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Hourly Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Quality Auditor

Chillicothe, IL ยท On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry level to experienced ...

CNC Programmer

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$27 - $30/hr

At WALCO Tool & Engineering, we specialize in high-precision manufacturing and believe great ... Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for overtimeFull benefits package: Medical, Dental ...

At WALCO Tool & Engineering, we specialize in high-precision manufacturing and believe great ... Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for overtime * Full benefits package: Medical, Dental ...

CNC Programmer

Romeoville, IL ยท On-site

$27 - $30/hr

At WALCO Tool & Engineering, we specialize in high-precision manufacturing and believe great ... Competitive hourly pay with opportunities for overtime * Full benefits package: Medical, Dental ...

Director-Engineering

Chicago, IL ยท Remote

$170K - $200K/yr

Director (Engineering) Location: Remote Hire Type: Direct Compensation: $170,000 - $200,000 Must have Skill Set: Professional Engineer (PE) license, experience with natural gas pipeline and facility ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hourly Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$61K

$92.5K

How much do hourly engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for hourly engineering in Illinois is $61,026.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,500.00 and $69,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hourly engineering?

Hourly engineering refers to engineers who are compensated based on the number of hours they work, rather than receiving a fixed annual salary. These engineers often work as contractors or consultants, providing specialized skills for specific projects or tasks. Hourly engineering roles can be found in various fields such as civil, mechanical, electrical, or software engineering. This arrangement offers flexibility for both employers and engineers, allowing companies to scale expertise as needed and engineers to manage their own schedules.

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

To thrive as an Hourly Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, and often an associate degree or relevant technical certification. Familiarity with CAD software, diagnostic tools, and industry-specific machinery is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication skills are crucial for success in this role. These competencies ensure accurate technical work, smooth collaboration with teams, and safe, efficient project completion.

What are some common challenges faced by hourly engineers, and how can they be addressed?

Hourly engineers often encounter challenges such as adjusting to rapidly changing project priorities, managing time efficiently across multiple tasks, and ensuring clear communication with full-time team members. Proactively seeking clarification on project expectations, keeping detailed records of work hours and progress, and participating in regular team meetings can help address these challenges. Building strong relationships with supervisors and colleagues also fosters a supportive work environment and can lead to more opportunities for skill development and project involvement.

What is the difference between Hourly Engineering vs Hourly Engineering?

AspectHourly EngineeringHourly Engineering
CredentialsTypically requires engineering certifications or licensesSame as Hourly Engineering
Work EnvironmentOn-site or project-based settings in engineering fieldsSame as Hourly Engineering
Industry UsageCommonly used in construction, manufacturing, and consultingSame as Hourly Engineering
Search IntentPeople compare hourly engineering rates or rolesSame as Hourly Engineering

Since the comparison is between the same job title, Hourly Engineering, the key differences often relate to specific project types or industries rather than role distinctions. Understanding the context of hourly rates and project scope helps clarify job expectations and compensation.

Can hourly engineering employees be engineers?

Hourly engineering employees can be licensed professional engineers if they meet the required education, experience, and exam standards. However, many engineering roles are salaried and require a professional engineering license, while some technical or support roles may be paid hourly without licensure. The specific classification depends on the job responsibilities and employer policies.

What do hourly engineers get paid an hour?

Hourly engineers typically earn between $20 and $50 per hour, depending on their experience, specialization, and geographic location. Entry-level positions may pay closer to the lower end, while experienced engineers or those with specialized skills can earn higher wages. Overtime pay may also apply for hours worked beyond standard schedules.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineering jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Hourly Engineering jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Hourly Engineering jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Hourly Engineering jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Hourly Engineering job openings:

Infographic showing various Hourly Engineering job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 59% Full Time, 36% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,026 per year, or $29.3 per hour.

Quality Auditor

RFA Engineering

Chillicothe, IL โ€ข On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

RFA Engineering (www.rfamec.com) is an engineering service provider dedicated to delivering our clients with timely engineering support and expertise. We are seeking an entry level to experienced candidate to become an integral part of our engineering team. The selected candidate will work with an experienced engineering staff using state-of-the-art engineering tools & processes. This position will operate onsite at our customer's world-class engineering and manufacturing facilities.
This is a full-time position with a full benefit package listed below that includes opportunities for professional growth, direct hire by our customers, and additional opportunities within our own organization.
Quality Engineering Technician
The selected candidate will research and test the design, functionality and maintenance of products, equipment, systems and processes and develop quality standards. A typical quality engineer has the ability to read and interpret blueprints, and evaluate product integrity and standards.
Responsibilities
  • Plan, schedule, and conduct internal quality system and process audits.
  • Evaluate compliance with Quality Management System requirements, procedures, and applicable standards.
  • Review procedures, work instructions, records, and supporting documentation.
  • Interview process owners and key stakeholders to verify process effectiveness and compliance.
  • Collect and assess objective evidence to identify gaps, risks, and improvement opportunities.
  • Document audit findings clearly and accurately in audit reports.
  • Communicate audit results and recommendations in a professional and constructive manner.
  • Monitor corrective action implementation and verify effectiveness of corrective measures.
  • Track, analyze, and report quality system trends and audit metrics.
  • Support ISO 9001 certification, surveillance, and compliance-related activities.
  • Collaborate with quality and operational teams to promote continuous improvement across the organization.
  • Assist in maintaining audit records and quality documentation.

Requirements
  • 2-4 years of quality, quality management systems, or auditing experience.
  • Knowledge of quality management systems and auditing principles.
  • Experience conducting or supporting system or process audits.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to interpret standards, procedures, policies, and quality requirements.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard business software applications.
  • Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams and all organizational levels.

Desired Attributes
    • ISO 9001 Internal Auditor training or certification.
    • ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) or equivalent professional certification.
    • ISO 9001 Lead Auditor training.
    • Experience supporting certification or surveillance audits.
    • Background in corrective action management and effectiveness verification.
    • Manufacturing or industrial quality systems experience.
    • Experience working within regulated or highly structured quality environments.
    • Hands-on experience administering, maintaining, or auditing within electronic Quality Management Systems (eQMS), including platforms such as ETQ Reliance, Intelex, MasterControl, QT9, TrackWise, Siemens Teamcenter Quality, SAP QM, or equivalent systems

Visa sponsorship is NOT available for this position.
Pay Range: $55,000-$65,000 - Commensurate with experience
About RFA Engineering
RFA Engineering has provided product development and engineering services to industry leading customers since 1943. Our primary focus is the development of off highway equipment including agricultural, construction, mining, recreational, industrial, and special machines. Our work includes concept development, product design, documentation, problem-solving, simulation, optimization, and testing of components, systems and complete machines. Our engineering staff is located at our Engineering Center in Minneapolis, branch office in Dubuque, IA, and at numerous customer sites throughout the U.S.
Competitive Benefits
  • Health and Dental Insurance
  • Health Savings Account
  • TelaDoc: Virtual Health Care
  • Vision Insurance
  • Company Paid / Supplemental Life Insurance
  • Company Paid Long-Term Disability
  • Supplemental Short-Term Disability
  • Retirement Savings Account (Traditional 401k & Roth 401k)
  • Flexible Spending Plan Dependent Care
  • Bonus Plan (Exempt Employees Only)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Bereavement Leave
  • Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
  • Education Assistance

Equal Opportunity and Veteran Friendly
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.