ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Engineering Jobs in Columbus, IN (NOW HIRING)

SURVICE Engineering Company

Exercise Planner

Butlerville, IN · On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Come join the SURVICE Engineering mission to protect, enhance, and enable those who defend the ... Position*This position is for contract/task bid purposesExercise Planner Location: Butlerville ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsContract Engineering JobsContract Engineering Jobs in Columbus, IN

Contract Engineering information

See Columbus, IN salary details

$27

$45

$92

How much do contract engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineering in Columbus, IN is $45.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.22 and $47.16 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 Columbus, IN?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Columbus, IN are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Engineering jobs in Columbus, IN?

For Contract Engineering jobs in Columbus, IN, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Engineering jobs in Columbus, IN look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Engineering jobs in Columbus, IN are:

What cities near Columbus, IN are hiring for Contract Engineering jobs?

Cities near Columbus, IN with the most Contract Engineering job openings:

Contract Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Engineering job openings in Columbus, IN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,662 per year, or $45.5 per hour.

Contract Controls Engineer

Franklin, IN

First Call Direct Hire Services
See more jobs at First Call Direct Hire Servicesexternal

$45 - $50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Contract Controls Engineer (90–180 Day Project)
$45.00-$50.00 hourly
Franklin, Indiana | Automotive Manufacturing | Contract
We are seeking an experienced Controls Engineer to support a 90–120 day contract project at a leading automotive manufacturing facility in Franklin, Indiana. This role will focus on supporting automation systems, troubleshooting equipment, and optimizing manufacturing processes involving PLC-controlled machinery and robotics.
The ideal candidate has strong hands-on experience with PLC programming, automation systems, robotics, and HMI development within a high-volume manufacturing environment.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide controls engineering support for automated manufacturing equipment.
  • Program, troubleshoot, and modify PLC and HMI systems to improve equipment performance and reliability.
  • Support robotic automation systems used in production processes.
  • Diagnose and resolve issues related to servo controllers, VFDs, and machine vision systems.
  • Collaborate with maintenance, engineering, and production teams to identify root causes and implement solutions.
  • Assist with startup, commissioning, and optimization of automated equipment.
  • Implement improvements to increase efficiency, uptime, and safety.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, Automation Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • Proven experience as a Controls Engineer in an automotive or high-volume manufacturing environment.
  • Strong experience with PLC and HMI programming.
  • OMRON PLC experience strongly preferred.
  • Familiarity with robotics integration and troubleshooting.
  • Experience working with servo controllers, VFDs, and vision systems.
  • Ability to quickly troubleshoot and resolve automation and controls issues in a fast-paced production environment.
Contract Details
  • Duration: 90–180 days
  • Location: Franklin, Indiana
  • Industry: Automotive Manufacturing
  • Start: Immediate / ASAP
This is an excellent opportunity for a controls engineer who enjoys hands-on troubleshooting and short-term project work in a highly automated manufacturing environment.