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Contractor Engineer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

The position provides technical leadership for engineering staff, consultants, and contractors while ensuring compliance with Village standards, state and federal regulations, and sound engineering ...

The position provides technical leadership for engineering staff, consultants, and contractors while ensuring compliance with Village standards, state and federal regulations, and sound engineering ...

Construction Staff Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$33 - $46/hr

Coordinate material testing, review contractor submittals, requests for information, and coordinate ... Engineer In Training (EIT) Preferred * Master's Degree in Construction Management Desirable

Utilities Engineer

Chicago, IL ยท On-site

$130K - $160K/yr

Lead engineering design reviews, equipment selection, technical specifications, and contractor coordination for major utility infrastructure projects. Develop utility systems that optimize energy ...

Showing results 41-60

Contractor Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$45

$85

How much do contractor engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for contractor engineer in Illinois is $45.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.71 and $58.94 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contractor engineer?

Contractor Engineers are professionals hired on a contract basis to provide engineering services for specific projects or timeframes, rather than as permanent employees. They can work in various industries, including construction, manufacturing, IT, and energy, performing tasks such as design, project management, and technical consulting. Contractor Engineers bring specialized skills to a project, often filling short-term gaps or handling peak workloads. Their contracts may vary in duration and scope, depending on the needs of the client or project.

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

To excel as a Contractor Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering principles, project management, and relevant industry experience, often supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering and professional certification (e.g., PE license). Familiarity with CAD software, project management tools like MS Project, and compliance with safety and building codes is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, effective communication, and the ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams set outstanding Contractor Engineers apart. These competencies ensure projects are designed, executed, and delivered efficiently, safely, and within budget.

What are some common challenges contractor engineers face when managing multiple projects simultaneously?

Contractor Engineers often juggle several projects at once, which can make time management and prioritization challenging. Coordinating with various stakeholders, such as clients, subcontractors, and suppliers, requires strong communication skills and the ability to quickly resolve conflicts or delays. Additionally, adapting to shifting project requirements and maintaining compliance with safety and regulatory standards can add to the complexity. Successful Contractor Engineers typically rely on detailed scheduling, clear documentation, and proactive problem-solving to keep projects on track.

What is the difference between Contractor Engineer vs Construction Manager?

AspectContractor EngineerConstruction Manager
CredentialsEngineering degree, relevant certificationsEngineering or construction management degree, certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site project execution, technical oversightOn-site and office coordination, project planning
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, engineering companiesConstruction firms, general contractors
Primary FocusTechnical engineering tasks, ensuring design complianceProject management, scheduling, budget control

Contractor Engineers focus on technical engineering aspects and on-site project execution, while Construction Managers oversee overall project planning, coordination, and management. Both roles are essential in construction projects but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Contractor Engineer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Contractor Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contractor Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,906 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Construction Staff Engineer

Orion Engineers, LLC

Chicago, IL โ€ข On-site

$33 - $46/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Company car
  • Company parties
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Parental leave
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness resources
  • Free food & snacks

Orion Engineers, PLLC was founded to make a difference to our employees, clients, and fellow military veterans who bravely served our country. Our team of dynamic and diverse professionals drive creative engineering solutions that are responsive, proactive, and cost effective for our clients and communities. Orion Engineers is looking for a dynamic Staff Engineer - Construction with a focus on infrastructure and the transportation industry to join our growing firm. Let’s build the future together.
Orion Engineers, PLLC is seeking a Staff Engineer to assist our Construction Management team in delivering engineering services on existing projects and pursue new opportunities. At Orion Engineers, you will have the opportunity to continue to hone your technical skills working on a wide variety of engineering projects while gaining broad exposure to project accounting, client service, marketing, and product and business development.
RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with a dynamic team of engineers on a diverse range of projects, Staff Engineers at Orion assist the Construction team in working closely with clients, other consultants, and technical staff to ensure the successful completion of transportation/roadway-related projects for our clients. Specific tasks could include:
  • Conduct on-site observation of work and inspect various work activities to ensure compliance with the contract drawings, all applicable codes, standards, and specifications
  • Coordinate material testing, review contractor submittals, requests for information, and coordinate with the contractor
  • Coordinate construction activities with clients, inspectors, contractors, and public agencies
  • Performs daily field inspections and maintains inspection records
  • Measure and document daily construction activities
  • Maintain a daily log of construction activities and other job site records
  • Monitor progress schedule and maintenance of traffic
 
QUALIFICATIONS

  • 0-4 years of prior experience in Construction Engineering
  • Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering/Construction Management from an ABET accredited institution
  • Engineer In Training (EIT) Preferred
  • Master’s Degree in Construction Management Desirable
  • Ability to work independently and take initiative to perform tasks
  • Valid Driver’s License with a clean record
PAY, PERKS, & BENEFITS
  • Competitive starting salary ranging from $70,000 to $95,000, based on experience and qualifications
  • Comprehensive benefits package including PTO, 401(k) match, health, dental, vision, life insurance, LTD, STD, EAP, and more
  • Hybrid work environment within a rapidly growing company
  • Supportive, collaborative culture focused on inclusion and belonging
  • Engaging social, wellness, and community service opportunities