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Temporary Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Staff Engineer, DevOps (4797)

Washington, DC · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

... Engineer, you will own and maintain the build system for our autonomous aircraft (XBAT/VBAT). This ... Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment ...

Project Field Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$180K - $261K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Manages all field engineering process and procedures to ensure project, code and corporate ... Maintains the temporary utilities site plans. Education and Experience Requirements: * Requires ...

Showing results 21-40

Temporary Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$11

$53

$99

How much do temporary engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary engineer in Washington, DC is $53.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.43 and $68.61 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary engineer?

Temporary engineers are professionals who are hired for a fixed duration or to complete specific projects within an organization. They typically fill short-term needs, such as covering staff absences, managing increased workloads, or contributing specialized expertise to projects. Temporary engineers may work through staffing agencies or be directly contracted by companies. Their roles and responsibilities are similar to permanent engineers, but their employment is limited to the duration of the contract. This arrangement offers flexibility for both the employer and the engineer.

What are temporary jobs for an engineer?

Temporary jobs for an engineer include mechanical and manufacturing roles in a variety of industries. In these jobs, you work for a company with temporary staffing needs. Job duties can vary widely, and many companies hire temporary engineers to work on short-term projects. As a temporary engineer, you may operate equipment, oversee manufacturing operations, and handle other duties as necessary. You typically work with teams to carry out design goals and meet deadlines. Other responsibilities include supervising project management tasks as well as teams of employees to fulfill organizational needs.

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

To thrive as a Temporary Engineer, you generally need a relevant engineering degree, technical proficiency in your discipline, and prior hands-on experience in similar roles. Familiarity with industry-specific software (such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, or MATLAB), safety protocols, and any required certifications like EIT or PE is highly valuable. Strong problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication skills help temporary engineers quickly integrate into new teams and projects. These skills and qualifications are important because they enable engineers to contribute immediately and effectively in short-term assignments, ensuring project continuity and quality.

What are some common challenges temporary engineers face when adapting to new projects or teams?

Temporary Engineers often move between projects and organizations, which means they must quickly acclimate to varying workflows, technologies, and team cultures. One common challenge is understanding project-specific procedures and expectations in a short timeframe. Additionally, building rapport with permanent team members can take extra effort, but a proactive approach and open communication help smooth the transition. Adapting quickly and demonstrating flexibility are key to succeeding in these dynamic environments.

What is the difference between Temporary Engineer vs Contract Engineer?

AspectTemporary EngineerContract Engineer
CredentialsRelevant engineering certifications, sometimes entry-levelSimilar certifications, often with specialized skills
Work EnvironmentTypically on-site, project-based, short-termOn-site or remote, project-specific, fixed-term
Employer UsageUsed by companies for short-term needs or seasonal projectsEngaged for specific projects, often through staffing agencies

Temporary Engineers and Contract Engineers both fill short-term engineering roles, often requiring similar certifications and working in comparable environments. The main difference lies in terminology and contractual arrangements, with 'Temporary Engineer' emphasizing a short-term position directly with an employer, while 'Contract Engineer' often involves working through staffing agencies or on specific project contracts.

What are the most commonly searched types of Engineer jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Infographic showing various Temporary Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Part Time. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,510 per year, or $53.1 per hour.

Principal Structural Engineer - Pipelines

WSSC Water

Laurel, MD

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position Information
Functional Title Principal Structural Engineer - Pipelines Recruitment Category Type Standard Functional Category Engineering & Construction Grade EG.16 FLSA Status Exempt Requisition Number 26-0085 Number of Vacancies 1 Job Level Non-Management Job Code N/A Job Description Summary Organization Name Engineering & Environmental Services Reports to Section Manager, Civil Engineering Support Full or Part Time Full Time If Part Time how many hours per week Regular or Temporary Regular Position End Date (if temporary) Work Schedule
Monday to Friday (8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
Position Location Laurel
Position Summary Information
General Summary
The Principal Structural Engineeroversees, leads and carries out major structural engineering projects and programs. The engineer performs at a principal level engineer and has a wide latitude for independent decision making consistent with sound engineering practices. The engineer guides and trains intermediate and junior engineers.
Essential Functions
  • Conducts or leads the study, development and design of a variety of large, complex projects related to structural engineering

  • Plans, organizes, and oversees the administration of the technical work and program of professional engineers, other engineering and administrative personnel in the area of structural engineering

  • Consults with various Divisions/Sections, manufacturers, suppliers, consultants, and contractors in performing complex studies and investigations

  • Prepares reports on design, construction, maintenance and operation issues/problems of systems and facilities infrastructure related to structural engineering

  • Performs, leads, or oversees structural investigations and inspections of pipelines (steel pipes, ductile iron pipes, prestressed concrete cylinder pipes (PCCPs), reinforced concrete pipes and others) and above/underground structures related to water and wastewater systems and facilities infrastructure

  • Performs, leads, or oversees design and construction for structural rehabilitation of small and large diameter PCCPs, steel pipes, reinforced concrete pipes and retrofit of other types of structures

  • Performs engineering analysis and design calculations related to structural engineering

  • Analyzes structural findings and performs appropriate calculations for engineering investigations and studies

  • Provides project management on various systems and facilities projects from conceptual design to planning and through construction and testing related to structural engineering

  • Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
Other Functions
  • Oversees, directs, and leads the development/revision of or develops/revises structural design guidelines, criteria, standard details and specifications

  • Investigates/evaluates new materials and methods for incorporation into WSSC Water's standards

  • Performs design/construction problem-resolution to structural engineering issues

  • Performs reviews of construction submittals related to structural engineering

  • Performs in-house designs of underground structures such as vaults, wet wells, and thrust blocks

  • Performs inspections of existing above/underground structures related to water and wastewater systems and facilities

  • Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
  • Work is performed in a business casual office environment
  • On occasion, may visit field sites to conduct investigations

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
  • Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of structural engineering, including design of steel, timber, reinforced concrete structures and other composite structures, foundations, as well as structural rehabilitation of pipelines

  • Conducts failure investigations

  • Good knowledge of municipal public work design procedures and criteria

  • Ability to apply engineering knowledge to resolve specific administrative, professional, and technical problems

  • Ability to prepare and effectively present highly technical and complex engineering reports and estimates both verbally and in writing

  • Good professional engineering judgment
Minimum Education, Experience Requirements
  • BS degree in Structural, Civil Engineering or related engineering discipline
  • 5+ years of experience in the practice of engineering
  • 1+ year(s) of experience in planning and directing difficult engineering projects at an intermediate engineering level
Additional Requirements
  • Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) in Maryland. If candidate has PE license in another state, candidate must obtain Maryland registration within 12 months of hire or transfer
  • Possession of a valid driver's license, with no more than 4 points, and the ability to obtain and maintain a WSSC Water driver's permit within 90 days of hire or transfer
  • Completion of all safety training as required by WSSC Water
  • Completion of the WSSC Water Financial Disclosure statement within 30 days of employment and annually thereafter
Preferences
  • Structural design for new and retrofit of existing structures, including large diameter pressure and gravity pipes and various water/wastewater facilities
  • Master's degree in Structural, Civil Engineering or related engineering discipline
Salary $121,724 - $207,259
Posting Detail Information
EEO Statement Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants Additional Information
All applicants selected will be subject to drug screening and a background check/verification.
Eligible applicants will be reviewed for consideration after 11/24/25.