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Test Engineer Contractor Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Provide mentorship to junior test team members, technicians, third-party labs, and contractors ... Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or ...

Provide mentorship to junior test team members, technicians, third-party labs, and contractors ... Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or ...

Develop startup and test forms, functional test scripts, and integrated systems test scripts while ... Stakeholder Collaboration Work directly with General Contractors, MEP trades, inspectors ...

Senior Facility Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120K - $145K/yr

... sizing, hydrostatic test design; hydraulic design, compressor designs, pump designs, etc ... Lead projects with multi-disciplined engineering teams which may include engineering contractors ...

... and contractors to facilitate the execution of projects. * Constructs structural engineering ... Ensures and supports construction by performing compliance inspections and tests, resolving ...

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Test Engineer Contractor information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$18

$45

$77

How much do test engineer contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for test engineer contractor in Chicago, IL is $45.58, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.42 and $53.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a test engineer contractor?

Test Engineer Contractors are professionals who are hired on a temporary or project basis to design, develop, and execute tests on products, software, or systems to ensure they meet quality standards. Unlike full-time employees, contractors typically work for a set duration and may support multiple organizations or projects. Their responsibilities include creating test plans, identifying bugs, and collaborating with development teams to resolve issues. Test Engineer Contractors bring specialized skills and flexibility, making them valuable for organizations with short-term testing needs or peak workloads.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a test engineer contractor?

To thrive as a Test Engineer Contractor, you need a solid background in software testing methodologies, test case design, and a relevant technical degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with automated testing tools (such as Selenium or JUnit), bug tracking systems, and scripting languages is commonly required, along with certifications like ISTQB being advantageous. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication help distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure reliable test coverage, efficient issue identification, and seamless collaboration with development teams to deliver high-quality software.

What are some common challenges faced by test engineer contractors when joining a new project team?

Test Engineer Contractors often encounter challenges such as quickly learning new systems, tools, and workflows specific to the client’s environment. Adapting to established team dynamics and understanding project-specific testing requirements can require rapid onboarding. Additionally, contractors must efficiently communicate with permanent team members and other stakeholders to ensure alignment on testing objectives and deliverables, often within tight project timelines. Building trust and demonstrating their expertise early on can help contractors integrate smoothly and contribute effectively.

What is the difference between Test Engineer Contractor vs Test Engineer?

AspectTest Engineer ContractorTest Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a relevant engineering degree and industry certifications; often hired on a temporary basisUsually holds a degree in engineering or related field; may have certifications but often permanent staff
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often working on-site or remotely for a limited periodFull-time employment, working within a team or department, with ongoing responsibilities
Employer & Industry UsageHired by companies for specific projects in manufacturing, software, or electronics industriesEmployed directly by organizations across similar industries, with broader responsibilities

In summary, a Test Engineer Contractor is a temporary, project-focused professional hired for specific testing tasks, while a Test Engineer is a permanent employee with ongoing responsibilities. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in employment status and work scope.

What are popular job titles related to Test Engineer Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Test Engineer Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Test Engineer Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Test Engineer Contractor jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Test Engineer Contractor jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Test Engineer Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Test Engineer Contractor job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $94,801 per year, or $45.6 per hour.

Senior Test Engineer (Hybrid Cary, IL)

Stryker

Cary, IL • On-site

$85K - $142K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Stryker rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 112 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

131st of 495 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

Work Flexibility: Hybrid
Stryker Sage is seeking a highly skilled Test Engineering professional to support the design, development, and validation of innovative medical products. This role plays a critical part in ensuring product safety, efficacy, and performance through advanced test systems and fixtures, while also serving as a technical leader within the organization.
This role is hybrid in Cary, IL with the expectation to be in office 3 days a week.
Check out our product portfolio: Stryker Sage
What You Will Do:
  • Develop, execute, and own comprehensive test plans through an understanding of design requirements in collaboration with quality, design, and test engineering to assess safety, efficacy, and any other product requirements.
  • Design, develop, and refine mechanical, electrical, and virtual test fixtures for components and sub-systems, ensuring designs meet functional requirements, design inputs, and reliability targets.
  • Able to leverage laboratory capabilities, including hardware configurations, software integration, and data acquisition systems.
  • Lead the development of test systems and fixtures that support product development, validation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Analyze test data, investigate failures, and lead root-cause analysis efforts, delivering clear, actionable insights through formal test reports aligned with company standards.
  • Provide mentorship to junior test team members, technicians, third-party labs, and contractors, acting as a trusted subject matter expert.
  • Evaluate, recommend, procure, and maintain actuation systems, instrumentation, sensors, and testing technologies to advance testing methods and capabilities.
  • Act as an internal point of contact on test methods, industry standards, and reliability tools, including statistical analysis, design of experiments, Weibull analysis, stress and strain analysis, FEA, and use, misuse, and abuse testing.

What You Need (Required Qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related discipline
  • 2+ years of experience

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Test system automation experience
  • Medical device or regulated industry experience
  • Understanding of medical device design controls and product development processes

$85,500 - $142,500 USD Annual
Travel Percentage: 10%
Stryker Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Stryker is an EO employer - M/F/Veteran/Disability.
Stryker Corporation will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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