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Contract Engineering Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

VP Engineering

Kirkland, WA · On-site

$204K - $263K/yr

About Special Projects Engineering LLC At Special Projects Engineering LLC, we tackle complex and ... Exposure to regulated environments (e.g., medical, aviation, or government contracts) * PMP or ...

Contracts Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

A Bachelor's degree in engineering or business related field, as well as training in procurement,contract, construction and commercial law.* Experience with project management software preferred Job ...

Project Engineer-Mechanical

Seattle, WA · On-site

$87K - $119K/yr

Minimum of 5 years of engineering; construction and contract administration experience. * Experience on projects with government clients, preferred. * US Army Corp of Engineering or USACE projects is ...

Project Engineer-Structural

Seattle, WA · On-site

$91K - $121K/yr

Minimum of 5 years of engineering; construction and contract administration experience. * Experience on projects with government clients, preferred. * US Army Corp of Engineering or USACE projects is ...

Contracts Administrator

Seattle, WA · On-site

$70 - $80/hr

Education/Training • A Bachelor's degree in engineering or business related field, as well as training in procurement,contract, construction and commercial law. • Experience with project ...

Education/Training • A Bachelor's degree in engineering or business related field, as well as training in procurement,contract, construction and commercial law. • Experience with project ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Engineering information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$34

$55

$112

How much do contract engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract engineering in Seattle, WA is $55.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.78 and $57.74 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 Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Contract Engineering jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Contract Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Engineering job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,829 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

VP Engineering

Unspecial Projects Engineering

Kirkland, WA • On-site

$204K - $263K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

About Special Projects Engineering LLC

At Special Projects Engineering LLC, we tackle complex and unconventional engineering challenges. From rapid prototyping and R&D to specialized infrastructure and product innovation, we thrive at the cutting edge of what’s possible. Our work spans industries and disciplines, demanding both technical rigor and creative problem-solving.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Engineering Manager to lead and grow our Special Projects team. This role requires a hands-on leader with a strong technical background who can manage multidisciplinary teams, drive project execution, and maintain alignment with company objectives and client expectations.

Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of engineering projects, ensuring quality, timeline, and budget goals are met

  • Manage and mentor a team of engineers (mechanical, electrical, software, and/or systems) working on high-impact, high-uncertainty projects

  • Collaborate with clients and internal stakeholders to understand requirements, define scope, and translate needs into actionable technical plans

  • Implement and improve engineering processes and best practices across teams

  • Drive R&D initiatives and early-phase technology validation for novel concepts

  • Review technical designs and documentation for accuracy, completeness, and feasibility

  • Identify risks early and propose mitigation strategies to keep projects on track

  • Support recruitment and professional development of engineering staff

Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Systems, or related field)

  • 7+ years of engineering experience, with at least 2 years in a leadership or managerial role

  • Proven track record delivering complex, cross-functional engineering projects

  • Strong technical foundation and ability to evaluate solutions across disciplines

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills

  • Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments with evolving requirements

  • U.S. Citizenship or appropriate work authorization required

Preferred Skills
  • Experience with rapid prototyping, product development, or defense/aerospace systems

  • Familiarity with hardware/software integration projects

  • Exposure to regulated environments (e.g., medical, aviation, or government contracts)

  • PMP or other project management certification is a plus

What We Offer
  • Competitive salary and performance bonuses

  • Flexible work environment

  • Access to cutting-edge tools, labs, and resources

  • Opportunities to work on truly novel and impactful projects

  • A mission-driven, collaborative culture focused on innovation and integrity