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Independent Contractor Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Adept Group

Senior Packaging Engineer

Chattanooga, TN

This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40-hours per week for 12 months ... Collaborate closely with formulation teams, plant engineers, suppliers, and external manufacturers ...

Adept Group

Senior Packaging Engineer

Chattanooga, TN

This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40-hours per week for 12 months ... Collaborate closely with formulation teams, plant engineers, suppliers, and external manufacturers ...

Adept Group

Senior Packaging Engineer

Chattanooga, TN

This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40-hours per week for 12 months ... Collaborate closely with formulation teams, plant engineers, suppliers, and external manufacturers ...

New

Adept Group

Senior Packaging Engineer

Chattanooga, TN · On-site +1

This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40-hours per week for 12 months ... Collaborate closely with formulation teams, plant engineers, suppliers, and external manufacturers ...

Lebanon

Engineering - Project Engineer

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$87K/yr

This is a professional position requiring an individual who can exercise independent judgment and ... Works with developers, consultants, and contractors to ensure compliance with all local and/or ...

Lebanon

Engineering- Professional Engineer

Lebanon, TN · On-site

$98K/yr

This is a professional position requiring an individual who can exercise independent judgment and ... Works with developers, consultants, and contractors to ensure compliance with all local and/or ...

Futures Consulting

Be Seen First

Mechanical Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $119K/yr

Attends regularly scheduled Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings and calls * Performs on-site ... Able to work independently on multiple projects in a given time period * Proficient with Microsoft ...

New

Futures Consulting

Be Seen First

Mechanical Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

$80K - $119K/yr

Attends regularly scheduled Owner-Architect-Contractor meetings and calls * Performs on-site ... Able to work independently on multiple projects in a given time period * Proficient with Microsoft ...

New

Whopper Technologies

Electrical Engineer

Nashville, TN · On-site

Ability to work independently and with a team of engineers, clients, and contractors. * Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. * Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering ...

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All JobsIndependent Contractor Engineer JobsIndependent Contractor Engineer Jobs in Tennessee

Independent Contractor Engineer information

See Tennessee salary details

$357

$988

$1.9K

How much do independent contractor engineer jobs pay per week?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average weekly pay for independent contractor engineer in Tennessee is $988.69, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $653.85 and $1,100.00 per week, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

Independent Contractor Engineers often juggle several projects for different clients at once, which requires strong time management and organizational skills. Balancing varying deadlines, communication styles, and technical requirements can be challenging. It's crucial to set clear expectations with clients, maintain detailed project schedules, and use effective collaboration tools to keep tasks on track. Additionally, managing administrative tasks like invoicing and contracts is essential to ensure smooth operations and client satisfaction.

What is an independent contractor engineer?

An Independent Contractor Engineer is a professional who provides engineering services to clients or companies on a contract basis, rather than as a full-time employee. They are typically self-employed and manage their own business operations, including setting their rates, choosing projects, and handling taxes. Independent Contractor Engineers may work in various engineering fields such as civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering. Their responsibilities often include designing, analyzing, and overseeing engineering projects according to client specifications. Because they are not employees, they do not usually receive benefits like health insurance or paid leave from the companies they work with.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor engineer?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Engineer, you generally need a relevant engineering degree, strong problem-solving abilities, and proven experience in your engineering discipline. Familiarity with industry-standard software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB), project management tools, and relevant certifications like a Professional Engineer (PE) license are often expected. Excellent communication, self-management, and adaptability help you manage client relationships and deliver projects independently. These skills and qualifications ensure you can provide high-quality engineering solutions while efficiently managing multiple projects and client expectations.

What is the difference between Independent Contractor Engineer vs Staff Engineer?

AspectIndependent Contractor EngineerStaff Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering licenses or certifications, depending on projectTypically holds professional engineering (PE) license or equivalent
Work EnvironmentFreelance or project-based, often remote or on-site at client locationsFull-time employment within a company's engineering team, usually on-site or hybrid
Employer & Industry UsageHired by multiple clients across industries like construction, manufacturing, or consultingEmployed by a single organization, working on internal projects
Search & Comparison IntentSeeking flexible, project-based engineering workLooking for a stable, in-house engineering role

While both roles require engineering expertise and relevant credentials, an Independent Contractor Engineer works independently on various projects, offering flexibility. In contrast, a Staff Engineer is a full-time employee within a company, focusing on long-term internal projects and team collaboration.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Engineer jobs in Tennessee?

For Independent Contractor Engineer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Engineer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Engineer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Independent Contractor Engineer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Independent Contractor Engineer job openings:

Independent Contractor Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Independent Contractor Engineer job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,412 per year, or $24.7 per hour.

Senior Packaging Engineer

Adept Group

Chattanooga, TN

Contractor

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Adept Group offers an award-winning workplace for exceptional packaging industry talent. We work on a range of innovative projects for iconic brand owners. Our technically gifted team collaborates to produce unparalleled results.
 
We offer a great place to showcase your expertise and build upon your skillset. All while having fun with amazing people from a variety of diverse backgrounds. We’re driven, inspirational and most importantly, human.
 
We offer a flexible, creative culture focusing on 3 pillars - our environment, our communities, and our health and well-being. Join a team committed to building a sustainable future!
 
The Opportunity
 
Adept Group is seeking a Packaging Engineer (1099 Contractor) in the Chattanooga, TN area! The ideal candidate would have 5+ years of experience in R&D at B2C or B2B, preferably in the Life Science industry but open to personal care, beauty, food, or chemical industries. 
 
This is a 1099 Contractor (Independent Contractor) opportunity for 40-hours per week for 12 months. 
 
This project requires this person to work 2 days onsite.
 
*Relocation assistance available for eligible candidates*
 
Key Responsibilities: 
  • Drive packaging development for innovation projects across North America, accelerating timelines while ensuring high-quality execution.
  • Provide versatile, hands-on support across a range of packaging materials and formats, with a focus on consumer healthcare products (e.g., OTC, vitamins, easy-open/easy-close solutions).
  • Operate with a sense of urgency to support a high-volume workload and fast-paced development environment.
  • Bring a well-rounded “jack-of-all-trades” approach, balancing innovation with practical, scalable solutions aligned to industry timelines.
Typical Day to Day: 
  • Partner cross-functionally with R&D, Brand, and eCommerce teams to develop new packaging structures for product portfolios.
  • Lead and support activities including sourcing, design, testing, specification development, and packaging trials.
  • Collaborate closely with formulation teams, plant engineers, suppliers, and external manufacturers to ensure seamless execution from concept through commercialization.
  • Incorporate consumer insights and marketing inputs to develop packaging for new product launches and updates to existing products.
  • Balance innovation-focused work with hands-on involvement in line trials, operational support, and troubleshooting to ensure manufacturability and performance.
Requirements: 
  • 5-10 years' experience in R&D at B2C or B2B
  • Technical background in primary packaging development and design, specification, testing, tooling/molding process, and materials/manufacturing qualification 
  • Packaging focused on user experience
  • Secondary packaging experience a plus!
Disclaimer:
This is a 1099 independent contractor position. As such, this role is not eligible for company-sponsored benefits, including health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. The contractor is responsible for managing their own tax withholdings, insurance coverage, and other obligations associated with independent contractor status.
 
Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.