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Contract Negotiation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

International Contracts Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$94K - $126K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA

$91K - $122K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA · Hybrid

$91K - $122K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

Perform contract management and administrative duties throughout the contract lifecycle including, but not limited to, proposal review and preparation, leading pre and post award negotiations ...

Contracts Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $127K/yr

... contract negotiation. Reviews and resolves all issues effecting company compliance with DCAA and FAR and DFAR guidelines as well as other contractual and legal requirements We are Marvin Test ...

Showing results 21-40

Contract Negotiation information

See California salary details

$8

$37

$69

How much do contract negotiation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract negotiation in California is $37.60, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.51 and $44.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is contract negotiation?

Contract negotiation is the process where two or more parties discuss and agree on the terms and conditions of a contract before finalizing it. This process involves identifying the needs and objectives of each party, discussing key issues such as price, deliverables, deadlines, and legal obligations, and working toward a mutually acceptable agreement. Effective contract negotiation aims to minimize risks and maximize benefits for all involved. Skilled negotiators ensure that the final contract reflects the intentions of all parties and is legally enforceable.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in contract negotiation?

To thrive in Contract Negotiation, you need a solid understanding of contract law, risk assessment, and business terms, often supported by a degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems and negotiation support tools, as well as certifications like Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), are highly valuable. Excellent communication, persuasion, and problem-solving skills help build consensus and resolve disputes effectively. These competencies ensure agreements are legally sound, mutually beneficial, and aligned with organizational objectives.

What are some common challenges faced in contract negotiation roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Professionals in contract negotiation roles often encounter challenges such as balancing the interests of multiple stakeholders, managing tight deadlines, and navigating complex legal or regulatory requirements. Successful negotiators address these challenges by maintaining clear communication, prioritizing thorough preparation, and fostering collaborative relationships with internal teams like legal, finance, and procurement. Proactively identifying potential areas of conflict and proposing creative solutions can also help achieve mutually beneficial agreements.

What is the difference between Contract Negotiation vs Contract Management?

AspectContract NegotiationContract Management
Primary FocusNegotiating terms, prices, and conditions of a contractOverseeing and administering the contract after signing
Skills RequiredNegotiation, communication, legal understandingProject management, compliance, relationship management
Work EnvironmentPre-contract phase, often involving discussions with vendors or clientsPost-contract phase, managing ongoing obligations and performance
CertificationsLegal or negotiation certifications (e.g., Certified Negotiation Expert)Project management certifications (e.g., PMP)

While Contract Negotiation focuses on reaching mutually agreeable terms before signing, Contract Management involves ensuring those terms are executed properly throughout the contract's lifecycle. Both roles are essential in the contracting process but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How do you become a contract negotiation?

To become a contract negotiator, individuals typically pursue a bachelor's degree in law, business, or a related field and gain experience in contract law, negotiations, or sales. Developing strong communication, analytical skills, and understanding of legal terms is essential, and some professionals obtain certifications such as Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM).

What does a contract negotiation do?

A contract negotiation involves a contract negotiation professional or team discussing and modifying terms of a contract to reach an agreement that satisfies both parties. This process includes reviewing legal terms, pricing, deadlines, and obligations to ensure clarity and fairness before finalizing the contract. Strong communication, legal knowledge, and attention to detail are essential skills in this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Negotiation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Negotiation jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Negotiation jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Negotiation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contract Negotiation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contract Negotiation job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Negotiation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,205 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Principal Contract Administrator

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Re-posted 5 days ago


Northrop Grumman rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 364 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

87th of 543 rated manufacturers


Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available
CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No
CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret
TRAVEL: Yes, 25% of the TimeDescription
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.
Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have a wide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battle management and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awareness and understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.
Northrop Grumman Marine Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Contracts Administrator. The position may be staffed from the following sites with noted expectations:
  • Sunnyvale, CA - Preferred site, full-time onsite schedule
  • San Diego, CA - full-time onsite schedule, travel to Sunnyvale, CA required one week per month
  • Baltimore, MD - full-time onsite schedule, West Coast working hours required; travel to Sunnyvale, CA required one week per month.

Marine Systems brings our company's pioneering spirit and commitment to performance excellence to the maritime and undersea domains. We design and build systems that guide, power, and connect our nation's submarines and aircraft carriers.
This position will support our critical Machinery Operating Unit, which has a mix of production and development programs. The successful candidate will have experience supporting contracts in a fast-paced organization.
What You Will Get To Do:
The Principal Contract Administrator will act as the primary interface with customers and business partners in conducting proposal preparation, contract negotiation and contract administration. The Contract Administrator will administer, extend, negotiate and terminate standard and nonstandard contracts. Conduct proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract administration, and customer contact activities to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.
Role and Responsibilities:
  • Establishing successful working relationships with customers via email, telephone, and in-person, when appropriate and an ability to act as an agent of change by identifying areas for process improvement and providing recommendations for implementation.
  • Collaborating effectively with the program team (finance, supply chain, quality & mission assurance, legal, pricing, and compliance) to recommend and complete actions to ensure successful program performance and advise management of contractual rights and obligations.
  • Proposal preparation will include: examining proposal requirements and estimates, preparing bids, analyzing terms and conditions to evaluate risk, accuracy, and completeness to provide for proper contract acquisition and fulfillment in accordance with company policies, legal requirements, and customer specifications.
  • Contract administration includes processing contractual documentation and reports, advising management of contractual rights and obligations, compilation and analyses of data, and maintenance of historical information. Facilitate proper shipment, billing, and payment collection for deliveries, interfacing with DCMA as required. Preparation of weekly/monthly reports and maintenance of the contracts and accounting databases. Daily interaction with customer representatives is expected.
  • Leading solicitation and RFP review/analysis, proposal preparation, signoff coordination, evaluate estimates of material, equipment services, production costs, performance requirements, and delivery schedules to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Basic Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree with 5 years of contracts related experience - OR - Master's degree with 3 years of contracts related experience
  • Experience administrating or negotiating various contract types.
  • Working knowledge of FAR/DFARS
  • Experience with Microsoft Office including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Ability to travel domestically 25% of the time.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government Secret security clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience working with commercial partners in the defense industry
  • Experience working with the government as a prime contractor or subcontractor to prime customer
  • Experienced working with Requests for Equitable Adjustment (REAs) and Undefinitized Contract Action (UCAs) or similar
  • Industry experience with the Navy or other Maritime experience
  • Demonstrated highly effective verbal and written communications.
  • Experience successfully presenting to all levels of management
  • Demonstrated success working as part of a team to achieve common goals
  • Active U.S. Government Secret clearance that has been adjudicated within the previous 5 years

What We Can Offer You:
Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment which encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.
Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off and Additional Benefits including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!
MSBSMG
Primary Level Salary Range: $89,900.00 - $141,200.00
The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.
Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.
The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.
Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939