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Contract Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Manager, Thermal Contracts

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to ensure alignment between contractual requirements and project execution. * Provide regular reporting to senior management on contract status ...

Our client is a wellestablished and growing contract manufacturer serving the Aerospace and Medical Device industries. They are hiring a CMM Programmer responsible for developing and writing CMM ...

Sales Contract Negotiator

Virginia, IL · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

... CEOs and CFOs to engineers and fleet planning specialists. Adaptability, assertiveness and ... The Sales Contracts Director must bring Airbus resources together to come to provide Airbus ...

$126K - $136K/yr

Support plant projects including the FEL process and oversight of contract engineers. Function as a manufacturing technology resource for plant operations leaders. Develop process knowledge required ...

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software across the full stack in service of our clients' most important missions. This is a 6-month contract ...

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software across the full stack in service of our clients' most important missions. This is a 6-month contract ...

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software across the full stack in service of our clients' most important missions. This is a 6-month contract ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$11

$30

$55

How much do contract programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract programmer in Illinois is $30.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.83 and $38.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract programmer?

A contract programmer is a software developer who is hired on a temporary basis to work on specific projects or tasks for a company. Unlike full-time employees, contract programmers typically work for a set period or until the completion of a particular project. They may work independently or through an agency, and their expertise is often sought for specialized or short-term needs. Contract programmers can work on-site or remotely, and they usually have flexible arrangements regarding hours and workflow.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Programmer, you need strong programming skills in relevant languages, a solid understanding of software development methodologies, and typically a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with version control systems like Git, integrated development environments (IDEs), and knowledge of frameworks or cloud platforms are commonly required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, self-motivation, and clear communication with clients set top contract programmers apart. These skills ensure the delivery of high-quality, maintainable code that meets client needs and project deadlines in a dynamic work environment.

How do contract programmers typically manage communication and collaboration with client teams while working remotely?

Contract programmers often work off-site, which makes effective communication and collaboration essential for project success. Most clients use project management tools like Jira, Trello, or Asana, and require regular check-ins via video calls, chat platforms, or emails. It’s important for contract programmers to proactively share progress, clarify requirements, and ask questions as needed to stay aligned with the client’s expectations. Building strong communication habits helps ensure timely delivery and fosters a positive working relationship with diverse team members, even when working remotely.

What is the difference between Contract Programmer vs Software Developer?

AspectContract ProgrammerSoftware Developer
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with experience in specific programming languagesUsually holds a degree in computer science or software engineering, with similar certifications
Work EnvironmentWorks on short-term projects, often remotely, with flexible schedulesMay work full-time in an office or remotely, involved in ongoing development
Employer & Industry UsageHired by companies for specific projects or freelance work across various industriesEmployed by companies or as freelancers, involved in software creation and maintenance

In summary, Contract Programmers focus on short-term, project-based work, often freelance or temporary, while Software Developers typically work on ongoing development within a company or as full-time employees. Both roles require similar skills and credentials but differ mainly in work scope and employment type.

What are the most commonly searched types of Programmer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contract Programmer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Contract Programmer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Programmer jobs in IL?

For Contract Programmer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Contract Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,110 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Manager, Thermal Contracts

Invenergy LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$125K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago


Invenergy rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Invenergy is North America's largest privately held developer, owner, and operator of power infrastructure. With 25 years of trusted execution, we deliver reliable, affordable energy through a diverse portfolio that includes natural gas, solar, land-based wind, energy storage, transmission, and domestic manufacturing. Headquartered in Chicago, we develop, own, and operate large scale projects that power communities and support the energy future.

This position will be open for application for at least 3 calendar days from the posting date. This position will remain open for application based on business need, which may be before or after the 3-day posting window.

Job Description

Position Overview:

The Thermal Contract Manager (Post-Execution) will be responsible for managing the commercial and contractual aspects of thermal generation projects following contract award and execution. This role focuses on ensuring compliance with contract terms, proactively managing risks and opportunities, and supporting project delivery through effective contract administration.

The role requires close coordination with project management, construction, engineering, legal, and finance teams, as well as external counterparties, to ensure obligations are met, issues are addressed in a timely manner, and the company's commercial position is protected throughout the project lifecycle. Experience with thermal generation projects (e.g., combined cycle, simple cycle/peaker plants) and EPC contract administration is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities:

  • Support the drafting and final negotiation of agreements, including EPC, BT, Equipment Supply Agreements, and major equipment supply contracts (e.g., gas turbines, power transformers, HV switchgear).

  • Ensure all contract exhibits and appendices (e.g., performance guarantees, liquidated damages, outage requirements) are clear, comprehensive, and aligned with project and regulatory requirements before signature.

  • Manage EPC and major equipment supply contracts post-execution, identifying and ensuring compliance with all contractual obligations and requirements.

  • Serve as the primary commercial point of contact during project execution for contractors and key vendors.

  • Monitor contractor performance against contract terms, including schedule, cost, and technical requirements.

  • Follow up on specific contract deliverables such as programs, requirements and notifications during contract execution in terms of timing and content, ensuring implementation of document management system.

  • Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks and opportunities arising during execution, and develop mitigation or value-maximization strategies.

  • Support the negotiation and resolution of change orders and variations, including evaluation of pricing, and schedule impacts.

  • Coordinate closely with project controls and finance teams to track budgets, forecast costs, and ensure alignment with contractual positions and entitlements.

  • Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping to support contractual positions, including maintaining contract registers, change logs, and correspondence records.

  • Collaborate with engineering and construction teams to ensure alignment between contractual requirements and project execution.

  • Provide regular reporting to senior management on contract status, key risks, claims, and commercial performance.

  • Support close-out activities, including final account settlement, punch list tracking, warranty management, and lessons learned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of experience in project development, project management, power origination, or business development roles in the energy, infrastructure, or utilities sector.

  • Bachelor's and/or master's degree in business, finance, or engineering.

  • Experience with Power Purchase Agreements, Build Transfer Agreements, Development Transfer Agreements, and/or EPC transactions across multiple power markets and technology.

  • Eligible to work in the United States without the need for employer visa sponsorship now or in the future.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Over 8+ years of experience in project development, project management, power origination, or business development roles in the energy, infrastructure, or utilities sector.

  • 5+ years of experience negotiating supply agreement, construction or EPC agreements and BTs.

  • Legal experience and/or experience negotiating other types of agreements.

  • Ability to comprehend complex documents and communicate transactional risks and project impact.

  • Excellent solution-seeking, teamwork, leadership and communication skills which extend across all organizational and management levels.

  • Critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and solve complex problems

  • Ability to manage priorities, meet deadlines and complete time-sensitive work.

Base Pay

$125,000.00 - 165,000.00 USD Annual
Bonus: 25% - 40%

The base pay range reflects the minimum and maximum target salary for the position. Invenergy considers a number of factors when determining base pay offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education and skills.
In addition to base pay, the total annual compensation package may also include eligibility to participate in our bonus program(s) which are designed to reward individual and company performance. Your recruiter can share more about bonus eligibility for this position during the hiring process.
Invenergy offers a variety of other benefits including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401k, paid time off, etc.

Invenergy LLC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to, among other things, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, status as a protected veteran, or disability.


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