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Freelance Reliability Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Freelance Reliability Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$65

$94

How much do freelance reliability engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance reliability engineer in Chicago, IL is $65.66, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56.44 and $75.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a freelance reliability engineer?

A Freelance Reliability Engineer is an independent professional who specializes in ensuring that systems, equipment, or processes operate reliably and efficiently over time. They typically work on a contract basis for various clients, assessing potential risks, analyzing failure data, and recommending improvements to increase reliability and reduce downtime. Their expertise is often sought in industries like manufacturing, energy, and technology, where system reliability is critical. Freelance Reliability Engineers may also assist with maintenance planning, root cause analysis, and the implementation of reliability-centered maintenance strategies.

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

To thrive as a Freelance Reliability Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, reliability analysis, and problem-solving, often supported by a degree in engineering or a related field. Familiarity with tools like reliability modeling software (e.g., ReliaSoft), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), and relevant certifications such as Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) is typically required. Excellent communication, project management, and client relationship skills help you stand out in this independent role. These competencies ensure you can deliver effective, data-driven solutions that enhance system reliability and meet client expectations.

What are some common challenges freelance reliability engineers face when working with multiple clients simultaneously?

Freelance reliability engineers often manage projects for several clients at once, which can lead to challenges such as balancing conflicting deadlines, adapting to different industries' standards, and quickly understanding diverse systems. Effective communication and organizational skills are crucial for juggling these responsibilities, as is the ability to tailor your approach to each client's unique needs. Building strong relationships and setting clear expectations at the start of each engagement can help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Freelance Reliability Engineer vs Reliability Engineer?

AspectFreelance Reliability EngineerReliability Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, certifications like CRE or Six SigmaSame as freelance, often with additional company-specific certifications
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteFull-time, employed by a company, on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageFreelance basis across industries like manufacturing, energy, aerospaceWithin organizations, primarily manufacturing, utilities, aerospace
Search & Comparison IntentLooking for freelance reliability consulting or project workSeeking full-time reliability engineering roles

The main difference is that a Freelance Reliability Engineer works independently on various projects, often remotely, while a Reliability Engineer is typically employed full-time within a company. Both roles require similar credentials and industry knowledge, but their work environments and employment status differ significantly.

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

Engineer, Quality Assurance

Publicis Groupe Holdings B.V

Chicago, IL • On-site

$72K - $109K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Company Description

Publicis Media Exchange (PMX) is the global media platform for Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, CAC 40]. PMX is an omnichannel activation powerhouse that drives smart application of investment through leveraging scale, marketplace innovation, deeper partnerships and knowledge. PMX is at the forefront of the converging marketplace building data-informed, tech-enabled media to help marketers connect with consumers in a measurable way.

Overview

We are seeking a QA Engineer with strong expertise in both manual and automated testing. This role is critical in ensuring the quality and accuracy of our end-to-end data pipelines as well as our BI layer/Tableau. You will be responsible for designing and executing test strategies, developing automation and manual scripts, and collaborating across teams such as Product Owners and other Engineers to deliver high-quality digital experiences and standards. Your work will directly impact the reliability and performance of our digital products.

Responsibilities
  • Exercise planned and exploratory tests to validate data pipeline functionality, data warehousing, ETL scripts and workflows, Tableau setups and data, etc.
  • Create documentation for test plans, test charters, risk assessments, etc.
  • Design and execute data QA tests, code QA tests and workflow QA tests to ensure fitness and stability of the service and components under test
  • Enter bugs/issues/enhancements in tracking system, track status and resolution.
  • Contribute ideas towards the enhancement and/or modification of designs to improve the product.
  • Perform QA technical testing tasks like API and database testing interpreting queries and database tables relations
  • Execute manual and automated testing scenarios scripts and test cases.
  • Ensure content and structure of testing artifacts are documented and maintained using the best practices for quality assurance automation solutions
  • Troubleshoot problems in collaboration with data engineers and product owners
Qualifications
  • 2+ years software testing experience
  • 2+ years testing data warehousing or reporting solutions
  • 2+ years testing APIs with testing tools like Postman and SoapUI
  • Familiarity with API protocols and data formats (JSON, XML).
  • Proficient in performance testing.
  • Fluency in SQL, data warehousing
  • Experience creating cogent, useful documentation including test plans, test cases, specs, etc.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Strong team player across functional units, self-motivated and able to work independently
  • Ability to learn complex business functions with little guidance
  • Ability to thoroughly understand and discuss assumptions and requirements/AC as well as to articulate questions/thoughts constructively, logically, verbally
  • Experience working in fast-paced Agile environment
  • Experience with JIRA / Confluence or similar project management software 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Additional Desired Experience:

Scrum project management

  • Advertising/Marketing data
  • Databricks, Tableau
  • Experience with automating testing tools such as Katalon Studio, Selenium, etc
Additional Information

Our Publicis Groupe motto "Viva La Difference" means we're better together, and we believe that our differences make us stronger. It means we honor and celebrate all identities, across all facets of intersectionality, and it underpins all that we do as an organization. We are focused on fostering belonging and creating equitable & inclusive experiences for all talent. 

Publicis Groupe provides robust and inclusive benefit programs and policies to support the evolving and diverse needs of our talent and enable every person to grow and thrive.  Our benefits package includes medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401K,  as well as parental and family care leave, family forming assistance, tuition reimbursement, and flexible time off.

If you require accommodation or assistance with the application or onboarding process specifically, please contact USMSTACompliance@publicis.com. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. 

Compensation Range: $72,390 - $109,480 annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10/21/2025

 Compensation Range: USD $72,390.00 - USD $109,480.00/Annually. This is the pay range the Company believes it will pay for this position at the time of this posting. Consistent with applicable law, compensation will be determined based on the skills, qualifications, and experience of the applicant along with the requirements of the position, and the Company reserves the right to modify this pay range at any time. Temporary roles may be eligible to participate in our freelancer/temporary employee medical plan through a third-party benefits administration system once certain criteria have been met. Temporary roles may also qualify for participation in our 401(k) plan after eligibility criteria have been met. For regular roles, the Company will offer medical coverage, dental, vision, disability, 401k, and paid time off. The Company anticipates the application deadline for this job posting will be 10/25/2025.Employment Type: OTHER