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Project Engineer Contract Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Sterling Engineering

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Automation Project Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL · On-site

$60 - $70/hr

Automation Project Engineer Contract/Contract to hire Pay: 60-70/h We are seeking a hands-on Assembly Project Leader / Automation Project Engineer to lead the implementation of a new assembly line ...

Hatch

Project Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

Coordinates activities of other project functions, including engineering, contracts and procurement, quality, construction and commissioning, required to deliver the project scope of work.

Hatch

Project Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

Coordinates activities of other project functions, including engineering, contracts and procurement, quality, construction and commissioning, required to deliver the project scope of work.

Hatch Ltd.

Project Engineer

Gary, IN · On-site

Coordinate activities of other project functions, including engineering, contracts and procurement, quality, construction and commissioning, required to deliver the project scope of work.

Hatch

Project Engineer

Gary, IN

Coordinates activities of other project functions, including engineering, contracts and procurement, quality, construction and commissioning, required to deliver the project scope of work.

Appleton Finn

Project Engineer

Crown Point, IN · On-site

Coordinate project documentation, contract administration, and owner communications. * Mentor junior Project Engineers and support field operations teams. (Must be capable of performing all Project ...

New

JGM

Project Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Project Engineer - Construction Job Summary The Project Engineer supports the planning ... Ensure compliance with contract requirements, project specifications, and company standards.

Civis Analytics

Software Engineer (Contract)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90K/yr

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software ... Ensure project documents are complete, current, and archived appropriately * Ability to research ...

Loberg Construction

Project Engineer

Palatine, IL · On-site

$55K - $65K/yr

Project Engineer DEPARTMENT: Operations Team REPORTS TO: The President LOCATION: Palatine, IL ... Manage commitments in Project Management Software to include Prime Contracts, Subcontractor/Vendor ...

Loberg Construction

Project Engineer

Palatine, IL · Hybrid

$55K - $65K/yr

Project Engineer DEPARTMENT: Operations Team REPORTS TO: The President LOCATION: Palatine, IL ... Manage commitments in Project Management Software to include Prime Contracts, Subcontractor/Vendor ...

Civis Analytics

Software Engineer (Contract)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90K/yr

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software ... Ensure project documents are complete, current, and archived appropriately * Ability to research ...

Civis Analytics

Software Engineer (Contract)

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$90K/yr

Virginia Civis is hiring a Software Engineer (Contract) to build and ship high-quality software ... Ensure project documents are complete, current, and archived appropriately * Ability to research ...

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All JobsProject Engineer Contract JobsProject Engineer Contract Jobs in Chicago, IL

Project Engineer Contract information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$46.4K

$93.4K

$140.1K

How much do project engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer contract in Chicago, IL is $93,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,200.00 and $106,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a project engineer contract?

A Project Engineer Contract refers to a temporary or fixed-term position where an engineer is hired to oversee and coordinate specific projects, often in industries such as construction, manufacturing, or engineering services. The contract outlines the duration, responsibilities, and expectations for the project engineer, who ensures that project objectives are met on time, within budget, and according to technical standards. This role typically involves planning, technical problem-solving, liaising between teams, and monitoring project progress. Contract positions offer flexibility for both employers and engineers, often focusing on specialized skills for particular projects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project engineer contract?

To thrive as a Project Engineer Contract, you need a strong background in engineering principles, project management, and a relevant engineering degree, often supplemented by PMP or similar certifications. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), CAD tools, and contract administration systems is essential. Exceptional organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills help you coordinate stakeholders and manage contractual obligations effectively. These skills and qualifications are crucial for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the required specifications.

What are the typical challenges faced by project engineers working on contract assignments?

Project Engineers on contract assignments often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new teams and company processes, managing multiple projects with tight deadlines, and integrating into ongoing initiatives mid-cycle. Since contract roles can vary in duration and scope, it’s important to be proactive in communication and flexible in work style. Building strong relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders is key to delivering project objectives efficiently and positioning yourself for potential extensions or future opportunities.

What is the difference between Project Engineer Contract vs Project Engineer Full-Time?

AspectProject Engineer ContractProject Engineer Full-Time
CredentialsRelevant engineering certifications, possibly temporary or project-specific licensesSame certifications, often with ongoing professional development
Work EnvironmentTemporary assignments, project-based settings, often with multiple employersPermanent employment within a company, consistent team environment
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering consulting, and infrastructure projectsStandard in manufacturing, construction, and engineering firms

In summary, Project Engineer Contract roles are temporary, project-specific positions often involving multiple employers, while Project Engineer Full-Time roles are permanent positions within a single organization. Both require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment stability and work environment.

How to get contract work as a project engineer?

To secure contract work as a project engineer, build a strong professional network, showcase relevant experience and certifications such as PMP or PE, and actively search on specialized job boards or staffing agencies that focus on contract roles. Demonstrating technical skills, project management ability, and flexibility with schedules can improve your chances of landing contract projects.

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

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

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Project Engineer Contract jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Project Engineer Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Project Engineer Contract job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,376 per year, or $44.9 per hour.

Automation Project Engineer

Buffalo Grove, IL • On-site

Sterling Engineering
See more jobs at Sterling Engineeringexternal

$60 - $70/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

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Job description

Automation Project Engineer

Contract/Contract to hire

Pay: 60-70/h

We are seeking a hands-on Assembly Project Leader / Automation Project Engineer to lead the implementation of a new assembly line for a global manufacturer of medical devices and healthcare products. This individual will manage the project from equipment design and development through FAT, installation, qualification, and production ramp-up, serving as the primary interface between the company, engineering teams, and the equipment OEM.


What You'll Do

  • Manage delivery of a new custom assembly system from design through production launch
  • Work directly with the OEM on machine design, development, build, and testing
  • Coordinate with engineering, manufacturing, quality, and operations teams
  • Support equipment layout, process flow, and design revisions
  • Lead FAT, installation, startup, qualification, and ramp-up activities
  • Develop operator work instructions and support manufacturing readiness
  • Track schedules, milestones, deliverables, and project risks

What We're Looking For

  • Experience with custom automation, assembly equipment, or capital equipment projects
  • Strong experience working directly with OEMs, machine builders, or system integrators
  • Hands-on understanding of complex machine builds and manufacturing processes
  • Strong project management and organizational skills
  • Excellent communication and ability to work independently
  • Proficient with Excel and project tracking tools
  • Medical device, pharmaceutical, or other regulated manufacturing experience is a plus

Work Environment: Hybrid — onsite at the Chicago/Ravenswood facility, with visits to the OEM in Bartlett, IL as required.