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Contract Engineering Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Project Manager

Vancouver, WA ยท On-site

$107K - $159K/yr

The Engineering Project Manager oversees the planning, design, permitting, and delivery of the Port ... Coordinates major aspects of project management on a day-to-day basis, including contract ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Engineering information

See Portland, OR salary details

$31

$51

$105

How much do contract engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineering in Portland, OR is $51.89, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.61 and $53.80 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 Portland, OR?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Portland, OR are:

What cities near Portland, OR are hiring for Contract Engineering jobs?

Cities near Portland, OR with the most Contract Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Engineering job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,939 per year, or $51.9 per hour.

Engineering Technician (Civil)

Portland, OR โ€ข On-site

Careers Fields -- Headquarters U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
National Securityย โ€ขย 10K+ employees

$66K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

About the Position: The Portland District staff oversees the operation and maintenance of 19 multi-purpose dams in Oregon and a sediment retention structure in southwestern Washington. We also maintain more than 720 miles of federal navigation channels and 33 channel and harbor projects through the use of two government-owned hopper dredges and five hydro-graphic survey vessels.Qualifications:Who May Apply: U.S. Citizens
In order to qualify, you must meet the education/experience requirements described below. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Your resume must clearly describe your relevant experience; if qualifying based on education, your transcripts will be required as part of your application. Additional information about transcripts is in this document.
Specialized Experience GS-11: One year of specialized experience which includes applying a wide range of specialized methods, principles, and techniques sufficient to plan and implement operations for dredging processes to include but not limited to cost reimbursable contracts, sealed bids and purchase orders. Review plans, specifications, and estimates for dredging and repair operations. Coordinate the work with a variety of persons such as but not limited to contractors, shipping industry representatives, and port personnel. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-10).
OR have completed 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Construction Management or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. OR have less than the full amount of graduate education described above and less than the amount of experience as described above You must compute the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. When combining education and experience, first take the number of graduate-level semester credits (or equivalent) earned in excess of 36 and divided by 18 semester credits (or equivalent); then take the number of months of experience divided by 12 months; finally add the two percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify.
OR You must have the experience as described in above AND the education described above. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
Specialized Experience GS-10: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting with applying a wide range of specialized methods, principles, and techniques sufficient to plan and implement operations for dredging processes to include but not limited to cost reimbursable contracts, sealed bids and purchase orders. Review plans, specifications, and estimates for dredging and repair operations. Assist with the coordination of the work with a variety of persons such as but not limited to contractors, shipping industry representatives, and port personnel. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-09).
OR have completed 3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Construction Management or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree. OR have less than the full amount of graduate education described above and less than the amount of experience as described above You must compute the percentage of the requirements that you meet, and the total is at least 100%. When combining education and experience, first take the number of graduate-level semester credits (or equivalent) earned in excess of 36 and divided by 18 semester credits (or equivalent); then take the number of months of experience divided by 12 months; finally add the two percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR You have the experience as described above AND the education described in described above (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
Specialized Experience GS-09: One year of specialized experience which includes assisting with the work of applying a wide range of specialized methods, principles, and techniques sufficient to plan and implement operations for dredging processes to include but not limited to cost reimbursable contracts, sealed bids and purchase orders. Review plans, specifications, and estimates for dredging and repair operations. Assist on occasion with the coordination of the work with a variety of persons such as but not limited to contractors, shipping industry representatives, and port personnel. This definition of specialized experience is typical of work performed at the next lower grade/level position in the federal service (GS-08).
OR you will have a Masters Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or Construction Management; or you will have two full years of graduate level education leading to such a degree. OR you will have of the type of specialized experience described above but less than one year; and the type of education described in above but less than one year. I have computed the percentage of the requirements that I meet, and the total is as least 100%. [To compute the percentage, divide your total months of qualifying experience by 12. Then divide your graduate semester hours above one year by 9. Add the two percentages. The total must equal at least 100% to qualify.](Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)
OR you must have the experience as described in above AND the education described in above. (Note: You must attach a copy of your transcripts.)Education:FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.htmlEmployment Type: OTHER

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About Army Corps of Engineers

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Industry

National security, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US