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Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Westinghouse Electric Company, LLC

$35 - $40/hr

Longterm contract Mechanical Engineer located in Cranberry Twp, PA. You will report to the Manager of Hardware Engineering. Your Day-to-Day: Design mechanical components and assemblies to ensure ...

Bowhead

Mechanical Engineer

Juneau, AK · On-site

Overview MECHANICAL ENGINEER (USCG): Bowhead is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to fill the role of ... Travel (potential for overnight) to meet with CEU Juneau staff and review contract performance is ...

Bowhead

Mechanical Engineer

Patuxent River, MD · On-site

Overview Mechanical Engineer: Bowhead is seeking a Mechanical Engineer to support an upcoming ... US Citizenship is a requirement for this contract. #LI-JS1 Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Protingent

Mechanical Design Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$37 - $74/hr

Protingent Staffing has an exciting contract Mechanical Design Engineer opportunity. Job Responsibilities: * Design of reactor structures and components from requirements through final design.

Quantix

Mechanical Engineer

Gaithersburg, MD

Contract to Hire Length: Six months plus Client located in Gaithersburg, Maryland is seeking a Mechanical Engineer for a contract to hire position. Responsibilities include the design and ...

Bowhead

Mechanical Engineer

King George, VA · On-site

Overview Mechanical Engineer (E30-2026-25408) Bowhead seeks to network with a Mechanical Engineer ... No remote opportunity for this contract*** Responsibilities Job duties to include but not limited ...

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All JobsContract Mechanical Engineer Jobs

Contract Mechanical Engineer information

See salary details

$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do contract mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract mechanical engineer in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Does a Contract Mechanical Engineer Do?

Contract mechanical engineers are independent contractors who work directly with their own clients on projects. You find these professionals in a broad range of industries, including robotics, medical devices, and manufacturing. As a contract mechanical engineer, you design a product or machine according to your client's specifications, analyze the blueprints to ensure they are accurate, test a model to identify any potential issues, and repair them as necessary. Your job duties typically involve the extensive usage of specialized computer programs, such as CAD for technical drawings. Depending on the project, you may collaborate with other engineers on different aspects of the plans to ensure they do not conflict with other parts of the project.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract Mechanical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Mechanical Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, problem-solving abilities, and a relevant engineering degree, often complemented by a Professional Engineer (PE) license. Familiarity with CAD software (such as SolidWorks or AutoCAD), finite element analysis tools, and project management systems is typically required. Strong communication, adaptability, and time management skills help you excel in diverse project environments and collaborate effectively with clients and teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for delivering high-quality engineering solutions on time and within budget in a contract-based setting.

What are Contract Mechanical Engineers?

Contract Mechanical Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test mechanical devices and systems, but work on a contractual basis rather than as permanent employees. They may be hired for specific projects or periods by companies needing specialized expertise. Their responsibilities can include creating technical drawings, overseeing manufacturing processes, and ensuring products meet quality standards. Contract roles offer flexibility and variety in work, but may not provide the same benefits or job security as permanent positions.

What are some common challenges faced by Contract Mechanical Engineers when working on short-term projects?

Contract Mechanical Engineers often need to quickly adapt to new team dynamics and project requirements, as short-term assignments can vary widely in scope, tools, and expectations. They may face challenges such as limited onboarding time, integrating with established teams, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Strong communication and organizational skills are essential to succeed, as contract engineers must rapidly build rapport with colleagues and deliver results within tight deadlines. Additionally, proactively seeking feedback and clarifying project goals early can help navigate these challenges and ensure project success.

What is the difference between Contract Mechanical Engineer vs Contract Mechanical Designer?

AspectContract Mechanical EngineerContract Mechanical Designer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, possibly PE licenseBachelor's degree in Mechanical Design, CAD certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentEngineering firms, manufacturing, product developmentDesign studios, manufacturing, product development
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across engineering and manufacturing sectorsCommon in design and product development sectors
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for engineering roles involving analysis and designCompared for roles focused on detailed design and CAD work

Contract Mechanical Engineers focus on designing, analyzing, and testing mechanical systems, requiring engineering credentials. Contract Mechanical Designers primarily work on creating detailed CAD models and drawings, often with design certifications. Both roles are vital in manufacturing and product development, but they differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs are:
Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.
Contract Mechanical Engineer

Contract Mechanical Engineer

Motive Companies

Fountain Valley, CA • On-site, Remote

$50 - $68/hr

Contractor

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a hands-on Contract Mechanical Engineer to support electro-mechanical product development efforts on a short-term, part-time basis. This role will focus heavily on CAD drawing refinement, design updates, mechanical integration, and manufacturing support for electro-mechanical assemblies. The ideal candidate brings strong 3D modeling experience, practical product development knowledge, and familiarity with thermal management and plastic injection molded components.


This is a flexible contract opportunity estimated at approximately 10 hours per week for 4–8 weeks. Candidates located in Southern California or the Orlando, FL area are preferred, though remote candidates will also be considered.


Key Responsibilities
  • Refine, update, and polish existing mechanical drawings, assemblies, and manufacturing documentation
  • Support electro-mechanical product development activities including enclosure and component integration
  • Create and modify 3D CAD models, detailed drawings, BOMs, and release packages
  • Assist with plastic injection molded part design and manufacturability considerations
  • Contribute to thermal management design efforts including airflow, heat dissipation, and component layout optimization
  • Collaborate with electrical, manufacturing, and engineering teams to resolve design issues and implement revisions
  • Support DFM/DFA initiatives to improve manufacturability and production readiness
  • Participate in design reviews and engineering change updates as needed
  • Maintain organized engineering documentation and revision control
Required Qualifications
  • 4–5 years of mechanical engineering experience in product development or manufacturing environments
  • Strong proficiency with one or more CAD platforms including SolidWorks, Creo, or Onshape
  • Experience working on electro-mechanical systems or assemblies
  • Background designing or supporting plastic injection molded components
  • Understanding of thermal management principles for electronic or power-related products
  • Experience creating and revising detailed manufacturing drawings and documentation
  • Strong attention to detail with the ability to clean up and standardize engineering drawings
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced engineering environment
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting power electronics, battery systems, chargers, or industrial equipment
  • Familiarity with sheet metal, machining, or enclosure design
  • Knowledge of GD&T, tolerance stack-ups, and DFM practices
  • Prior experience working with remote engineering teams or contract-based project work
Engagement Details
  • Part-time contract role
  • Approximately 10 hours per week
  • Estimated duration: 4–8 weeks
  • Remote flexibility available
  • Preference for candidates located in Southern California or Orlando, FL areas

Pay: $50-$68/hr


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Education:Employment Type: CONTRACTOR

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