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

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Project Engineer

Ottawa, IL · On-site

Working under the guidance of the Project Manager and Superintendent, the Project Engineer helps ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and in accordance with contract requirements. This ...

Bunge

Project Engineer

Channahon, IL · On-site

$110K - $124K/yr

Equipment selection, procurement and construction contract administration are typical duties of the project engineer. What You'll Be Doing : Actively and enthusiastically participate in and lead ...

Bunge

Project Engineer

Channahon, IL · On-site

$110K - $124K/yr

Equipment selection, procurement and construction contract administration are typical duties of the project engineer. What You'll Be Doing : * Actively and enthusiastically participate in and lead ...

Bunge North America

Project Engineer

Channahon, IL

$110K - $124K/yr

Equipment selection, procurement and construction contract administration are typical duties of the project engineer.What You'll Be Doing:Actively and enthusiastically participate in and lead ...

Bunge

Project Engineer

Channahon, IL · On-site

$110K - $124K/yr

Equipment selection, procurement and construction contract administration are typical duties of the project engineer. What You'll Be Doing : * Actively and enthusiastically participate in and lead ...

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Showing results 1-20

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

Project Engineer Contract information

See Ottawa, IL salary details

$44.5K

$89.6K

$134.5K

How much do project engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for project engineer contract in Ottawa, IL is $89,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,200.00 and $102,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

How to get contract work as a project engineer?

To secure contract work as a project engineer, build a strong professional network, gain relevant experience, and obtain industry certifications such as PMP or PE. Create a compelling resume highlighting project management skills and technical expertise, and actively search for opportunities on specialized job boards or through staffing agencies that focus on contract roles.

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 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 cities near Ottawa, IL are hiring for Project Engineer Contract jobs? Cities near Ottawa, IL with the most Project Engineer Contract job openings:
Project Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Engineer Contract job openings in Ottawa, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,613 per year, or $43.1 per hour.

Project Engineer

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc.

Ottawa, IL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago

J.F. Brennan rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

The Project Engineer supports marine construction projects by assisting with field engineering, scheduling, documentation, and coordination activities. This role may be based out of any of our Midwest locations, including St. Louis, MO; La Crosse, WI; Duluth, MN; Ottawa, IL; or St. Paul, MN, and requires travel to active job sites approximately 80% of the time. Working under the guidance of the Project Manager and Superintendent, the Project Engineer helps ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and in accordance with contract requirements. This position is ideal for early-career engineers who are eager to gain hands-on experience in marine and heavy civil construction.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist with daily engineering and construction activities on marine construction job sites.
  • Support project scheduling efforts, including updating master schedules and short-term work plans.
  • Help track project costs, quantities, and documentation.
  • Assist in identifying and documenting change orders and project impacts.
  • Prepare and distribute meeting materials, take meeting notes, and help track action items.
  • Maintain project documentation including drawings, submittals, RFIs, logs, and reports.
  • Assist with procurement by coordinating materials, equipment, and subcontractor needs.
  • Review shop drawings and submittals with guidance from senior project staff.
  • Support coordination between field crews, subcontractors, survey teams, and project management.
  • Follow company safety policies and actively participate in jobsite safety efforts.
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the project team.

Qualifications:
  • 1-3 years of experience in construction, engineering, or a related field (internship or co-op experience welcome).
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or related field preferred.
  • Interest in marine, heavy civil, or environmental construction.
  • Basic understanding of construction drawings, schedules, and cost tracking.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Word; exposure to AutoCAD or scheduling software is a plus.
  • Strong communication skills and willingness to learn from field and office teams.
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, field-oriented environment.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to job sites approximately 80% of the time.
  • Willingness to work variable hours based on project schedules.
  • Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to safety and quality.

Who is Brennan?
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a 100-year-old, family-owned company that specializes in water-based environmental remediation and marine construction headquartered in La Crosse, WI that offers our employees growth, challenging work, empowerment, and meaningful work. Brennan is known for tackling complex maritime projects, providing unique solutions through teamwork and collaboration, and maintaining a family-orientated culture.
Why choose us?
  • We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work®, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
  • Our culture sets us apart. We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
  • Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
  • We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
  • We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
J.F. Brennan Company Inc. ("Brennan") and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan's resume database will be considered Brennan property. Brennan will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan's Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.
Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Capital at:
Phone: 608-784-7173
Email: jobs@jfbrennan.com
Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.
If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal poster and/or view the Pay Transparency Policy State please click here.
For more information on federal labor laws please click here.

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