1

Contract Engineering Manager Jobs in Columbia, SC

Engineering Manager LOCATION: Sumter, SC JOB SUMMARY : The Automation Systems Engineer will play a ... It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to ...

Engineering Manager LOCATION: Sumter, SC JOB SUMMARY : The Automation Systems Engineer will play a ... It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to ...

Manufacturing Data & SPC Engineer

Sumter, SC ยท On-site

$65K - $83K/yr

Engineering Manager LOCATION: Sumter, SC JOB SUMMARY : The SPC / Data Engineer will play a critical ... It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Engineering Manager information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$43K

$135.9K

$161K

How much do contract engineering manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract engineering manager in Columbia, SC is $135,873.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $107,800.00 and $160,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract engineering manager?

A Contract Engineering Manager is a professional hired on a temporary or project-specific basis to oversee engineering teams and manage technical projects. Unlike permanent managers, contract engineering managers typically work for a set duration or until the completion of a particular project. Their responsibilities include coordinating engineering efforts, ensuring project deadlines are met, managing budgets, and facilitating communication between team members and stakeholders. Companies may hire contract engineering managers to provide specialized expertise or to fill temporary leadership gaps. This role requires strong technical knowledge, leadership skills, and the ability to adapt quickly to different work environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract engineering manager?

To thrive as a Contract Engineering Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and team leadership, usually backed by a relevant degree and significant industry experience. Familiarity with project management tools (like Jira or Trello), engineering software, and often certifications such as PMP or Agile methodologies are highly valued. Strong communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills help you manage diverse teams and client relationships effectively. These competencies are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to client specifications in a dynamic contract-based environment.

What are some common challenges faced by a contract engineering manager, and how can they be addressed?

As a Contract Engineering Manager, one common challenge is integrating quickly with existing teams and understanding project context within a limited timeframe. Since contract roles often involve leading established engineering teams on short notice, building trust and aligning on goals efficiently is crucial. Effective communication, setting clear expectations, and leveraging strong project management skills help ensure smooth collaboration. Proactively identifying knowledge gaps and seeking input from team members can also accelerate onboarding and project delivery.

What is the difference between Contract Engineering Manager vs Project Engineer?

AspectContract Engineering ManagerProject Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, PMP or similar certifications often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentOversees multiple projects, manages contracts, liaises with clients and vendorsFocuses on specific projects, coordinates engineering tasks, reports to project managers
Industry UsageCommon in construction, manufacturing, energy sectorsWidely used across engineering disciplines in various industries

The Contract Engineering Manager typically oversees multiple projects, manages contractual aspects, and liaises with clients, requiring leadership and contractual knowledge. The Project Engineer focuses on executing specific engineering tasks within a project, emphasizing technical skills and project coordination. While both roles require engineering credentials, the Contract Engineering Manager has a broader managerial and contractual scope compared to the more technical and project-specific Project Engineer.

What are popular job titles related to Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Columbia, SC?

For Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Columbia, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Columbia, SC look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Engineering Manager jobs in Columbia, SC are:

What cities near Columbia, SC are hiring for Contract Engineering Manager jobs?

Cities near Columbia, SC with the most Contract Engineering Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Engineering Manager job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 77% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,873 per year, or $65.3 per hour.

Automation Systems Engineer

eVAC Magnetics LLC

Sumter, SC โ€ข On-site

Other

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description
Job Description

Job Description


JOB TITLE: Automation Systems Engineer

DATE PREPARED: 03/2026 DATE LAST REVISED:

EXEMPT (Y/N): Yes

DEPARTMENT: e-VAC Magnetics LLC โ€“ Engineering

REPORTS TO: Engineering Manager

LOCATION: Sumter, SC

JOB SUMMARY: The Automation Systems Engineer will play a crucial role in supporting the factory automation workstream for our manufacturing facility in Sumter, South Carolina. This facility is in production of permanent magnets for automotive and commercial applications. This role will be responsible for ongoing implementation of technology and supporting system interfaces to automate the manufacturing processes, ensuring alignment with operational objectives. The Automation Systems Engineer will work closely with operations and maintenance to ensure the design, testing, and implementation of installed automation systems performs as intended.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to the following.


  • Design, develop, and support automation systems across manufacturing operations (PLCs, HMIs, SCADA, CNC, robotics)
  • Program and maintain PLC-controlled equipment (Siemens, Allen-Bradley)
  • Support integration of robotic and CNC systems (Fanuc; ABB preferred)
  • Configure and maintain SCADA/HMI systems (Ignition preferred)
  • Perform feasibility studies and economic evaluations for new automation technologies
  • Support concept development and early-stage evaluation of automation and process solutions
  • Evaluate, validate, and approve automation systems based on performance, quality, and safety standards
  • Develop technical specifications and support vendor selection and procurement
  • Lead and support system integration, commissioning, and production ramp-up (pilot runs, training, process validation)
  • Train operators and maintenance teams on automation systems and processes
  • Troubleshoot and optimize automation systems to improve uptime, throughput, and reliability
  • Assess technical and safety risks and ensure compliance with applicable standards (e.g., OSHA)
  • Partner cross-functionally to improve manufacturing processes through automation
  • Coordinate and oversee vendors and system integrators to ensure project success
  • Support multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives
  • Provide technical support as needed (onsite, remote)
  • Support additional tasks and cross-functional priorities as required


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

  • Degreed or holding an accredited certification in Automation Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field
  • 5โ€“10 years of experience in automation engineering within a manufacturing environment
  • Hands-on experience with PLC programming (Siemens, Allen-Bradley strongly preferred)
  • Experience with industrial automation systems, commissioning, and production startup
  • Strong troubleshooting and problem-solving skills across controls and automation systems


PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree or equivalent experience in a related field
  • Experience with SCADA systems (Ignition preferred)
  • Experience with large-scale or capital automation projects


REQUIREMENTS:

  • Travel Requirements: 10% (as needed, domestic or international travel)


LANGUAGE SKILLS:

English, German beneficial


SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITES

No formal direct reports


EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

This job description is intended as an outline of the duties of the position at VACUUMSCHMELZE and is subject to change by VAC from time to time. It is NOT a contract of employment. Employment at VAC is voluntarily entered into and is subject to termination by you or VAC AT WILL, with or without cause at any time, either party believes such action to be appropriate.