations; preparing technical and process documentation; implementing standard operating procedures; supporting quality assurance and quality control activities; conducting testing, sampling, data assessment, and process modeling; and maintaining a strong focus on safety and compliance.
Working under the guidance of senior staff, you will develop process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, process models, and technical reports. You will also assist with troubleshooting and root-cause analyses to identify process bottlenecks or malfunctions and help implement corrective actions. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer who is safety-minded, detail-oriented, collaborative, and interested in supporting applied research and development in chemical and energetic-material systems.
This position is contingent upon the award of a contract and continued contract funding.
At Purdue, you'll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words-they're the foundation of how we work and grow, together. If you're ready to help build a better world through research that matters, take the next step and join us on this path.
About Us
The Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) is a nonprofit entity that extends the reach and impact of Purdue University's deep research strengths and top-ranked academic programs in engineering, agriculture, science and technology. PARI works to improve national security, microelectronics, infrastructure solutions and to accelerate critical technologies.
Through applied research and program personnel, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, PARI significantly enhances Purdue's ability to translate discoveries into innovative solutions and services for mission-oriented government, industry, NGO and foundation partners. PARI is an incubator for advanced development and transition of leading ideas and technology with potential for significant impact through large-scale prototypes, pilots, and startups.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance to be considered for this position. Maintaining this clearance is a continuous condition of employment. Failure to obtain or retain the required clearance may result in termination.
Preferred:
Skills Required:
Additional Information:
Purdue's benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/summaries.php
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position. Pre-employment checks are required for this position.
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Career Stream
PARI Professional
Job Code #20003979
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
City: West Lafayette
Job Description:
Job Summary
Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) is seeking a Level I Chemical Engineer to support the PARI PEEL Lab. In this role, you will apply foundational chemical engineering principles while working with senior staff to design, test, and optimize chemical and energetic-material processes across laboratory, pilot, and full-scale operations.
You will contribute to the development of energetic production processes, precursor materials, and material-recycling methods. Key responsibilities include supporting lab and process operations; preparing technical and process documentation; implementing standard operating procedures; supporting quality assurance and quality control activities; conducting testing, sampling, data assessment, and process modeling; and maintaining a strong focus on safety and compliance.
Working under the guidance of senior staff, you will develop process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, process models, and technical reports. You will also assist with troubleshooting and root-cause analyses to identify process bottlenecks or malfunctions and help implement corrective actions. This role is ideal for an early-career engineer who is safety-minded, detail-oriented, collaborative, and interested in supporting applied research and development in chemical and energetic-material systems.
This position is contingent upon the award of a contract and continued contract funding.
At Purdue, you'll join a community where unrivaled pride and unlimited potential are more than just words-they're the foundation of how we work and grow, together. If you're ready to help build a better world through research that matters, take the next step and join us on this path.
About Us
The Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) is a nonprofit entity that extends the reach and impact of Purdue University's deep research strengths and top-ranked academic programs in engineering, agriculture, science and technology. PARI works to improve national security, microelectronics, infrastructure solutions and to accelerate critical technologies.
Through applied research and program personnel, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure, PARI significantly enhances Purdue's ability to translate discoveries into innovative solutions and services for mission-oriented government, industry, NGO and foundation partners. PARI is an incubator for advanced development and transition of leading ideas and technology with potential for significant impact through large-scale prototypes, pilots, and startups.
What We're Looking For
Education and Experience Required:
- Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering.
- A minimum of one internship experience.
Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret security clearance to be considered for this position. Maintaining this clearance is a continuous condition of employment. Failure to obtain or retain the required clearance may result in termination.
Preferred:
- Experience working with energetic materials.
Skills Required:
- Proficiency with CAD software, process simulation tools, and data-analysis software, such as Aspen, CHEMCAD, MATLAB, and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to assist with the design, testing, optimization, and documentation of chemical processes in laboratory, pilot, and full-scale operational environments.
- Ability to prepare process flow diagrams, piping and instrumentation diagrams, standard operating procedures, safety protocols, test reports, lab documentation, technical reports, root-cause analyses, and written or oral presentations.
- Ability to conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis with guidance from senior staff.
- Strong technical writing, oral communication, time-management, organization, collaboration, and independent work skills.
- Demonstrated ability to follow instructions, manage priorities, and complete work according to established schedules and requirements.
- Commitment to lab and plant safety practices, environmental regulations, quality assurance and quality control requirements, and chemical and explosive-handling standards.
- Ability to work in a hazardous-material environment, including exposure to fumes, vapors, odors, toxic chemicals, heavy machinery, and biological and/or chemical materials.
Additional Information:
Purdue's benefits summary https://www.purdue.edu/hr/Benefits/employeebenefits/benefits_enrollment/summaries.php
Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
A background check will be required for employment in this position. Pre-employment checks are required for this position.
FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contribution Waiting Period
Who We Are
Purdue is a community built on collaboration, with global perspectives, Boilermaker pride and endless opportunity to live, learn and grow. Join us and contribute to our culture.
Career Stream
PARI Professional
Job Code #20003979
Equal Opportunity Employer
Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access university.
What Purdue University employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
About Purdue University
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
West Lafayette, IN, US
Year founded
1962