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Contract Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Teledyne

Associate Contracts Director

Camarillo, CA · On-site

$150K - $200K/yr

Join Teledyne Scientific & Imaging as an Associate Contracts Director! Are you ready to launch your ... Lead contract strategy for major USG captures, proposals, negotiations, and complex contract ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsContract Associate JobsContract Associate Jobs in California

Contract Associate information

See California salary details

$15

$35

$54

How much do contract associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract associate in California is $35.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.11 and $43.17 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Contract Associate vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContract AssociateContract Specialist
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require a bachelor's degreeBachelor's degree often preferred; certifications like Certified Contract Manager (CCM) are a plus
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative tasks, supporting contract processesMore strategic, involved in contract negotiations and management
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in healthcare, government, and corporate sectorsUsed in similar industries, often with more responsibility
Search & Comparison IntentPeople looking for entry-level or support roles in contractsIndividuals seeking more advanced contract management positions

The main difference between a Contract Associate and a Contract Specialist lies in their responsibilities and experience level. Contract Associates typically handle administrative support and basic contract tasks, while Contract Specialists are more involved in negotiations and contract management strategies. Both roles are common in various industries like healthcare and government, but Contract Specialists usually require more experience and certifications.

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

To thrive as a Contract Associate, you need a solid understanding of contract law, strong analytical skills, and a relevant degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software, document tracking systems, and compliance tools is typically required. Exceptional attention to detail, negotiation abilities, and effective communication skills help you excel in reviewing and managing agreements. These competencies ensure accuracy, mitigate legal risks, and foster smooth business operations.

What is a contract associate?

Contract Associates are professionals who assist with the creation, review, negotiation, and management of contracts within an organization. They ensure that all contract terms comply with company policies and relevant laws. Their role often involves collaborating with legal teams, business units, and external partners to minimize risks and safeguard the company's interests. Contract Associates also help maintain accurate records of contracts and support the contract lifecycle from initiation to completion.

What are some common challenges a contract associate may face when managing multiple contracts simultaneously?

As a Contract Associate, managing multiple contracts at once often requires balancing competing deadlines, ensuring accuracy in documentation, and maintaining clear communication with various internal and external stakeholders. It's essential to stay organized and detail-oriented to prevent errors or missed obligations. Collaboration with legal, procurement, and business teams is frequent, so strong interpersonal skills and the ability to adapt to shifting priorities are key to success in this role.
What are the most commonly searched types of Contract jobs in California? The most popular types of Contract jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Associate jobs in California? For Contract Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contract Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Contract Associate job openings:
Contract Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Associate job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,595 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Research Associate II, Analytical Chemistry (Contract)

Prolific Machines

Emeryville, CA • On-site

$40 - $48/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Prolific Machines is ushering in a new era of biotechnology with light. Our mission is to make next-generation therapies broadly available to patients. Our first-of-its-kind Photomolecular Platform uses light to precisely guide how cells produce complex biologics, enabling higher titers, improved quality, and faster development timelines. By helping partners overcome today's manufacturing bottlenecks, we're accelerating the delivery of life-changing medicines. Prolific is supported by leading investors, including Bill Gates's Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Mayfield, and SOSV.
 
Help us create a brighter tomorrow with biology. We're looking for mission-driven, talented, and kind people to join our team.

We're looking for a Research Associate II to join the Analytical Chemistry team and collaboratively work with our R&D and Bioprocess teams to quantify and characterize broad classes of therapeutic proteins.  A successful candidate in this role will bring their experience in the quantification and characterization of biologics and apply it to support development activities for a first-of-its-kind photomolecular platform.  This role will be based on-site in Emeryville, CA. The contract is expected to last for up to 6 months with the possibility of extension or conversion to full-time employee at the end of the term.

Responsibilities
  • Plan, execute, and interpret experimentation to understand protein expression, biotherapeutic quality through cell line, upstream and downstream process development.
  • Execute analytical assays to support biologics characterization and development activities, including routine and complex therapeutic protein characterizations.
  • Routinely operate, maintain, and troubleshoot analytical instrumentation (HPLCs, FPLCs).
  • Support method development, optimization, qualification, validation, and troubleshooting activities.
  • Document experimental procedures, data, and results in high-quality laboratory notebooks in accordance with SOPs and internal standards.
  • Coordinate and communicate with stakeholders of multiple experiments. 
About You
  • Hold a Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biology, Biochemistry or closely related field, with 2+ years of industry experience. Candidates without a degree but with similar industry experience are encouraged to apply. 
  • Experience supporting analytical development activities for biologics is strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience operating HPLC/UPLC systems for protein therapeutic analysis and interpreting chromatographic data.
  • Hands-on experience operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting HPLC/UPLC instrumentation, ideally Agilent systems with OpenLab CDS. 
  • Familiarity with ICH guidelines and GMP/GxP environments is a plus.
  • Familiarity with the development and implementation of CE and cIEF is a plus. 
  • Excited to work with internal and external clients to deliver project excellence.
  • Have strong communication skills and comfortable sharing knowledge at multiple levels of technical detail.
$40 - $48 an hour
This contract role is a nonexempt, hourly position and is eligible for overtime pay. Starting pay will be dependent upon specific experience, knowledge, and skillset. The range for the RA II level will typically fall between $40-$48/hour.
Diversity: Prolific Machines values diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, and ideas. We are committed to building an inclusive workplace where all employees can bring their authentic selves to work and have equal opportunities to succeed. Prolific Machines is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
 
Location: The San Francisco Bay Area (Emeryville, CA)
 
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