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Contract Engineering Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Engineer

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$69K - $93K/yr

Industrial Engineer Location : Waterloo, IA Duration : 24+ Months Contract (Possible extension depending on performance & client needs) Note - Bachelor Degree required from from an accredited U.S ...

Civil Engineering Team Leader

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$90K - $120K/yr

Civil Engineering Team Leader We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Civil Engineering ... Experience preparing proposals, negotiating contracts, and managing client expectations. Excellent ...

Civil Engineering Team Leader

Des Moines, IA · On-site +1

$100K - $125K/yr

Civil Engineering Team Leader We are seeking an experienced and entrepreneurial Civil Engineering ... Experience preparing proposals, negotiating contracts, and managing client expectations. Excellent ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$28

$45

$93

How much do contract engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineering in Iowa is $45.96, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.61 and $47.64 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract engineering?

Contract engineering refers to the practice of hiring engineers on a temporary or project-specific basis, rather than as permanent employees. Contract engineers work for a set period or until a particular project is completed, often through staffing agencies or as independent contractors. This arrangement allows companies to access specialized skills and expertise as needed while providing engineers with flexibility and exposure to diverse projects. Contract engineers typically handle tasks such as design, development, testing, and project management across various industries.

How does a contract engineer typically balance multiple projects and ensure timely delivery of each contract?

Contract Engineers often manage several projects simultaneously, requiring strong organizational and time-management skills. They regularly coordinate with clients, suppliers, and internal teams to track progress, address issues early, and adjust timelines as needed. Utilizing project management tools and maintaining clear documentation helps them prioritize tasks and deliverables effectively. Open communication and proactive problem-solving are key strategies to meet contract milestones and client expectations.

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 strong background in engineering principles, contract management, and project coordination, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience in contract administration. Familiarity with contract management software, project management tools (such as MS Project or Primavera), and industry regulations is essential. Strong negotiation, communication, and attention to detail are vital soft skills for effectively managing client and vendor relationships. These skills ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with contractual and technical requirements.

Do contract engineers make more money?

Contract engineers often earn higher hourly rates than full-time employees due to the temporary nature of their work and the need for specialized skills. However, they may have less job security and benefits, and total annual income can vary based on project availability and experience. Factors such as industry, location, and certifications also influence earning potential for contract engineers.

What does a contract engineer do?

A contract engineer is responsible for managing engineering projects on a temporary basis, often focusing on specific tasks such as design, testing, or implementation. They typically work with project teams, adhere to deadlines, and may require knowledge of engineering software and industry standards. Their role involves ensuring project requirements are met efficiently within the contract terms.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Contract Engineering jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Contract Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,599 per year, or $46 per hour.

PROJECT ACCOUNTING & BILLING MANAGER

DGR Engineering

Rock Rapids, IA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

DGR Engineering is a growing engineering firm with offices in Rock Rapids, Sioux City, and Sioux Center, Iowa, as well as Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and Belle Fourche, South Dakota. DGR has been recognized with the Circle of Excellence award as one of the top 20% of firms for the last ten years by PSMJ Resources and has been named a Des Moines Register Top Workplace for the last six years.

DGR Engineering offers a competitive salary and benefits package, along with opportunities for advancement and ownership in a challenging and professional work environment. Our competitive benefits package includes:

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • CompanyPaid Life Insurance
  • CompanyPaid ShortTerm and LongTerm Disability Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match
  • Employee Profit Sharing
  • Paid Time Off
  • Paid Holidays
Position Summary

The Project Accounting & Billing Manager is responsible for firmwide project accounting, billing operations, and revenue-related controls for a multi-discipline engineering firm. This role serves as the primary authority for project setup, contract and billing compliance, monthly revenue processing, invoicing, and project close-out in Deltek Vision. The position partners closely with Project Managers, the Controller, and Finance leadership to ensure accurate financial reporting, policy compliance, and consistent application of firm billing standards.

Key Responsibilities – Project Setup & Contract Administration

• Oversee all project setup, revisions, and close-out processes in Deltek Vision, including billing terms, revenue settings, retainers, and contract documentation.
• Review and interpret contracts, amendments, and billing provisions to ensure accurate system configuration and compliance.
• Maintain authoritative project records, contract files, and Project Manager Authorization Forms (PMFs).

Billing Operations & Client Invoicing

• Direct the monthly draft and final billing cycle, including PAD preparation, review, adjustment, and posting.
• Ensure invoices are prepared accurately and timely in accordance with contract terms, DOT requirements, and firm standards.
• Serve as the escalation point for complex billing issues, lump sum revenue treatment, retainers, and billing adjustments.
• Coordinate billing approvals, invoice distribution, and documentation retention.

Revenue Recognition & Monthly Close Support

• Support revenue recognition processes, including unbilled analysis, revenue adjustments, and reconciliation of Project Analysis Detail (PAD) reports.
• Review project financials to confirm revenue, billed, and unbilled balances are properly aligned prior to month-end close.
• Partner with the Controller during monthly close to ensure integrity of project revenue data.

Project Financial Oversight & Project Manager Support

• Act as the primary financial resource to Project Managers regarding project setup, billing structure, revenue treatment, and financial reports.
• Review project activity for billing accuracy, inactive project eligibility, and compliance with firm policies.
• Assist Project Managers with resolving billing disputes, billing backup requirements, and client inquiries.

Compliance, Reconciliations & Reporting

• Prepare and file required sales and use tax reports, including department of transportation-related filings.
• Perform reconciliations of retainers, retainage, sales tax, use tax, deposits, and Deltek tolerance reports.
• Support audit requests, year-end reconciliations, and regulatory documentation related to project accounting and billing.

Systems Ownership & Process Improvement

• Serve as the functional owner of Deltek Vision project accounting and billing workflows.
• Assist with system access, user permissions, and internal controls related to project financial data.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance billing accuracy, efficiency, and scalability.

Position Authority

• Final authority over project billing configuration, PAD processing, and project close-out readiness.
• Authorized to enforce firm billing and project accounting policies.
• Designated escalation point for project accounting, billing, and revenue issues.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field.
• Five or more years of project accounting and billing experience in an A/E or professional services environment.
• Advanced experience with Deltek Vision (or Vantagepoint).
• Strong contract interpretation, reconciliation, and compliance skills.

DGR Engineering is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). DGR Engineering complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws regarding hiring and employment. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or veteran status.