1

Contract Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Our Engineering Project Manager position will perform all project management related tasks for the Global Platform development team. In this role, the individual will act as a technical leader ...

As a member of the Group Engineering organization, manage major CAPEX measures and projects (or ... Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered property of Sun ...

As a member of the Group Engineering organization, manage major CAPEX measures and projects (or ... Additionally, any resume submitted without a contract in place will be considered property of Sun ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Contract Engineering Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$53.1K

$115.7K

$175.1K

How much do contract engineering project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract engineering project manager in Chicago, IL is $115,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $93,200.00 and $134,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract engineering project manager?

A Contract Engineering Project Manager is a professional who oversees engineering projects on a contractual basis, often for a specific period or project. They are responsible for planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and meet quality standards. Unlike full-time employees, contract project managers are typically hired for their specialized expertise and flexibility, providing services to multiple clients or projects. Their duties may include managing teams, communicating with stakeholders, and handling project documentation.

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

To thrive as a Contract Engineering Project Manager, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management experience, and a relevant degree such as engineering or construction management. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project, Primavera, and an understanding of contract administration tools and industry certifications such as PMP or PE are typically required. Strong leadership, negotiation, and communication skills help manage teams, stakeholders, and contractors effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and ensuring contract compliance and stakeholder satisfaction.

What are some common challenges faced by contract engineering project managers when coordinating between clients and internal teams?

Contract Engineering Project Managers often navigate the challenge of aligning client expectations with internal capabilities and project timelines. Balancing multiple projects simultaneously, managing scope changes, and ensuring clear communication between stakeholders are frequent hurdles. It's crucial to establish transparent processes for status updates, handle conflicts proactively, and adapt quickly to shifting requirements to keep projects on track. Effective collaboration with engineers, procurement, and quality assurance teams is essential to deliver successful outcomes within contractual obligations.

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

AspectContract Engineering Project ManagerMechanical Engineer
CredentialsProject management certifications (e.g., PMP), engineering backgroundBachelor's or Master's in Mechanical Engineering, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentProject sites, client offices, engineering firmsDesign offices, manufacturing plants, R&D labs
Industry UsageConstruction, manufacturing, energy projectsProduct design, manufacturing, R&D
Search/Comparison IntentProject management roles, contract positions, industry-specific projectsDesign, analysis, product development

The Contract Engineering Project Manager focuses on overseeing engineering projects on a contractual basis, managing timelines, budgets, and client requirements. In contrast, a Mechanical Engineer primarily engages in designing, analyzing, and developing mechanical systems. While both roles require engineering credentials, the project manager emphasizes coordination and management, whereas the mechanical engineer concentrates on technical design and problem-solving.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Engineering Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Contract Engineering Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,723 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Engineering Project Manager - Substation

Chicago, IL • On-site

Quanta Infrastructure Solutions Group, LLC
Construction • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Us

QISG leverages Quanta's comprehensive resources to deliver collaborative solutions for our partners' energy infrastructure needs. We use in-house talent, expertise and resources to plan, design, engineer, manage, conduct maintenance on and construct projects.

Our turnkey service capabilities provide our customers with efficiency, consistency, attention to detail and safe execution. The QISG team brings together Engineering, Safety, Quality, Material Procurement, QA/QC, Right-of-Way Acquisition, Scheduling, Environmental Planning, Permitting, Title and Land Management expertise that ensure outstanding results for our clients.

About this Role

At QISG, our Substation Engineering teams play a critical role in strengthening and modernizing the electric grid. We engineer, construct, upgrade, and maintain substations that transform, control, and protect the flow of electricity from generation sources to transmission and distribution systems. From greenfield substation builds to complex expansions and retrofit projects, our teams deliver safe, reliable, and high-performance infrastructure that supports grid stability and long-term energy resilience. By combining proven engineering practices with advanced technologies and innovative solutions, we provide cost-effective, sustainable, and dependable outcomes for our customers and communities.

The Engineering Project Manager - Substation provides technical leadership, project coordination, and engineering oversight required to deliver these projects successfully.  This role manages the full project lifecycle, from proposal and scope definition through detailed design, procurement support, construction coordination, commissioning, and project closeout. The Engineering Project Manager ensures that engineering deliverables are complete, constructible, compliant with standards, and aligned with project schedules and budgets.

Reporting to the Engineering Director, the Engineering Project Manager will serve as a key liaison between engineering, construction, and client teams, driving collaboration, resolving technical challenges, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with applicable codes, standards, and company procedures across substation projects.

What You'll Do
  • Strategically collaborate with engineering and operational leadership on technical goals and oversee engineering work.
  • Act as a technical lead during the conceptual, preliminary engineering, detailed design, construction, and closeout phases of the project lifecycle.  This will include customer or jobsite visits as necessary during different phases of a project.
  • Define engineering scope, deliverables, assumptions, and technical requirements for each project.
  • Manage the performance of engineering partners, including developing and reviewing key performance indicators with senior leadership from the engineering partner.
  • Facilitate design reviews, constructability reviews, and coordination meetings. Identify project risks early and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure internal technical documentation and standards are upheld to meet company and customer requirements.
  • Develop and implement training strategies that elevate the technical proficiency and performance of the substation engineering project management team. Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, proposal development, and project planning activities.
  • Work with Quanta Engineering and Construction Operating Units to drive work.
  • Drive innovation and efficiency in engineering processes and methodologies, leveraging new technologies and best practices to enhance project delivery and performance.
  • Foster a culture of safety, quality, and integrity within the engineering department, promoting adherence to QISG's core values and principles.
  • Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and advancements in engineering practices, and incorporate relevant innovations into project designs and processes
  • Represent QISG in industry forums, conferences, and professional associations to enhance the company's reputation and thought leadership in the engineering community.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
What You'll Bring
  • Minimum of 10 years' experience in the electric utility industry performing engineering related duties and/or management for high voltage electrical projects.
  • Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) or Graduate degree in Engineering from an ABET accredited university.
  • P.E. license is preferred.
  • Proven track record of successfully leading multidisciplinary engineering teams and delivering complex projects on time and within budget.
  • Strong technical expertise in structural, civil, or electrical engineering, with a comprehensive understanding of engineering principles and practices.
  • Expert knowledge of electric utility engineering and construction standards.
  • Knowledge of utility industry processes including scheduling, contracts, coordinating, and managing all disciplines.
  • Excellent business acumen.
  • Knowledge of process and procedures for project controls and estimates.
  • Experience interpreting internal and external business issues, recommending best practices, mitigating risk and solving complex problems.
  • Demonstrated experience supporting external customers.
  • Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, clients, and external partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategic plans, drive innovation, and achieve business objectives.
  • Knowledge of relevant industry codes, standards, and regulations, including ANSI, ASTM, ACI, AISC, IEEE, NEC, NESC, and others.
  • Able to deal with ambiguity and ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and determine priorities in a complex environment.
What You'll Get
  • Competitive Compensation
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage
  • Pet Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Professional Development
  • Tuition Assistance
  • Employee Discount Program
Compensation RangeThe anticipated compensation for this position is USD $140,000.00/Yr. - USD $198,000.00/Yr. depending on experience and qualifications.Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and/or gender identity), age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, and/or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status. We prohibit all types of discrimination and are committed to providing access and equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities. For additional information or if reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application, interview, or hiring processes or to perform the essential functions of a position, please contact us the Company's Human Resources department.

Employment Type: OTHER