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Contract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Crete, IL (NOW HIRING)

Metra

Mechanical Engineer 2

Chicago, IL · On-site

$98K/yr

Supervise the consultant blanket contracts; develop scope of work and organize design meetings ... Must have Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. * In addition to #1, must have five (5) ...

Actalent

Sr. Mechanical Engineer

La Grange, IL

$48.07 - $60.09/hr

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer The Mechanical Engineer is responsible for designing mechanical ... Job Type & Location This is a Contract to Hire position based out of La Grange, IL. Pay and ...

Legence

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Oak Lawn, IL · On-site

$105K - $139K/yr

CMTA is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer with 7+ years of experience in consulting engineering ... Review contractor submittals (shop drawings, specifications) for compliance with contract documents

C M T A Inc

Senior Mechanical Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

Review contractor submittals (shop drawings, specifications) for compliance with contract documents ... Bachelor's degree in Mechanical or Architectural Engineering required * 7+ years of experience as a ...

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All JobsContract Mechanical Engineer JobsContract Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Crete, IL

Contract Mechanical Engineer information

See Crete, IL salary details

$43.6K

$98.5K

$159.5K

How much do contract mechanical engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract mechanical engineer in Crete, IL is $98,550.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,100.00 and $121,200.00 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 Crete, IL?

The most popular types of Mechanical Engineer jobs in Crete, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Crete, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Crete, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs in Crete, IL are:

What cities near Crete, IL are hiring for Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs?

Cities near Crete, IL with the most Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings:

Contract Mechanical Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Mechanical Engineer job openings in Crete, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, and 62% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $98,550 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Mechanical Engineer 2

Metra

Chicago, IL • On-site

$98K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Description
The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.
Click here to learn more about our benefits!
Qualified veterans who meet the minimum requirements will receive outreach during the recruitment process in accordance with Federal and State laws, including the Illinois Veterans Preference Act. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview or job offer. The most qualified candidate will be selected.
Reporting directly to the Director of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Design, the Mechanical Engineer II will perform the mechanical design, engineering, construction management, and maintenance assistance on Metra commuter railroad lines, including yards, shops, substation systems, facilities, commuter stations, and Metra's headquarters. Prepare design packages, including drawings, mechanical equipment specifications, and cooling and heating load calculations for various facilities and Building Automation System (BAS) control systems to ensure compliance with National and Chicago Mechanical and plumbing codes, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), and mechanical industry standards. Perform construction management duties (bidding, contract awarding, monitoring and inspecting job sites, resolving construction problems, contract modifications, change orders, and invoice payments). Supervise the consultant blanket contracts; develop scope of work and organize design meetings, including phase reviews. Provide capital and maintenance project cost estimates and studies to determine accuracy and effectiveness of the designs; develop project construction schedules; and completes Grant Department project request forms and budget costs estimates. Provide direction and field assistance to maintenance electricians and outside contractors in recognizing and evaluating the condition and performance of existing mechanical and electrical systems. Perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.
Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.
Requirements
  1. Must have Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering.
  2. In addition to #1, must have five (5) years of Mechanical Engineering experience in design of mechanical systems, plumbing, fire protection, fire alarm and fueling systems, compressed air system, BAS control and other railroad specific mechanical systems.
  3. Must have working knowledge of AUTOCADD or Microstation software.
  4. Knowledge of quality assurance and control management procedures, Hourly Analysis Program (HAP), Trane cooling and heating load software, and BAS controls.
  5. Knowledge of Chicago Mechanical Code, Chicago Building Code, and NFPA, ASHRAE, plumbing codes.
  6. Must have excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
  7. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Preferences:
  1. Professional Engineer license in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
  2. Class A, B & C certification for Underground Storage Tanks (UST) preferred.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.
Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for preemployment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.
Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.
Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

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