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Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

L3HHCM20

Lead, Mechanical Engineering

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

... Mechanical Engineer to support a growing missile warning/missile defense business. The ideal ... Experience working with government contracts, requirements, and compliance * Experience with ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Mechanical Engineer JobsContract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Indiana

Contract Mechanical Engineer information

See Indiana salary details

$43.3K

$97.9K

$158.4K

How much do contract mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract mechanical engineer in Indiana is $97,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,600.00 and $120,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract mechanical engineer?

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 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 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 are the most commonly searched types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana?

For Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,895 per year, or $47.1 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer - Electric Generation

NiSource, Inc.

Valparaiso, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

NiSource rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 30 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

29th of 53 rated energy and utility

Job description

Mechanical Engineer - Electric Generation (Job Family)
Job Summary
Mechanical Engineer to support Nipsco Electric Generation assets. The primary role is to provide technical input, support daily generating station operational efficiency, long term reliability, and overall performance by working with all other Electric Generation groups as required. The results rendered would be a high unit availability rate, low production costs, environmental compliance, and proper asset management. This posting is a five-level Mechanical Engineer job family (Associate through Senior); level placement is based on education, experience, and qualifications.
Key Responsibilities
  • Maintain safety as the prime consideration in the planning and implementation of all projects and assigned work.

  • Ensure that all OSHA, NFPA, AWS, ASME, federal, state, engineering standards, and other applicable codes and regulations are followed as applicable to assigned work.

  • Perform the role of Project Manager or Project Engineer for equipment modifications, upgrades, new construction, major repairs, and unit outages.

  • Develop and prioritize budget proposals for plant upgrades and maintenance projects. Conduct cost benefits and project risk analyses. Provide input to project timing considering outage schedules, engineering and procurement lead times.

  • Duties include project development, proposal, and specification development, bid evaluation, contract administration/management, planning, scheduling, material procurement, budget review, inspection, commissioning, testing, and completion of all associated documentation.

  • Respond, as needed, to investigate and provide solutions to field problems with station equipment.

  • Provide technical assistance and engineering services to various departments within Electric Generation.

  • Coordinate multi-craft projects in a Union environment.

  • Knowledge of predictive maintenance diagnostic testing activities of mechanical equipment and systems. Assist with analyzing and reporting results for impending problems and providing mitigation recommendations.

  • Document all equipment repair data and maintain accuracy of equipment literature and station drawings.

  • Develop programs and procedures to maintain and improve the performance of the generating units. Recommend solutions with comprehensive implementation plans, including budgets, if required. Monitor performance of plant systems/equipment. Evaluate trends of operating data to identify problem areas and initiate corrective actions and verify results.

  • Pursue changes in practices and technology that can improve quality of repairs, refine accuracy of test data, and raise levels of proficiency.

  • Travel to repair shops to witness equipment rebuilds and ensure specifications and quality standards are being met.

  • Familiar with and support the repair and operation of rotational equipment such as turbines, pumps, fans, gear boxes, motors, etc.

  • Provide support to the vibration analysis program by providing repair recommendations.

  • Support Nipsco Welding program

Associate Engineer Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science in Engineering or Engineering Technology (ABET-accredited) college or university program or degree earned by May 2026 - Mechanical Engineering/Engineering Technology preferred.

  • 0-12 months relevant experience

  • Valid driver's license

With close Supervision:
  • Applies foundational technical knowledge to help identify, analyze, and resolve routine issues with support from the engineering ring team.

  • Supports station safety, environmental and reliability by assisting with planning, estimating, scheduling, and tracking assigned work activities.

  • Drafts clear and accurate technical documentation and utilizes feedback to achieve business goals.

  • Use engineering principles and problem-solving techniques to troubleshoot and support business goals.

  • Continuously learns and builds job-related technical and professional skills through training, mentorship, office and field work.

  • Collaborates effectively with peers and cross-functional partners; communicates clearly in writing and verbally; maintains organized and accurate records.

  • Demonstrates professionalism, strong work ethics, and a positive attitude while supporting team and company objectives.

  • Follows applicable company procedures and industry standards/codes, asks questions, and values feedback & mentoring.

Engineer 1 Requirements
  • 1+ years relevant experience

  • Everything in Associate Engineer level plus, with close supervision:

  • Provides technical expertise and guidance in the identification, analysis and resolution of problems in area of expertise.

  • Ensure accomplishment of business goals and objectives through effective planning, organizing, estimating, scheduling, and monitoring of work activities.

  • Prepares thorough and accurate technical reports, correspondence, documentation, calculations, and sketches.

  • Provides critical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Strives to continually improve job-related, engineering, technical and professional knowledge, skills and performance.

  • Develops positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.

  • Supports the company's goals and represents the company positively and professionally.

  • Working knowledge of company and industry codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures

  • Understanding basic engineering/technical theories and principles.

  • Understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

  • Good written and oral communication skills.

Preferred:
  • Understanding of basic principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry.

Engineer 2 Requirements
  • 4+ years of equivalent experience

  • Everything in Engineer 1 level plus, with some supervision:

  • Increased working knowledge of company and industry codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures

  • Increased understanding of basic engineering/technical theories and principles.

  • Increased understanding of basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

Preferred:
  • Understanding of basic principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry.

Engineer 3 Requirements
  • 9+ years of equivalent experience

  • Everything in the Engineer 2 level plus, with minimal supervision:

  • Ability to manage complex projects and mentor junior engineers

  • Proficient in critical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Proficient in developing positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.

  • Proficient with company and industry codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures

  • Proficient in engineering/technical theories and principles.

  • Proficient in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

  • Proficiency in written and oral communication skills.

Preferred:
  • Proficient in principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry.

Senior Engineer Requirements
  • 12+ years of equivalent experience

Everything in the Engineer 3 level plus, with minimal supervision and increased latitude for unreviewed work:
  • Skilled in critical thinking and problem-solving skills

  • Skilled in developing positive working relationships to effectively coordinate work activities. Demonstrates effective oral and written communication skills. Maintains accurate records and files.

  • Skilled with company and industry codes, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures

  • Skilled in engineering/technical theories and principles.

  • Skilled in basic practices of researching technical design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations and preparing and presenting recommendations

  • Skilled in written and oral communication skills.

Preferred:
  • Advanced degree in Business or Engineering

  • Skilled in principles of project management

  • PMP Certification

  • Experience in the electric utility industry.

This position is posted as a five-level Mechanical Engineer - Electric Generation job family, ranging from Associate through Senior. The successful candidate will be placed at the level that most appropriately corresponds to their education, experience, and qualifications.
Salary Range
  • Associate Engineer: $69,900 - $105,000

  • Engineer 1: $69,900 - $105,000

  • Engineer 2: $82,200 - $123,200

  • Engineer 3: $96,600 - $144,900

  • Senior Engineer: $113,500 - $170,300

Disclaimer
This description outlines primary duties and qualifications but is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities.
As a public utility, NiSource provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.
We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.
Veteran Hiring & Inclusion
NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
By applying, you may also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.
  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
  • Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)

Salary Range*:
$69,900.00 - $170,300.00
*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate's skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.
Posting Start Date:
2026-08-13
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-08-23Please note that the j

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