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Contracts Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Tecolote Research

Contracts Business Associate

Goleta, CA · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Analyze subcontractor proposals for compliance with Government/customer, Prime Contract, and company requirements. * Perform price and cost analysis and support, fact-finding and negotiations of ...

Teledyne

Associate Contracts Director

Camarillo, CA

$150K - $200K/yr

Join Teledyne Scientific & Imaging as an Associate Contracts Director! Are you ready to launch your career to the next level? Join our mission-focused team, where we value technical excellence ...

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Contracts Associate information

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$15

$35

$54

How much do contracts associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contracts 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 Contracts Associate vs Contract Specialist?

AspectContracts AssociateContract Specialist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, legal or business background often preferredBachelor's degree, legal or business background often preferred
Work EnvironmentCorporate legal or procurement departments, law firmsCorporate legal, procurement, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in corporations, law firms, and governmentCommon in government, large corporations, and defense sectors
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for contract management rolesOften compared for contract review and negotiation roles

The Contracts Associate and Contract Specialist roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often within corporate legal or procurement departments. While both handle contracts, Contracts Associates typically assist with drafting and administrative tasks, whereas Contract Specialists focus more on review, negotiation, and compliance. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify the right role based on their skills and career goals.

What are Contracts Associates?

Contracts Associates are professionals who assist in drafting, reviewing, negotiating, and managing contracts for organizations. They work closely with legal teams, procurement departments, and business units to ensure that contracts comply with legal requirements and company policies. Their responsibilities may also include maintaining contract databases, monitoring contract performance, and supporting contract renewal or termination processes. Contracts Associates play a key role in minimizing risk and ensuring smooth business operations.

What are some typical challenges a Contracts Associate might face when managing multiple agreements simultaneously?

Contracts Associates often handle several contracts at once, which can present challenges such as tracking deadlines, ensuring compliance with various terms, and maintaining clear communication among all parties involved. Effective organization and attention to detail are crucial to avoid errors or missed obligations. Utilizing contract management software and collaborating closely with legal, procurement, and business teams can help streamline processes and reduce risks associated with overlapping timelines or requirements.

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

To thrive as a Contracts Associate, you need a solid understanding of contract law, attention to detail, and a relevant degree such as in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems, document drafting software, and sometimes certifications such as Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) are commonly required. Excellent organizational skills, negotiation abilities, and clear communication help you effectively manage workflows and build strong stakeholder relationships. These skills ensure contracts are accurately drafted, compliant, and serve the best interests of the organization.
What are the most commonly searched types of Contracts jobs in California? The most popular types of Contracts jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Contracts Associate jobs in California? For Contracts Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contracts Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Contracts Associate jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Contracts Associate jobs? Cities in California with the most Contracts Associate job openings:
Contracts Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contracts Associate job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% 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.
Senior Associate, Government Contracts

Senior Associate, Government Contracts

Impulse Space

Redondo Beach, CA • On-site

$225K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Senior Associate, Government Contracts
Department: Legal
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Redondo Beach
Compensation: $225,000 - $260,000 / year
Description
As Senior Associate, Government Contracts, at Impulse, you will serve as our in-house subject-matter expert on government contracting, providing strategic legal counsel across the full lifecycle of U.S. government and defense programs. This is a senior, high-impact role for a seasoned government contracts attorney who thrives with autonomy - advising executives, negotiating complex agreements, managing compliance obligations, and helping a fast-moving commercial space company operate effectively in a highly regulated market. You will play a central role in shaping how Impulse engages with government customers and defense prime contractors, balancing risk management with the speed of execution our business demands.
NOTE: This position is on-site (either Redondo Beach or Washington DC)
Responsibilities
  • Serve as legal advisor on U.S. government contracts and subcontracts, including prime and subcontractor relationships
  • Advise on FAR, DFARS, and related agency regulations, including clause applicability and flow-down requirements
  • Partner with Business Development, Program Management, Finance, and Operations on government-related pursuits, contract negotiations, execution, and longterm compliance
  • Review, negotiate, and support: government contracts and task orders; subcontracts with defense primes and government suppliers; teaming agreements, CRADAs, and other collaboration agreements
  • Provide guidance on compliance topics including cost accounting, audits, data rights, cybersecurity obligations, and procurement integrity
  • Support internal stakeholders on contract performance issues, modifications, claims, disputes, and terminations
  • Develop scalable processes, templates, and training related to government contracting compliance
  • Collaborate with Business Development, Legal and Compliance teams to ensure systems support regulatory requirements
  • Retain and manage outside counsel and consultants (and associated budgets) as needed for specialized government contracting matters

Minimum Qualifications
  • J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership
  • 10+ years of government contracts law experience, in a law firm and/or in-house
  • Comprehensive knowledge of FAR/DFARS and foundational government contracting principles
  • Sound business judgment and the ability to draft contract language, provide practical risk-based guidance, and navigate novel legal questions with clarity
  • Strong communicator with the presence and confidence to engage senior leadership and external counterparts
  • Comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-growth environments where priorities shift and self-direction is essential

Preferred Skills and Experience
  • Previous working experience at a law firm
  • 5+ years of demonstrated law experience supporting defense, aerospace, or national security programs
  • Familiarity advising across both the prime contract and subcontract levels
  • Demonstrated background with commercial space, launch vehicles, or in-space transportation

Additional Information:
Compensation bands are determined by role, level, location, and alignment with market data. Individual level and base pay is determined on a case-by-case basis and may vary based on job-related skills, education, experience, technical capabilities and internal equity. In addition to base salary, for full-time hires, you may also be eligible for long-term incentives, in the form of stock options, and access to medical, vision & dental coverage as well as access to a 401(k) retirement plan.
Impulse Space's spacecraft manufacturing business is subject to U.S. export regulations including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and Export Administration Regulations (EAR). This position requires applicants to be either U.S. Persons (i.e., U.S. citizen, U.S. national, lawful permanent U.S. resident (green card holder), an individual granted asylum in the U.S., or an individual admitted in U.S. refugee status) or persons eligible to obtain an export license from the U.S. Departments of State, Commerce, or other applicable U.S. government agencies. Learn more about the ITAR here.
Impulse Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer; employment with Impulse Space is governed on the basis of merit, competence and qualifications and will not be influenced in any manner by race, color, religion, gender, national origin/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability or any other legally protected status.

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