ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Systems Engineer Contract Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

PeopleCaddie

Data Engineer - Manager

Chicago, IL · Remote

$80 - $85/hr

Senior Data Engineer - Contract Client: Large Public Accounting Firm Engagement: 6-12 Months ... Monitor and tune data systems; identify performance bottlenecks and implement indexing, caching ...

Actalent

Nuclear Mechanical Systems Engineer

Naperville, IL · Remote

$40 - $90/hr

... systems * Perform and review complex engineering calculations and technical design deliverables ... Opportunity to advance along technical and leadership paths Job Type & Location This is a Contract ...

Zeno

Data Engineer (Contract-to-Hire, Part-Time)

Chicago, IL

$118K - $141.60K/yr

Zeno Group is hiring a data engineer to join our team on a part-time, contract-to-hire basis ... But the work that differentiates Zeno is built in-house: proprietary data systems, AI products, and ...

Zeno

Data Engineer (Contract-to-Hire, Part-Time)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$118K - $141.60K/yr

Zeno Group is hiring a data engineer to join our team on a part-time, contract-to-hire basis ... But the work that differentiates Zeno is built in-house: proprietary data systems, AI products, and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsSystems Engineer Contract JobsSystems Engineer Contract Jobs in Illinois

Systems Engineer Contract information

See Illinois salary details

$51.8K

$123.3K

$161.8K

How much do systems engineer contract jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for systems engineer contract in Illinois is $123,274.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $95,000.00 and $152,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Systems Engineer Contract job?

A Systems Engineer Contract job is a temporary or project-based position where an engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining complex systems. These roles often involve working with hardware, software, networking, and security components to ensure system functionality and efficiency. Contract Systems Engineers may work for a specific duration or on a particular project for a company, typically through a consulting firm or as independent contractors. They are expected to collaborate with cross-functional teams, troubleshoot issues, and optimize system performance. The contract terms, duration, and scope of work can vary based on the employer's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Systems Engineer Contract position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Systems Engineer Contract, you need a strong background in systems architecture, troubleshooting, and integration, typically supported by a degree in computer science or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as VMware, Linux/Windows server environments, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), and relevant certifications like CompTIA, Cisco, or Microsoft are highly valued. Excellent problem-solving, time management, and communication skills set top candidates apart in contract roles where autonomy and collaboration are both crucial. These skills and attributes ensure efficient delivery, adaptability to different project requirements, and successful collaboration in dynamic technical environments.

What are some typical responsibilities and challenges faced by a Systems Engineer under a contract position?

As a Systems Engineer working on a contract basis, your daily responsibilities usually include managing infrastructure deployments, configuring and maintaining servers, troubleshooting system issues, and optimizing network performance for client projects. You may face challenges such as quickly adapting to new environments, understanding legacy systems, or integrating new technologies with existing IT infrastructure. Contract roles often require working independently while effectively collaborating with internal IT teams, project managers, and other stakeholders. This environment provides valuable exposure to diverse industries and technical challenges, which can greatly enhance your experience and open avenues for future permanent or advanced contract opportunities.
More about Systems Engineer Contract jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Systems Engineer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois? For Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Systems Engineer Contract jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Systems Engineer Contract jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Systems Engineer Contract job openings:
Systems Engineer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Systems Engineer Contract job openings in Illinois as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, and 26% Contract. Highlights an 78% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,274 per year, or $59.3 per hour.
Data Engineer - Manager

Data Engineer - Manager

PeopleCaddie

Chicago, IL • Remote

$80 - $85/hr

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Job Description:
Title: Senior Data Engineer - Contract
Client: Large Public Accounting Firm
Engagement: 6-12 Months+ Contract
Work Model: Fully Remote
Rate: $80-$85/hour (C2C)
Role Overview
The Senior Data Engineer plays a critical role in advancing a modern, enterprise-wide data strategy focused on enabling data-driven decision-making, advanced analytics, and AI-powered insights. This role supports a centralized Data & Analytics function aligned to core technology pillars including Application Modernization, AI, and Data.
You will be responsible for designing, building, optimizing, and maintaining scalable data platforms and pipelines that support analytics, reporting, AI/ML, and operational intelligence across the organization. This is a senior, hands-on engineering role requiring deep technical expertise, strong collaboration skills, and the ability to translate complex data challenges into reliable, high-value solutions.
Key Responsibilities
  1. Design, develop, and maintain scalable and resilient data pipelines for ingesting, transforming, and delivering data from diverse internal and external sources.
  2. Integrate data across databases, data warehouses, APIs, and third-party platforms while ensuring data accuracy, consistency, and integrity.
  3. Apply data cleansing, validation, aggregation, enrichment, and transformation techniques to prepare analytics-ready datasets.
  4. Optimize data pipelines and processing workflows for performance, scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency.
  5. Monitor and tune data systems; identify performance bottlenecks and implement indexing, caching, and optimization strategies.
  6. Embed data quality checks, validation rules, and governance controls directly within data pipelines.
  7. Collaborate with architects, data scientists, AI engineers, and analysts to support advanced analytics, business intelligence, and AI/ML use cases.
  8. Take ownership and accountability for maximizing the value of enterprise data assets used for insights, automation, and decision support.
  9. Clearly communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.
Required Experience & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Software Engineering, Information Systems, or a related quantitative field.
8+ years of experience in data engineering, including:
  1. Data modeling and architecture
  2. ETL / ELT and data integration
  3. Data warehousing and analytics platforms
  4. Data quality, master data management, and governance
  5. Business intelligence and advanced analytics (predictive and prescriptive)
Strong programming experience with Python, SQL, Java, and/or C#.
Hands-on experience with modern data platforms and tools, including:
  1. Microsoft Azure technologies (SQL Server IaaS/PaaS, Synapse, Cosmos DB, Azure Data Factory, Databricks, HDInsight, Fabric, Power BI)
  2. Informatica Cloud (CIH, DIH, CDGC, Master Data Management, Data Quality)
  3. Snowflake and other leading cloud data technologies

#PCIT #LI_REMOTE

Apply