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Contract Engineer Jobs in Lead, SD (NOW HIRING)

Par Pacific

Environmental Engineer

Newcastle, WY · On-site

Environmental Engineer Posting Start Date: 8/26/26 Job Location (Short): Newcastle, WY, USA, 82701 ... contract negotiations and administration. * Spill management, reporting, and investigating.

Par Pacific

Environmental Engineer

Newcastle, WY · On-site

Environmental Engineer Wyoming Refining Company WHO WE ARE: Par Pacific is a growth-oriented ... contract negotiations and administration. * Spill management, reporting, and investigating.

Fermilab

Procurement Specialist III

Lead, SD · On-site

$88K - $116K/yr

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) * Experience supporting large-scale, technically complex construction, infrastructure, engineering, or scientific projects. * Experience using LCPtracker or ...

Fermilab

Deputy Install Manager (3-year Term)

Lead, SD · On-site

$111K - $146K/yr

... and contracts * Strong written and verbal communication skills Minimum Required Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a ...

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$95

How much do contract engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineer in Lead, SD is $47.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $48.89 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 Lead, SD?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Lead, SD are:

What cities near Lead, SD are hiring for Contract Engineer jobs?

Cities near Lead, SD with the most Contract Engineer job openings:

Contract Engineer jobs near you

Process Eng/Project Engineer

Par Pacific

Newcastle, WY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago

Par Pacific rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

33rd of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

Process & Projects Engineer
 
The Opportunity:
  • We are seeking a results-driven Process & Project Engineer to join our refinery team in a high-impact role that combines technical leadership with project execution. Reporting to the Engineering Supervisor, this position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a dynamic and growth-focused energy company by supporting the integrity and performance of refinery assets while advancing long-term reliability, safety, and operational excellence.
  • This role offers a dynamic blend of process engineering and project management responsibilities, with a strong focus on fixed equipment systems and unit operations. As an Engineer, you will develop, maintain, and apply subject matter expertise across areas such as pressure vessels, heat exchangers, piping, pressure relief devices (PRDs), pumps, valves, tanks, process chemistry, corrosion and materials, and overall refinery operations. You will act as a technical expert and strategic partner to Operations, Maintenance, and other cross-functional teams, driving solutions to complex reliability challenges, supporting capital and expense projects, and leading key refinery improvement initiatives.
  • The ideal candidate is an experienced engineer with a strong working knowledge of ASME and API codes, a deep understanding of refinery operations and engineering practices, and a proactive, analytical approach to problem-solving. This is a high-visibility role well-suited for professionals who thrive in fast-paced environments, excel in cross-disciplinary collaboration, and are motivated by innovation and continuous improvement.
 
Key activities include: 
  • Provide technical support for fixed equipment and process units across refinery operating areas.
  • Monitor process unit performance, identify deviations from strategic operating targets, and recommend corrective actions as needed.
  • Develop and implement structured troubleshooting methodologies in collaboration with engineering teams during unit upsets or outages.
  • Support turnaround planning and execution, ensuring adherence to technical functional milestones and reliability goals.
  • Provide technical support to key refinery departments, including Operations, Maintenance, Environmental, and Safety.
  • Identify, evaluate, and develop refinery improvement projects with clear economic justifications and risk assessments.
  • Manage and execute all phases of engineering projects—from conceptual studies and process design to cost estimating, detailed engineering, procurement, construction, and startup.
  • Oversee and direct both in-house and contract engineering resources to ensure timely and efficient project delivery
  • Develop and prepare detailed engineering specifications for piping, instrumentation, equipment, construction scopes, and bid packages.
  • Support the deployment and sustainment of advanced control systems to enhance operational efficiency and performance.
  • Develop economically sound repair vs. replacement recommendations to support reliable decision-making.
  • Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of fixed equipment reliability strategies.
  • Ensure the technical feasibility of catalyst selection, catalyst changeout planning, and vessel readiness verification.
  • Size and select PSVs, control valves, orifice plates, and other flow devices.
  • Assist with P&ID development and updates to reflect field changes.
  • Participate in PHAs and support PSM roles in MOC, PSSR, and PSI.
  • Act as a technical leader on cross-functional teams, providing engineering judgment and approving design decisions.
  • Represent Engineering in Root Cause Investigations (RCIs), Process Safety Reviews, and other technical audits as required.
  • Champion environmental compliance and support refinery emissions reduction initiatives through targeted process improvements.
  • Integrate health, safety, and environmental considerations into all engineering recommendations and project execution plans.
 
Note: This description is intended to give you a general overview of the position. Additional responsibilities and opportunities may be identified based on current business needs.
 
Qualifications:
  • To be considered for this role, candidates must have legal authorization to work permanently in the United States for any employer without requiring a visa transfer or sponsorship.
  • Bachelor’s degree in mechanical, chemical, or petroleum engineering required.
  • Minimum of three years’ engineering experience in a refinery or similar industry, or six years’ non-engineering refining industry experience required.
  • Must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Must maintain a valid driver’s license with a safe driving record throughout employment.
Additional qualifications include:  
  • Proficiency in pressure vessels, piping, heat exchangers, fired equipment, valves, and pressure relief devices preferred.
  • Knowledge of ASME B31.3 and ASME Section VIII, Division 1 standards preferred.
  • Working knowledge of refinery corrosion mechanisms, metallurgy, and materials selection preferred.
  • Flexibility to work overtime, including nights, weekends, and holidays during turnarounds and outages will be required.
  • Ability to wear personal protective equipment will be required: safety glasses, earplugs, gloves, steel-toed shoes, hard hats, Nomex, and respirator to name a few.
  • Ability to climb ladders and stairs, work at elevated heights, and enter confined spaces required.
  • Capability to physically enter process vessels (e.g., towers, drums, reactors) for internal inspection required.
  • Frequent walking, standing, crouching, and climbing in field and operational environments will be required.
  • Ability to lift to 60 lbs. required.
  • Vision to 20/40 or better, depth perception, full field, and able to distinguish colors with or without correction required.
  • Exposure to environmental elements such as heat, noise, vibration, and fumes required.
  • Demonstrates a thorough understanding of safety (PSM) and environmental practices.
  • Relates well to and effectively influences others within and across functions.
  • Required to make timely and informed decisions under pressure.
  • Writes clearly and effectively in various settings.
 
About Us:
At Par Pacific, we own and operate market-leading energy and infrastructure businesses in logistically-complex markets. We have built a team of oil and gas industry veterans and subject matter experts to lead our organization with an entrepreneurial spirit and a collaborative, problem solving approach. We bring our diverse strengths and motivation to complex markets where we seek out diamonds in the rough. As a nimble, growing organization, we actively pursue new opportunities with corporate financing know-how, respond to local market demands, and adapt to changing external environments.
 
More Good Reasons to work for Par Pacific:

Unique Culture:
There is nothing ordinary about Par Pacific -- a niche player in the energy space. And there's certainly nothing ordinary about Par Pacific employees. We are driven, hardworking, entrepreneurial-minded professionals who love to win. If that describes you, you'll fit right in. 
 
Location, Location, Location:
Because Par Pacific operates in some of the most beautiful places throughout the country, our employees get to make these places their home and enrich their lives.
 
You will work in Newcastle, the county seat of Weston County, which offers the neighborly culture you would expect in a small town. We are proud of our great schools and low cost of living. The downtown historic district is listed with the National Registry of Historic Places, and it helps preserve the Western culture that residents love.
 
Opportunistic growth strategy:
At Par Pacific, we look for operations with strong fundamentals and great employees who can move a business forward. Our management team has deep experience in the energy industry, as well as in leading mergers, acquisitions, and integrations of newly acquired companies. 
 
Focused on the future:
We are an energy company that has recognized the imperative and embraced the opportunity to begin the transition from fossil fuels. We are developing products that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
 
Excellent compensation and benefits:
In addition to a competitive salary, we offer a strong comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, a robust allotment of paid time off, a 401(k) with company match, retirement savings plans, educational reimbursement, and more. Full-time employees (and their families) are offered medical (with prescription coverage), dental, vision, voluntary critical illness, accident, life/AD&D insurance, Flexible Spending Account and Employee Assistance Program. Employees can purchase company stock at discounted prices through the Employee Stock Purchase Program. 
 
Our Headquarters:
Par Pacific Holdings, Inc., based in Houston, Texas, owns, manages and maintains interests in energy and infrastructure businesses. We are a growing energy company focused on renewable and conventional fuels in the Western United States. Par Pacific also owns 46% of Laramie Energy, LLC, a natural gas production company with operations and assets concentrated in Western Colorado.  Our common stock is publicly traded on the NYSE under the trading symbol "PARR".  
 
Our Refineries and Logistics Operations:
We own and operate refineries in Hawaii, Montana, Washington, and Wyoming, with total operating throughput capacity of over 219 Mbpd. Par Pacific owns and operates one of the largest energy networks in Hawaii with 94,000 bpd of operating refining capacity, a logistics system supplying the major islands of the state and 90 retail locations. In the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies, Par Pacific owns and operates 124,000 bpd of combined refining capacity and related multimodal logistics systems. 
 
Our Retail Operations:
We own and operate 90 retail locations in Hawaii under the Hele and 76 brands and 33 retail locations in Washington and Idaho under the nomnom brand.
 
Par Pacific is an equal opportunity employer:
Par Pacific prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information or any other status protected by applicable law.  
  
Note: Par Pacific will not accept calls or unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters. All candidates are required to apply through this web posting.  

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