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Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer Jobs in Billings, MT

Automationtechies

Control Systems Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, networking, communications, and system integration issues ... Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer ...

Lonmin

ICT Support Engineer

Columbus, MT · On-site

Provide first- and second-line support for hardware, software, business applications, user access ... Associate degree or technical certification in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking ...

Sibanye Stillwater

ICT Support Engineer

Columbus, MT · On-site

$97K/yr

Provide first- and second-line support for hardware, software, business applications, user access ... Associate degree or technical certification in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking ...

Sibanye Stillwater

Process Control Engineer

Columbus, MT · On-site

$80K/yr

System trouble shooting and support on existing instrumentation, networks and hardware. * Develop ... Proficient in computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite to include Word and Excel). * Ability ...

Lonmin

Process Control Engineer

Columbus, MT · On-site

System trouble shooting and support on existing instrumentation, networks and hardware. * Develop ... Proficient in computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite to include Word and Excel). * Ability ...

Sibanye Stillwater

Process Control Engineer

Columbus, MT · On-site

System trouble shooting and support on existing instrumentation, networks and hardware.Develop and ... Proficient in computer applications (Microsoft Office Suite to include Word and Excel).Ability to ...

Nemont

IP Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

Provide specific detailed information for hardware and software selection, implementation ... Work experience in the computer industry with a background in networking and previous ...

Nemont

IP Engineer

Billings, MT · On-site

Provide specific detailed information for hardware and software selection, implementation ... Work experience in the computer industry with a background in networking and previous ...

Nemont

IP Engineer

Billings, MT

Provide specific detailed information for hardware and software selection, implementation ... Work experience in the computer industry with a background in networking and previous ...

KLJ

Transmission Engineer II

Billings, MT

... parts, hardware, insulators, lightning protection, and grounding details for different pole ... Work collaboratively with other engineers and technical staff to perform electrical computer ...

KLJ

Transmission Engineer II

Billings, MT · On-site

... parts, hardware, insulators, lightning protection, and grounding details for different pole ... Work collaboratively with other engineers and technical staff to perform electrical computer ...

Sibanye Stillwater

ICT Support Engineer

Columbus, MT · On-site

Provide first- and second-line support for hardware, software, business applications, user access ... Associate degree or technical certification in Information Technology, Computer Science, Networking ...

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Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer information

See Billings, MT salary details

$50.2K

$144K

$193.4K

How much do freelance computer hardware engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for freelance computer hardware engineer in Billings, MT is $143,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $121,600.00 and $160,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer vs Computer Hardware Technician?

AspectFreelance Computer Hardware EngineerComputer Hardware Technician
CredentialsRelevant certifications (e.g., CompTIA A+, Cisco), technical expertiseCertifications often required, such as CompTIA A+
Work EnvironmentSelf-employed, project-based, remote or on-siteOn-site, repair shops, or corporate settings
Employer & IndustryClients across various industries, independent contractingCompanies, service centers, retail
Work FocusDesign, troubleshooting, consulting, custom hardware solutionsHardware installation, repair, maintenance

Freelance Computer Hardware Engineers focus on designing, troubleshooting, and consulting on hardware projects independently, often working remotely or on a per-project basis. In contrast, Computer Hardware Technicians primarily perform on-site repairs, maintenance, and installation tasks within organizations or repair shops. Both roles require similar certifications but differ in scope, work environment, and client interaction.

Can a freelance computer hardware engineer work from home?

Yes, freelance computer hardware engineers can often work from home by designing, troubleshooting, and consulting remotely. However, they may need access to specialized tools, hardware components, or on-site visits for certain tasks, which can influence the extent of remote work possible.

How much do freelance computer hardware engineers get paid?

Freelance computer hardware engineers typically earn between $30 and $100 per hour, depending on experience, specialization, and project complexity. Rates can vary based on geographic location, certifications, and the scope of work, with experienced professionals often charging higher fees for specialized skills such as PCB design or hardware troubleshooting.

Is there a demand for freelance computer hardware engineers?

Demand for freelance computer hardware engineers remains steady due to ongoing needs for custom hardware design, troubleshooting, and system integration across various industries. Skills in circuit design, hardware testing, and familiarity with tools like CAD software increase employability, especially as companies seek flexible, project-based expertise. The freelance market is influenced by technological advancements and the growth of remote consulting opportunities.

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Billings, MT?

For Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs in Billings, MT, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Computer Hardware Engineer job openings in Billings, MT as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 67% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 31% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,956 per year, or $69.2 per hour.

Control Systems Engineer

Automationtechies

Billings, MT

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Control Systems Engineer – Refinery Automation

Location: Billings, Montana
Industry: Refining / Process Manufacturing

Are you a Control Systems Engineer who wants to take ownership of critical refinery automation systems and play a key role in a major DCS modernization project?

Our client is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to serve as the technical resource for a Honeywell TDC-3000 DCS while helping lead the transition to Emerson DeltaV. This is an opportunity to work on complex process control systems, modernization projects, OT infrastructure, and industrial cybersecurity in a continuous-process environment.

What You’ll Do

  • Serve as the primary technical resource for the Honeywell TDC-3000 DCS.
  • Troubleshoot DCS hardware, software, networking, communications, and system integration issues.
  • Lead DCS configuration changes, control strategy modifications, graphics development, upgrades, and lifecycle improvements.
  • Support the refinery’s migration from Honeywell TDC-3000 to Emerson DeltaV.
  • Troubleshoot integration between DCS, PLCs, SIS, analyzers, historians, packaged equipment, and other industrial systems.
  • Support refinery OT infrastructure, including servers, workstations, industrial networks, firewalls, virtualization, and backups.
  • Apply industrial cybersecurity and defense-in-depth practices to control system environments.
  • Lead or support capital projects, shutdowns, system upgrades, FATs, SATs, commissioning, and startup activities.
  • Provide technical direction to vendors, contractors, technicians, and engineers.
  • Develop system standards, documentation, backup strategies, disaster recovery procedures, and lifecycle plans.

What We’re Looking For

  • 3+ years of Honeywell TDC-3000 architecture, configuration, maintenance, and troubleshooting experience.
  • Experience supporting DCS platforms in a refinery, petrochemical, chemical, or other continuous-process manufacturing environment.
  • Ability to independently troubleshoot complex DCS hardware, software, networking, communications, and integration problems.
  • Understanding of PLC architecture, I/O, communications, and DCS/PLC integration.
  • Knowledge of industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, Modbus TCP, OPC, Ethernet/IP, and serial communications.
  • Experience with industrial Ethernet, managed switches, VLANs, TCP/IP, firewalls, and Process Control Networks (PCN).
  • Knowledge of Windows Server, Active Directory, virtualization, backups, recovery, patching, and OT infrastructure.
  • Understanding of industrial cybersecurity within process control environments.
  • Ability to interpret P&IDs, loop drawings, wiring diagrams, logic diagrams, cause-and-effect documentation, and network diagrams.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, IT, Electronics, or a related technical field preferred. Equivalent experience will be considered.

Preferred Experience

  • Emerson DeltaV experience.
  • Triconex Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) experience.
  • Alarm management and abnormal situation management.
  • Control loop performance and process control optimization.
  • Refinery PSM, MOC, and formal engineering change processes.
  • Experience leading DCS modernization or migration projects.
  • Experience with FAT, SAT, commissioning, startup, and field implementation.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

You’ll have the opportunity to own critical control system infrastructure, influence long-term automation strategy, and help shape a refinery’s transition from a legacy DCS to a modern Emerson DeltaV platform. The role combines process control engineering, OT infrastructure, cybersecurity, project leadership, and hands-on troubleshooting.

If you have Honeywell TDC-3000 experience and want to take the next step in your control systems career, apply today.

Apply