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Contract Scientific Computing Jobs in Chicago, IL

HPC Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

... and contract management functions. Job Information Installs, configures, and maintains large ... scientific computing required. Required: 5 years: Linux build automation in a large, distributed ...

Python Tutor

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Wheaton, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Chicago, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Evanston, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Naperville, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Buffalo Grove, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Des Plaines, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Oak Lawn, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Lake Forest, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Skokie, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

Python Tutor

Highland Park, IL · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

... scientific computing, and DevOps applications. * Curriculum Awareness & Adaptive Instruction ... Varsity Tutors does not contract in: Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New ...

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Contract Scientific Computing information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$14

$32

$53

How much do contract scientific computing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract scientific computing in Chicago, IL is $32.43, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.81 and $41.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in contract scientific computing roles, and how can they be addressed?

Contract scientific computing professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to new research environments, managing diverse project requirements, and ensuring clear communication with multidisciplinary teams. To address these, it’s helpful to spend time upfront understanding client expectations, maintain organized documentation, and establish regular check-ins with both scientific and IT stakeholders. Flexibility and continuous learning are key, as projects may involve rapidly changing technologies or scientific domains. Building a strong professional network can also help in finding solutions to technical or collaborative issues that arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract scientific computing professional?

To thrive as a Contract Scientific Computing professional, you need a solid background in computational science, mathematics, and programming, typically supported by an advanced degree in a relevant STEM field. Expertise with programming languages (such as Python, R, or MATLAB), scientific software libraries, and experience with high-performance computing systems are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills in this role. These capabilities ensure accurate data analysis, efficient project delivery, and successful collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

What is contract scientific computing?

Contract scientific computing refers to the practice of hiring external experts or companies to perform specialized computational tasks, such as data analysis, simulation, or algorithm development, for scientific research projects. These professionals are typically engaged on a contract or project basis rather than as full-time employees. Organizations use contract scientific computing to access specific expertise, scale up research efforts, or accelerate project timelines without committing to permanent hiring. This approach is common in fields like physics, biology, engineering, and data science. Contract scientists may work remotely or on-site, depending on project needs.

What is the difference between Contract Scientific Computing vs Contract Data Analysis?

AspectContract Scientific ComputingContract Data Analysis
Required CredentialsDegree in Computer Science, Scientific Computing, or related field; programming skillsDegree in Statistics, Data Science, or related; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, biotech, pharma, academiaBusiness, finance, healthcare, tech companies
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, scientific companiesCorporate, consulting, healthcare sectors
Search & Comparison IntentFocus on computational tasks, simulations, modelingFocus on data interpretation, reporting, insights

Contract Scientific Computing involves developing computational models and simulations in scientific research, often requiring programming and technical skills. Contract Data Analysis centers on interpreting datasets to generate insights for business decisions. While both roles require analytical skills, Contract Scientific Computing emphasizes computational methods, whereas Contract Data Analysis focuses on data interpretation and reporting.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Computing jobs in Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Scientific Computing jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Scientific Computing jobs in Chicago, IL? For Contract Scientific Computing jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Scientific Computing jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Scientific Computing jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Sr Infrastructure Engineer

Bright Mind Solutions LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$45 - $48/mo

Contractor

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Prefer someone local
conversion salary is $120K range
 
6-12 months contract to hire in Chicago, IL
 

Job Title: Senior HPC Infrastructure Engineer
Primary Location: Chicagoland, Hybrid with minimum of 2 days in-office.
Position Type: 12 mos. Contract with Contract-to-Hire potential.
Overview
client is casting a line for a Sr. HPC Infrastructure Engineer! This is a 12 mos. contract with potential to convert to FTE opportunity. This position plays a key role in supporting the design, deployment, and optimization of high-performance computing (HPC) infrastructure— both on-prem and in cloud environments. This role combines deep technical system expertise with hands-on administration to ensure scalable, reliable, and secure environments for advanced scientific research and computational workloads.
What You Bring to the Role (Ideal Experience)
• Strong background in Linux/Unix system administration
• Experience designing and supporting HPC clusters in research, academic, or scientific computing environments
• Proficiency with parallel computing frameworks such as MPI and OpenMP
• Familiarity with job scheduling/resource management systems (e.g., Slurm, Torque, PBS)
• Hands-on experience with high-speed interconnects (e.g., InfiniBand, Omni-Path)
• Strong understanding of networking, storage solutions, and system performance tuning
• Experience with backup, disaster recovery, and data integrity solutions in high-performance environments
• Fluency in scripting (e.g., Bash, Python)
• Strong troubleshooting skills and collaborative communication style
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or equivalent experience (Master's preferred)
• Relevant technical certifications (e.g., Red Hat, CompTIA Linux+) are a plus
What You'll Do (Skills Used in this Position)
• Design, deploy, and manage scalable HPC systems across both cloud and on-prem environments
• Define system requirements and optimize Linux-based systems for performance, reliability, and scalability
• Maintain, monitor, and patch HPC environments to ensure high availability and security
• Design and manage high-performance storage systems with robust backup, replication, and archival strategies
• Conduct benchmarking and performance tuning, collaborating with HPC operations to resolve bottlenecks
• Partner with cybersecurity teams to ensure compliance and security in HPC environments
• Maintain technical documentation, SOPs, and troubleshooting guides
• Provide end-user training and technical support, managing on-site computing technologies
• Contribute to overall operational efficiency through team collaboration and continual improvement initiatives

If you are interested or have any references please share resume at mukul@brightmindsol.com.