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Contract Engineer Jobs in Rio Rancho, NM (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... Spacecraft Engineer II and III: Qualified candidates are knowledgeable spacecraft engineers ...

We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the ... Spacecraft Engineer II and III: Qualified candidates are knowledgeable spacecraft engineers ...

Quality Engineer

Albuquerque, NM

$69.80K - $90.10K/yr

Review customer contracts and purchase orders, flow down quality requirements, and collaborate with ... Collaborate with engineering teams to establish quality requirements, specifications, and standards ...

Quality Engineer

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$69.80K - $90.10K/yr

Review customer contracts and purchase orders, flow down quality requirements, and collaborate with ... Collaborate with engineering teams to establish quality requirements, specifications, and standards ...

NAVWAR Engineer

Albuquerque, NM ยท On-site

$60.10K - $123.20K/yr

In support of the Joint Navigation Warfare Center (JNWC) contract, you will be a part of our team ... Professional Engineer License (PE) for senior level * MS Degree This position is contingent on ...

This full-time position is contingent upon contract award. Essential Functions: * Interpret requirements and create technical solutions with programming code, databases and user interfaces * Abide by ...

KEOS is a base maintenance and operations support-type contract, also known as BMC or BOS. Job Summary: The Civil Engineer will support the sustainment of mission critical facilities and ...

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Contract Engineer information

See Rio Rancho, NM salary details

$28

$46

$93

How much do contract engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineer in Rio Rancho, NM is $46.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.65 and $47.69 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM? For Contract Engineer jobs in Rio Rancho, NM, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities near Rio Rancho, NM are hiring for Contract Engineer jobs? Cities near Rio Rancho, NM with the most Contract Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Contract Engineer job openings in Rio Rancho, NM as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, and 36% Contract. Highlights an 82% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,736 per year, or $46 per hour.
Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Spacecraft Engineer II and III

Velos

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

$80K - $99K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Velos is a full-service engineering and technical services company supporting agencies such as the DoD NASA, and NOAA. As an SBA-certified HUBZone small business, Velos combines agile and highly skilled engineering and technical support-delivering unmatched execution to our customers. Our government relations consulting business area allows us to represent and support leaders in the defense, aerospace, intelligence, and related industries with decades of experience in market analysis and strategic planning.
We are looking for highly qualified candidates for an upcoming contract positioned onsite at the Kirtland AFB in Albuquerque, NM supporting the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) SSHINE contract.
Spacecraft Engineer II and III:
Qualified candidates are knowledgeable spacecraft engineers, preferably with prior experience supporting classified programs.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Supports or leads engineering activities of spacecraft and instrument systems. Plans, designs, develops, evaluates, tests, and integrates a spacecraft of instrument system, including the implementation and design of hardware and software. Captures, understands, translates, and documents customer requirements. Defines system and product requirements; and generates mechanical, electrical, and software performance and reliability specifications and requirements. Creates and maintains programmatic and technical documentation to insure efficient planning and execution. Manages and documents system configurations and oversees all transitions into production. Performs troubleshooting and remediation, ensures successful project implementation, and performs post project end user support.
Education Requirements:
  • Engineer II
    • 5+ years of experience with BS degree or 0+ years of experience with MS degree.
  • Engineer III
    • 10+ years of experience with BS degree or 5+ years of experience with MS degree or 0+ years of experience with PhD degree.

Clearance Requirements:
  • TS with ability to obtain SCI.
  • Please Note: U.S. Citizenship is required for this position.

Velos offers a competitive benefits package including PTO, 401K, and health benefits.
Velos is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sex, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.