ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

Cape

Contract Specialist

Arlington, VA · On-site

As a member of our team, you will collaborate with world-class engineers, architects, and ... The Role The Contract Specialist will be a key member of Cape's Federal-GTM team. This employee ...

540

Test Automation Engineer (Contract)

Arlington, VA · Remote

$53 - $70/hr

This role is offered as a contract engagement and is ideal for engineers who value flexibility, autonomy, and high-impact work. While there may be an opportunity to convert to full-time in the future ...

540

Senior Software Engineer (Contract)

Arlington, VA · Remote

$140K - $185K/yr

This role is offered as a contract engagement and is ideal for engineers who value flexibility, autonomy, and high-impact work. While there may be an opportunity to convert to full-time in the future ...

Anduril Industries

Space Contract Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$100K - $134K/yr

... engineering teams. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Execute contract management throughout the life of each ... contract. * Complete contract review and acceptance. * Oversee and prepare contract proposal ...

SAIC

Contracts Specialist

Chantilly, VA · Remote

Engineering and Sciences Subcategory: Specialty Engr Schedule: Full-Time Shift: Day Job Travel: Yes ... This role supports contract actions from planning through closeout and requires strong independent ...

Amazon

Contracts Manager, AWS Legal

Arlington, VA · On-site

$102K - $136K/yr

You'll collaborate with procurement, finance, engineering, construction, operations, and security teams to understand their needs and provide timely legal guidance. Beyond individual contract reviews ...

Anduril Industries

Space Contract Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$129K - $171K/yr

... engineering teams. WHAT YOU'LL DO * Execute contract management throughout the life of each ... contract. * Complete contract review and acceptance. * Oversee and prepare contract proposal ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsContract Engineer JobsContract Engineer Jobs in Reston, VA

Contract Engineer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$31

$50

$103

How much do contract engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineer in Reston, VA is $50.91, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.79 and $52.79 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Contract Engineers?

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 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.

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 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.
More about Contract Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Reston, VA? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Reston, VA are:
What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Contract Engineer jobs? Cities near Reston, VA with the most Contract Engineer job openings:
Contract Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Engineer job openings in Reston, VA as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 58% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,888 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Remote: Contract Specialist III

Planate Management Group

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$80K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Planate Management Group (PMG) is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, and Orlando, Florida USA with a technical support center in South East Asia and East Africa, that provides program management and facilities engineering services worldwide. Planate is a small business provider of planning, design, infrastructure management, technical consulting, engineering, and construction management services in support of the US Department of Defense (DOD) and its Service (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps) missions, along with other US federal agencies, all over the world.
We are seeking a Contract Specialist III to lead and manage complex federal acquisitions for the Department of Veterans Affairs. This senior-level position requires extensive expertise in contracting, including construction, complex services, and leasing procurements. You will provide advanced acquisition support, offer strategic guidance, ensure compliance with federal regulations, coordinate with stakeholders, and serve as a recognized authority in contracting specialty, demonstrating broad knowledge and skills to effectively execute high-level acquisition responsibilities.
Salary: $80k - $90k/year (range varies depending on experience and qualifications).
Key Responsibilities:
  • Oversee full lifecycle acquisition activities, including pre-award, award, and post-award support for complex contracts.
  • Conduct market research, prepare pre-award notices, and document small business capability analyses.
  • Develop acquisition strategies, Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), and recommendations for solicitation approaches, options, and risks.
  • Prepare solicitations (RFQs, RFPs, Combined Synopsis/Solicitations) and ensure compliance with FAR, VAAR, and internal VA policies.
  • Assist with proposal and quote evaluations, including price/cost analysis and technical proposal assessments.
  • Prepare and administer contract awards, modifications, option exercises, and close-out documentation.
  • Monitor contractor performance, schedules, compliance with contract terms, and resolve performance issues.
  • Provide guidance, oversight, and mentorship to junior acquisition staff on acquisition planning, documentation, and execution.
  • Maintain accurate contract documentation in the Agency electronic contract management system and report actions into the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS).
  • Ensure timely and accurate submission of deliverables, including monthly status reports, acquisition milestone trackers, and lessons learned summaries

Qualifications to be successful in the role:
  • Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Business Management, Accountancy
  • Minimum of 6 years of experience in conducting comprehensive acquisition support activities with a working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR)
  • Specialized experience required for one or more of the following: (at least 3 years developing and administering construction or A-E solicitations and contracts; at least 5 years with complex service solicitations and contracts (e.g., healthcare); at least 2 years developing real property or lease-related solicitations and contracts)
  • FAC-C or DAWIA Level III in Contracting Certification preferred.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and ability to mentor acquisition staff.
  • Must have stayed/worked in the US within the last 10 years to successfully pass the VA background investigation and obtain a clearance.
  • Must be fluent in English, both written and verbal.

Why Planate?
Planate Management Group is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
Joining the Planate team opens you to an experience working for a Global company where you are among a team that is considered a premier trusted partner for planning, design, engineering, asset management, and professional service solutions anytime, anywhere. We Take Care of Our Own; Personally, and Profession.
Full-time employees enjoy the following benefits:
  • Medical insurance/Dental/Vision Insurance
  • 401K plan eligibility upon hire
  • Health and Savings Account plan
  • Life/AD&D Insurance Coverage
  • Short-Term Disability Insurance Coverage
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Wellness Offering
  • Training and Development
  • License/Certification support
  • Recognition and Rewards program
  • Travel Insurance

We'd love for you to be a part of our Global workforce, helping us serve as an effective and integrated partner to advance every client's mission!

Apply