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Freelance Access Control Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Protection and Control Engineer

IL · Remote

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

As a Protection & Control Engineer, you will have the opportunity to act as the technical lead for ... or access ABB's career site as a result of your disability. You may request reasonable ...

This freelance position runs for the duration of the academic calendar (August through mid-June ... Provide video monitoring, quality control, operational support, and communication between relevant ...

Senior IAM Engineer

Winnetka, IL · On-site

$120K - $164K/yr

Establishes and enforces authentication and access control standards across the environment ... engineering roles * Hands-on experience with IAM platforms such as Microsoft Entra ID, Okta ...

Drive cleanup, standardization, and access control improvements * Implement and refine SSO, MFA ... Comfortable moving between engineering, administration, and security operations work #LI-Hybrid ...

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Showing results 1-20

Freelance Access Control Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$55.1K

$135.3K

$199.3K

How much do freelance access control engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance access control engineer in Chicago, IL is $135,308.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,800.00 and $151,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a freelance access control engineer do?

A Freelance Access Control Engineer specializes in designing, installing, and maintaining security systems that manage entry to buildings or restricted areas. They work independently or on a contract basis, helping clients with tasks like setting up card readers, biometric scanners, and electronic locks. Their responsibilities also include configuring software, troubleshooting issues, and ensuring that systems comply with security standards. Freelance engineers often serve businesses, schools, hospitals, and residential properties, adapting solutions to fit specific security needs.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Access Control Engineer, you need a solid background in electronic security systems, network infrastructure, and access control hardware, often supported by relevant technical certifications or a degree in engineering or IT. Familiarity with access control platforms (such as Lenel, HID, or Honeywell), wiring standards, and security software is typically required. Excellent problem-solving abilities, client communication, and time management skills help distinguish top professionals in this field. These competencies ensure effective system design, installation, and troubleshooting, resulting in secure and reliable access control solutions for clients.

What are some typical challenges faced by freelance access control engineers when working with multiple clients?

Freelance Access Control Engineers often manage projects for various clients, which can present challenges such as adapting to different security protocols, integrating new access control systems with legacy infrastructure, and coordinating schedules to meet tight deadlines. Since each client may use distinct hardware and software, engineers need to quickly familiarize themselves with new environments and troubleshoot unique issues. Effective communication and time management skills are essential to ensure smooth collaboration with on-site IT teams, facility managers, and other contractors.

What is the difference between Freelance Access Control Engineer vs Security Systems Installer?

AspectFreelance Access Control EngineerSecurity Systems Installer
CredentialsCertifications in access control systems, networking, and securityCertifications in alarm systems, CCTV, and security installation
Work EnvironmentProject-based, consulting, on-site and remote workOn-site installation and maintenance of security hardware
Employer & IndustryClients in corporate, commercial, or government sectorsSecurity companies, retail, residential, and commercial properties

While both roles involve security systems, Freelance Access Control Engineers focus on designing, configuring, and troubleshooting access control systems for clients, often working independently. Security Systems Installers primarily handle the physical installation and setup of security hardware. The former emphasizes system customization and network integration, whereas the latter concentrates on hardware setup and maintenance.

What are the most commonly searched types of Access Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Access Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Access Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Freelance Access Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Access Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Access Control Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Freelance Access Control Engineer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Freelance Access Control Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Access Control Engineer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $135,308 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Global Security System Access Control Analyst

AbbVie

North Chicago, IL • On-site

$23.80/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


AbbVie rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 101 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 86 rated pharmaceutical


Job description

Company Description
About AbbVie
AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines and solutions that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas including immunology, oncology and neuroscience - and products and services in our Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Job Description
The Access Control Coordinator for Global Security Operations will oversee the electronic access control program for AbbVie, primarily in Lake County, but will also support affiliate and global access control initiatives. They are responsible for electronic access control compliance with all Corporate, Divisional and regulatory policies or requirements. Support of various initiatives and projects at the group and corporate level. Will provide day to day oversite of the Access Control program and act as a Global Security business contact for Access Control contractor support. The Access Control Coordinator will provide support and training on electronic access control to Global Security Operations frontline staff (reception and security officers) and to other functions within the company, as appropriate.
Responsibilities
Compliance with all applicable Corporate, Divisional and regulatory policies or requirements.
  • Administration and management of the EPACS card access request portal - processing system requests for badge access or removal, AbbVie Access Control mailbox and Access Control Hotline - answering phone calls and following up with voicemails, processing email requests /inquiries; appropriate filing of requests for future retrieval.
  • Management of Access Control program needs and is the AbbVie Global Security contact for Access Control contractor support.
    • Collaboration with AbbVie Security and Access Control personnel based in non-Lake County locations to identify badge access compatibility and/or establish processes for granting access to necessary employees.
  • Programming badges for access into restricted card reader-controlled areas - these areas include, but are not limited to: controlled drug areas, document filing areas, security areas, executive areas, etc.
  • Support Global Security Operations, Talent Acquisition, Human Resources, Employee Relations, and our contract service providers with various responsibilities including but not limited to maintaining an accurate Security Watch list to ensure that only approved and vetted individuals are permitted on site, exporting date/time reports to support active investigations, exporting card holder reports, maintaining an accurate log of individuals with CDA/DEA/AR status designation
  • Verifying required background screening requirements are completed by non-staff augmented contractors prior to receiving badge access.
  • Troubleshooting and reconciliation of user badge issues in multiple access control systems. Creating and modification of access levels in the access control system and collaboration with the appropriate access level owners. Complete quarterly audits of cardholder assignments to restricted areas/verifying and updating current approvers for restricted areas.
  • Support Global Systems and Global Systems IT with Access Control aligned projects. Manage the physical inventory of badging supplies for Global Security Operations.

Qualifications
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required. An Associate's Degree or higher is preferred.
    At least 3 years of relevant experience in areas such as: security operations, emergency dispatch, contact center, customer service, etc.
    Computer skills required involve proficiency with Microsoft Office suite. A familiarity with security-related programs is preferred.
  • High degree of accuracy, attention to detail and completeness.
    • Excellent customer service skills, including oral and written, are required.
    • Knowledge of AbbVie Security and company processes is preferred.
    • Ability to work in a fast-paced and, at times, stressful work environment.
    • A self-driven, curious, and cooperative team member with leadership abilities.
    • Bilingual skills, oral and written, are preferred.

Additional Information
Applicable only to applicants applying to a position in any location with pay disclosure requirements under state or local law:
  • The compensation range described below is the range of possible base pay compensation that the Company believes in good faith it will pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual compensation paid within this range will depend on many factors including geographic location, and we may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range. This range may be modified in the future.
  • We offer a comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off (vacation, holidays, sick), medical/dental/vision insurance and 401(k) to eligible employees.
  • This job is eligible to participate in our short-term incentive programs.

Note: No amount of pay is considered to be wages or compensation until such amount is earned, vested, and determinable. The amount and availability of any bonus, commission, incentive, benefits, or any other form of compensation and benefits that are allocable to a particular employee remains in the Company's sole and absolute discretion unless and until paid and may be modified at the Company's sole and absolute discretion, consistent with applicable law.
AbbVie is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to operating with integrity, driving innovation, transforming lives and serving our community. Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled.
US & Puerto Rico only - to learn more, visit https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/equal-employment-opportunity-employer.html
US & Puerto Rico applicants seeking a reasonable accommodation, click here to learn more:
https://www.abbvie.com/join-us/reasonable-accommodations.html

What AbbVie employees say

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AbbVie logo

About AbbVie

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

AbbVie's mission is to discover and deliver innovative medicines that solve serious health issues today and address the medical challenges of tomorrow. We strive to have a remarkable impact on people's lives across several key therapeutic areas: immunology, oncology, neuroscience, eye care, virology, women's health, and gastroenterology, in addition to products and services across its Allergan Aesthetics portfolio. For more information about AbbVie, please visit us at www.abbvie.com. Follow @abbvie on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

North Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

2013