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Contract Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL (NOW HIRING)

MSI Express, Inc.

Project Engineer

Hammond, IL · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

We are a single-source contract manufacturing and packaging company, delivering innovative engineering solutions from our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities. #J-18808-Ljbffr

Actalent

Wright - Manufacturing Engineer

Decatur, IL

$31.25 - $33/hr

Manufacturing Engineer The Manufacturing Engineer supports new manufacturing initiatives by driving ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract position based out of Decatur, IL. Pay and Benefits The pay ...

ADM

GT Sr Salesforce Engineer

Decatur, IL

$171K - $181K/yr

GT Sr Salesforce Engineer, Archer Daniels Midland Company, Decatur, IL. Develop technical ... Sales Management, Contracts, Price and Quote Management, Order Fulfillment Management, Billing ...

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All JobsContract Engineer JobsContract Engineer Jobs in Decatur, IL

Contract Engineer information

See Decatur, IL salary details

$29

$47

$96

How much do contract engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineer in Decatur, IL is $47.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.86 and $49.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract engineer?

Contract Engineers are professionals who manage and oversee contracts related to engineering projects. They are responsible for drafting, evaluating, negotiating, and executing contracts between companies and clients, vendors, or subcontractors. Their work ensures that all terms and requirements are clear, legal, and beneficial to all parties involved. Contract Engineers also help resolve disputes, monitor compliance, and manage project risks related to contractual obligations.

What does a contract engineer do?

As a contract engineer, you provide temporary support for a company that needs help. In this role, you may help design a product or structure, provide guidance to builders working off of your plans, or evaluate a company's existing system to be sure the proposed engineering plan matches their capabilities. Many aspects of this job depend on the type of engineering support a company needs. For example, some contract engineers focus heavily on the mechanical aspects of a project, while others help hire contractors, evaluate proposals, and answer questions related to the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, contract management, and project planning, typically supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with contract management software, procurement systems, and industry-specific regulations or certifications such as PMP or NEC is often required. Strong negotiation, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you manage client expectations and resolve contract disputes. These abilities ensure contracts are delivered on time, within budget, and meet both technical and legal requirements.

What are some common challenges contract engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Contract Engineers often juggle several projects at once, each with distinct timelines, client expectations, and compliance requirements. A common challenge is ensuring effective communication across all stakeholders while maintaining meticulous documentation and meeting strict deadlines. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong organizational skills and adaptability to shifting project priorities. Collaborating closely with legal, procurement, and technical teams is essential to resolve issues quickly and keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Contract Engineer vs Project Engineer?

AspectContract EngineerProject Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., PE, PMP)Bachelor's in Engineering, relevant certifications (e.g., PMP)
Work EnvironmentTemporary or project-specific roles, often freelance or consultingPermanent or long-term roles within projects
Employer & Industry UsageOil & gas, construction, manufacturing, consulting firmsConstruction, engineering firms, infrastructure projects
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Engineers typically work on a temporary basis, focusing on specific projects or tasks, often with consulting firms or as freelancers. Project Engineers are usually employed full-time within organizations, managing ongoing projects from start to finish. Both roles require engineering credentials and certifications, but their employment types and work environments differ significantly.

More about Contract Engineer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL?

For Contract Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Engineer jobs in Decatur, IL are:

What cities near Decatur, IL are hiring for Contract Engineer jobs?

Cities near Decatur, IL with the most Contract Engineer job openings:

Contract Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Engineer job openings in Decatur, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 48% Full Time, 10% Temporary, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,724 per year, or $47.5 per hour.

Project Engineer

Hammond, IL • On-site

MSI Express, Inc.
Food and Drink Manufacturing • 1 - 5K employees

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

252nd of 443 rated food and drinks producers

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Learn more about MSI Express, Inc.external

$90 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Description: ROLE PURPOSE/POSITION SUMMARY

Provides engineering and project management services in support of manufacturing operations. Manages small to medium engineering projects; participates as a team member on projects. Participates in scope definition, design, budgeting, scheduling, line layouts, purchasing, cost estimating and control, implementation, system integration, documentation, report writing, start-up, and training processes.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Performs all phases of project management and engineering for manufacturing operations, including but not limited to: scope definition, design, budgeting, scheduling, line layouts, purchasing, cost estimating and control, implementation, system integration, documentation, report writing, start-up, and training Applies understanding of Good Manufacturing Practices for the food industry (sanitary practices) to engineering projects Designs and installs safe manufacturing systems and processes Selects and manages outside engineering as required to meet customer, product, and capacity requirements Stays abreast of technology enhancements within the industry Supports plant maintenance and operations by planning and implementing layouts of plant, office, and production equipment to provide maximum utilization of facilities and efficiency of production. Ensures equipment is maintained according to specifications Develops projects and justification for capital improvements as applicable Supports cost reduction and efficiency improvement programs by participating and leading teams to review manufacturing operations and develop and implement recommendations. Facilitates improvement workshops and manages improvement projects Supports other engineering team members with training and development, assistance on engineering projects, providing specialized expertise as required Serves as prime technical expert for assigned facilities. Builds credibility and holds influence with Operations, Maintenance, Customers and vendors. Provides leadership and guidance to lower level Engineers and Technicians This position has responsibility for Food Safety and Quality within their influence. The associate in this job has the responsibility to report, in a timely manner, Food Safety and Quality problems to personnel with authority to initiate action on those problems Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS/CAPABILITY PROFILE

MINIMUM EDUCATION BS degree in an engineering field, with particular emphasis on Mechanical, Manufacturing, Facilities, and/or Maintenance Engineering MINIMUM EXPERIENCE Previous contract manufacturing experience desired Experience in food industry or short shelf-life environment desired MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES Working knowledge of lean principles required Experience in a high growth and dynamic environment required Experience with SolidWorks, AutoCAD or similar required Demonstrated ability to handle multiple priorities and interact collaboratively, working with multiple partners to resolve exceptions and collaborate on best alternatives Strong analytical skills Experience in leveraging integrated technology to execute business processes Ability to work with ambiguity and to communicate complex issues in a clear manner Positive mindset with a 'Lean-in' mentality A continuous improvement mindset, never satisfied with the status quo Strong verbal, listening and presentation skills

MSI Express is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are a single-source contract manufacturing and packaging company, delivering innovative engineering solutions from our strategically located network of manufacturing facilities.

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