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Contract Data Pipeline Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Pipeline Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

$130K - $200K/yr

What You'll Do As a Pipeline Engineer , you'll contribute across key focus areas, including ... contract documents. * Support asset management decisions: Evaluate existing pipeline systems ...

Pipeline Engineer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

... contract documents. * Existing pipeline asset management including condition assessment and ... Professional Engineer (PE) license; licensure in California, Oregon and/or Washington preferred or ...

Pipeline Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

... contract documents. * Existing pipeline asset management including condition assessment and ... Professional Engineer (PE) license; licensure in California, Oregon and/or Washington preferred or ...

Pipeline Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$130K - $185K/yr

... contract documents. * Existing pipeline asset management including condition assessment and ... Professional Engineer (PE) license; licensure in California, Oregon and/or Washington preferred or ...

Design, plan, schedule, maintain work record data and lead all phases of moderately complex ... Perform contract administration and construction inspections for moderately complex projects ...

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Contract Data Pipeline Engineer information

See salary details

$44.5K

$129.7K

$177.5K

How much do contract data pipeline engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract data pipeline engineer in the United States is $129,716.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $114,500.00 and $137,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Data Pipeline Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Data Pipeline Engineer, you need strong expertise in data engineering, ETL processes, and proficiency with programming languages like Python or Scala, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as Apache Spark, Kafka, Airflow, and cloud platforms like AWS or GCP, as well as experience with SQL and big data technologies, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving skills, adaptability, and clear communication are vital soft skills for collaborating with diverse teams and responding to evolving project requirements. These skills and qualities are crucial for building reliable, scalable data pipelines that deliver accurate insights to drive business decisions.

What is the difference between Contract Data Pipeline Engineer vs Data Engineer?

AspectContract Data Pipeline EngineerData Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with experience in data pipeline toolsSimilar credentials, often with advanced certifications in data management or cloud platforms
Work EnvironmentContract roles, often project-based, working with teams on specific data pipeline tasksFull-time or contract, working within data teams on broader data infrastructure
Industry UsageUsed across industries for short-term data pipeline projectsCommon in tech, finance, healthcare, and other data-driven sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for project-based roles or freelance opportunitiesViewed for long-term data infrastructure roles

While both roles involve managing data pipelines, Contract Data Pipeline Engineers typically work on short-term, project-specific tasks, whereas Data Engineers focus on building and maintaining comprehensive data infrastructure for organizations. The choice depends on whether you seek contract work or a permanent data engineering position.

What are Contract Data Pipeline Engineers?

Contract Data Pipeline Engineers are professionals hired on a temporary or project basis to design, build, and maintain systems that move and process large volumes of data. They develop data pipelines that extract data from various sources, transform it into usable formats, and load it into storage systems or databases. Their work ensures data is efficiently collected, processed, and made accessible for analysis or business operations. Contract roles typically require strong skills in programming, data architecture, and cloud technologies, and may focus on specific projects or timeframes rather than permanent employment.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Data Pipeline Engineers when working with new clients or projects?

As a Contract Data Pipeline Engineer, one of the most common challenges is quickly understanding and adapting to the client's existing data infrastructure and business requirements. Each client may use different tools, data sources, and workflows, so it’s important to rapidly assess and integrate new technologies. Additionally, contract roles often have tight deadlines, requiring efficient communication with data engineers, analysts, and stakeholders to ensure deliverables meet expectations. Balancing the need for robust, scalable solutions with the constraints of a limited contract period is also a frequent consideration.
More about Contract Data Pipeline Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Data Pipeline Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Data Pipeline Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Pipeline Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Data Pipeline Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Data Pipeline Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Data Pipeline Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Data Pipeline Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Data Pipeline Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Contract Data Pipeline Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $129,716 per year, or $62.4 per hour.

Pipeline Engineer

kennedyjc

Santa Clara, CA • Hybrid

$130K - $200K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 hours ago


Job description

Kennedy Jenks is seeking an experienced and proactive Pipeline Engineer for our California office to support water and wastewater pipeline projects. This role will play a key part in the evaluation, design, and construction of complex conveyance facilities for water, wastewater, and utility infrastructure projects.

This role offers the opportunity to serve as a technical resource on meaningful pipeline projects while supporting clients and multidisciplinary project teams.

You’ll play a key role in advancing pipeline projects from planning through construction, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, supporting junior staff development, and contributing to strong client service.

What You’ll Do

As a Pipeline Engineer, you’ll contribute across key focus areas, including pipeline design and analysis, construction support, asset management, technical problem-solving, and client service.

  • Support pipeline design and analysis: Perform hydraulic and pipe design calculations for small- to large-diameter water and wastewater pipelines.
  • Develop detailed project deliverables: Prepare designs, specifications, and drawings for complex pipeline projects, including alignment studies, hydraulic analyses, condition assessments, rehabilitation, new pipeline design, and in-service commissioning.
  • Apply industry standards: Use applicable industry standards, publications, codes, and regional regulatory requirements to guide pipeline design and installation.
  • Provide construction-phase engineering support: Review materials submittals, respond to requests for information, and assist owners in confirming compliance with contract documents.
  • Support asset management decisions: Evaluate existing pipeline systems, conduct condition assessments, and recommend rehabilitation or replacement approaches using various pipe materials and trenchless construction methods.
  • Collaborate, support, and engage: Serve as a technical resource on multidisciplinary project teams, support junior staff development, contribute to client service, write technical reports, maintain project documentation, and support quality control processes.
What Makes This Role Different
  • High-impact infrastructure work: You’ll contribute to essential water and wastewater systems that support communities, improve reliability, and address complex infrastructure challenges.
  • Technical depth with practical application: This role combines advanced pipeline engineering with real-world construction insight, giving you the opportunity to see your recommendations carry through from design to implementation.
  • Team visibility and collaboration: You’ll have the opportunity to serve as a trusted technical resource for project teams, clients, and stakeholders while supporting knowledge-sharing across the team.
What You Bring
  • Applied pipeline engineering skills: Ability to apply pipeline design, hydraulic analysis, and construction support experience to practical project needs.
  • Clear technical communication: Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to prepare technical reports, document project decisions, and explain engineering concepts clearly.
  • Collaborative project mindset: Comfortable working with multidisciplinary teams, coordinating with project stakeholders, and contributing to successful project delivery.
  • Sound technical judgment: Ability to evaluate pipeline challenges, identify practical solutions, and support quality-focused deliverables.
  • Proactive work style: Organized, responsive, and eager to contribute to project teams while continuing to grow technical expertise.
Qualifications
  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Mechanical Engineering, or a similar engineering field; Master’s degree preferred.
  • Experience: 10+ years of experience in pipeline engineering, including design, analysis, and construction support.
  • Areas of Knowledge: Strong knowledge of industry standards, codes, and regulations for water and wastewater infrastructure.
  • Certifications or licenses: Professional Engineer license in California required or ability to obtain within six months of hire.
  • Additional preferred qualifications: Experience with pipeline design software and hydraulic modeling tools preferred.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work-life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and achieve their full potential.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be $130,000 to $200,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

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