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Contract Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

Weaver Consultants Group

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Civil Engineering Project Manager

Chicago, IL

$87K - $116K/yr

Civil Engineering Project Manager We are looking for a Civil Engineering Project Manager for our Naperville IL or Chicago IL office. The position is for an entrepreneurial-minded, qualified, and ...

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All JobsContract Engineering Project JobsContract Engineering Project Manager JobsContract Engineering Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL

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:

Contract Engineering Project Manager jobs near you
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.

Freight Rail Engineering Project Manager - Railroad

Chicago, IL • On-site

Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLC
See more jobs at Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation LLCexternal

$100K - $280K/yr

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Freight Rail Engineering Project Manager to join our rapidly growing Transportation Practice. Our ideal candidate will be someone with excellent client interaction skills who can manage and lead planning and design teams for engineering projects both locally and across the nation.
 
In this position, you will be a key part of a seller/doer team and you will manage all aspects of railroad/transit engineering projects from business development, scope and fee development, staffing plan development, project oversight, quality management, and financial performance responsibilities. A major emphasis will be placed on leading rail industrial development projects to successful completion.
 
Responsibilities
  • Adhere to the companies safety programs, training, and policies, as well as promote and manage the Safety & Health performance of project team members and subcontractors.
  • Work with a multi-discipline team of engineers and technicians in the design and analysis of rail engineering projects as well as the contractors and construction staff on design/build projects.
  • Provides leadership and guidance in multiple facets of projects including safety, quality, engineering, procurement, construction, environmental compliance, project controls, and public/community relations.
  • Develop new and manage existing client relationships while interfacing with the client for proposal and project-related items.
  • Lead internal and external project risk reviews and consult with the Legal Department as required.
  • Client development, maintenance, and management; contract preparation and negotiation; coordination with regulatory agencies; project planning, budgeting, and scheduling; and the establishment of critical project objectives and performances.
  • Plans, organizes, and communicates project personnel needs to department and section management.
  • Mentors less experienced staff on technical aspects of a project.
  • Serves as a leader improving the latest technologies in rail engineering and transportation planning.
  • Leading project planning, budgeting and establishing critical project objectives.
  • Analyze and communicate project status, risks, schedule and costs to all internal and external stakeholders.
  • Manage downstream contract administration including request for information (RFI's), submittals, change management, contract closeout, and claims mitigation.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from an accredited curriculum.
  • Minimum 7 years related experience (15 preferred), including 5 or more years in the development of or management of rail engineering or architectural projects.
  • Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) strongly preferred.
  • Experience managing rail industrial development design-build projects preferred.
  • Ability to work with existing and new clients to identify new projects, articulate to the clients our ability to perform those projects, and translate that into the sale of consulting services.
  • Ability to lead multi-discipline teams of engineers.
  • Strong communication skills (both verbal and written) and presentation skills.
  • Ability to perform under pressure and tight deadlines while managing multiple projects concurrently, including identification of critical path items to ensure deliverable deadlines are met.
  • Ability to focus on the big picture to effectively and efficiently provide services that meet client needs, while also having the ability to identify and analyze details that are critical to project outcomes.
  • Willingness to learn new service offerings as client needs and the market requires changes to the service offerings provided by our group.
  • Willingness and ability to develop a broad set of service offering types to allow for flexibility to sell work in growing markets.
  • Willingness to cross-sell other services offered by our company outside the project manager's core set of services.
  • Ability to communicate with various business contacts to understand their needs and translate them into a scope of work that meets their desired outcomes.
  • Knowledge of rail engineering methodologies and standards.
  • Knowledge of engineering software including MicroStation, OpenRail, Geopak, Inroads, or equivalent design/production software.
  • Experience working with rail clients.
Benefits
  • Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program.
$100,000 - $280,000 a year
$100,000.00-280,000.00 Yearly
 
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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