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Contracts Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA

$91K - $122K/yr

As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your ...

Supports the business team in the effective review, negotiation, and management of contracts to enable achievement of business plan goals, while minimizing the company's contractual risk and ...

Contracts Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$95K - $127K/yr

Summary Terran Orbital is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to join our dynamic team. Reporting to the Director, Contracts & Procurement the Contracts Manager will support business units in ...

Our client is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the review, negotiation, and management of a wide range of business agreements. This is a highly independent role for someone with ...

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA · On-site

$91K - $122K/yr

As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your ...

Contracts Manager

Simi Valley, CA · Hybrid

$91K - $122K/yr

As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your ...

Our client is seeking an experienced Contracts Manager to oversee the review, negotiation, and management of a wide range of business agreements. This is a highly independent role for someone with ...

Contracts Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$95K - $127K/yr

A critical part of the Anduril team is its Contracts Managers, who play a crucial role in program success. They interface daily with a motivated team of program leadership, functional leadership, and ...

Contracts Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$95K - $127K/yr

ABOUT THE JOB Anduril is seeking talented Contracts Managers to support a variety of DoD, International, and Commercial contracts and programs. We are actively hiring for multiple roles across ...

Contracts Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

About This Role General Matter is seeking a Contracts Manager to support the commercial, procurement, construction, and government-contracting activities required to build America's next-generation ...

Contracts Manager

Torrance, CA · On-site

$110 - $160/hr

Contracts Manager The Contracts Manager will be a key member of Castelion's Government Programs organization and will be responsible for contract administration and execution across a portfolio of U.

Contracts Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$95K - $128K/yr

About This Role General Matter is seeking a Contracts Manager to support the commercial, procurement, construction, and government-contracting activities required to build America's next-generation ...

Contracts Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$97K - $128K/yr

Contracts Manager Reports To: Senior Contracts Manager Location: San Jose, California Salary Range: $97,500 to $128,000 *This position is eligible for the annual performance bonus plan. Final ...

Contracts Manager

Torrance, CA

$92K - $124K/yr

Contracts Manager The Contracts Manager will be a key member of Castelion's Government Programs organization and will be responsible for contract administration and execution across a portfolio of U.

Contracts Manager

San Francisco, CA · On-site +1

$98K - $117K/yr

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for the preparation, review, and administration of project-related EPC contracts, Professional Services Agreements, vendor agreements, and change orders.

Contracts Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$98K - $117K/yr

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for the preparation, review, and administration of project-related EPC contracts, Professional Services Agreements, vendor agreements, and change orders.

Contracts Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site +1

$98K - $117K/yr

The Contracts Manager will be responsible for the preparation, review, and administration of project-related EPC contracts, Professional Services Agreements, vendor agreements, and change orders.

Contracts Manager

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$150 - $195/hr

About This Role General Matter is seeking a Contracts Manager to support the commercial, procurement, construction, and government-contracting activities required to build America's next-generation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Contracts Manager information

See California salary details

$40.5K

$104.6K

$137.2K

How much do contracts manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for contracts manager in California is $104,646.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,800.00 and $117,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a contracts manager do?

A Contracts Manager oversees the creation, negotiation, execution, and management of contracts for an organization. They ensure that all agreements comply with legal requirements and company policies, while also safeguarding the organization's interests. Their role involves working closely with legal, procurement, and project teams to manage risks, resolve disputes, and maintain positive relationships with vendors, clients, or contractors. Contracts Managers play a vital role in minimizing risks and maximizing value in business agreements.

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

To thrive as a Contracts Manager, you need strong negotiation, contract drafting, and legal analysis skills, often backed by a degree in law, business, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management software (such as SAP Ariba or Icertis) and knowledge of relevant regulations or industry certifications like CPCM are highly valuable. Exceptional attention to detail, communication, and problem-solving abilities help you navigate complex agreements and manage stakeholder expectations. These skills are crucial to minimize risk, ensure compliance, and secure favorable outcomes for your organization.

What are the primary challenges a contracts manager typically faces when overseeing multiple projects simultaneously?

Contracts Managers often juggle several contracts across various projects, which can present challenges such as managing tight deadlines, ensuring compliance with diverse terms, and coordinating with multiple stakeholders. Effective prioritization, strong organizational skills, and clear communication are crucial to prevent bottlenecks and avoid costly errors. Additionally, Contracts Managers must stay updated on legal and regulatory changes to mitigate risks and maintain positive relationships with clients and vendors.

What is the difference between Contracts Manager vs Contract Administrator?

AspectContracts ManagerContract Administrator
ResponsibilitiesOversees contract strategy, negotiations, and compliance across projectsHandles contract documentation, processing, and administrative tasks
Required CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in law, business, or related field; often certifications like CPCM or NCMAUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; certifications like NCCER or administrative training beneficial
Work EnvironmentInvolves strategic planning, negotiations, and stakeholder communicationPrimarily administrative, working with contract documents and data entry
Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering, and large-scale projectsWidely used in similar industries for contract processing and record-keeping

The Contracts Manager focuses on strategic contract management, negotiations, and compliance, while the Contract Administrator handles the day-to-day administrative tasks related to contracts. Both roles are essential in project execution but differ in scope and responsibilities.

How much is a contracts manager paid?

Contracts managers typically earn a median annual salary ranging from $70,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, industry, and location. Senior contracts managers or those in specialized fields may earn higher salaries, and certifications like the Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) can enhance earning potential.
More about Contracts Manager jobs

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

The most popular types of Contracts jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Contracts Manager jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Contracts Manager jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Contracts Manager jobs?

Cities in California with the most Contracts Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Contracts Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,646 per year, or $50.3 per hour.

$91K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 27 days ago


AeroVironment rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 72 rated aerospace companies


Job description

Worker Type

Regular


Job Description

Summary

The Contracts Manager position requires complex thinking skills, with a deep understanding of contract management processes and regulations as they pertain to complex aerospace projects. As a Contracts Manager you will partner closely with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, procurement, and engineering, to streamline contract workflows and mitigate risks. Your expertise will be essential in evaluating contract performance, managing relationships, and ensuring the execution of agreements that support business goals. The Contracts Manager develops the bid, capture and contract negotiation processes and documents, and then ensures efficient performance throughout the contract's lifecycle, supporting amendments and interpretations as necessary.

Position Responsibilities

  • Work closely with Operations, the Contracts team and other functions including Sales, Strategy and Marketing, Finance, and the Legal team on bid and proposal preparation, contract negotiation, contract review and administration for new and sustaining products and services.
  • 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, executing contract modifications, initiating contract close-outs and providing overall contracts support to programs with complex, multi-year contracts
  • Responsible for drafting, evaluating, negotiating various agreements such as, Non-Disclosure Agreements, Sales/Purchase Agreements, Subcontracts, Consulting Agreements, License Agreements, Master Agreements, and other Contractual agreements, such as FAR based contracts, OTAs, etc.
  • Responsible for ensuring that agreements/terms and conditions comply with all applicable regulations and requirements, while also adhering to company policies.
  • Manage and monitor the performance of long-term contracts and agreements. Analyze and concisely summarize contractual obligations, commitments, and performance for internal stakeholders. Analyze the impact of modifications and revisions to contract terms and prepare recommendations and risk reviews for management
  • Coordinate flow-downs of terms and conditions with all functional departments including program management, engineering, product support, finance, quality, supply chain management, manufacturing, as required.
  • Liaison with Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) and other audit agencies. Additionally, may lead audits both internal and external to the company.
  • Oversee maintenance of accurate files for each contract which will include original contract, all correspondences, changes/deviations,modifications/amendments,clarifications, etc.
  • Review uploaded contracts related data in business systems to ensure data is accurate and complete.
  • Oversee maintenance and retrieval of contract documents/files and validated data, preparation of reports and participation in status reviews
  • Other duties, as assigned

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience)

  • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or related field is required or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
  • Minimum of 6-8 years' experience performing duties and responsibilities in an aerospace/defense/ government contracting environment
  • Presently hold a U.S. Security Clearance (Secret is the minimum, a Top Secret is preferred).
  • Current expertise in Federal and International regulations, and relevant legal concepts
  • Significant experience in directly related International and DoD/Federal prime government contractadministration/management.
  • Demonstrates the ability to work autonomously while exercising sound judgment in seeking support and proactively elevating risks and issues.
  • Entrepreneurial focus and ability to thrive and excel in a dynamic and technically focused environment.
  • Demonstrated business acumen with experience in developing innovative solutions and a successful record of problem solving.
  • An ability to translate between business and technical risk and communicate clearly to leadership.
  • Proven Contract Drafting and Negotiation skills.
  • FAR/DFAR knowledge; OTA knowledge, working knowledge of US Government acquisition laws and regulations
  • Broad experience with a variety of contract types: firm fixed price, cost-type,commercial/non-commercial,production, development, and sustainment
  • Broad experience with license, non-disclosure and teaming agreements
  • Demonstrated applied knowledge with the requirements of Truthful Cost or Pricing Data (ie FAR Part 15)
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written, verbal, and presentation).
  • Demonstrated capability working successfully in a collaborative environment that inspires confidence in co-workers and customers.

Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies

  • Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certified and Advanced Degree preferred
  • A Key contributor to continuous improvement and implementation of company procedures and contract management processes
  • Applies strong emotional intelligence and judgment to read situations accurately and adjust approach to support productive outcomes.
  • Rapidly evaluates facts, anticipates contractual and programmatic impacts, and can recommend a clear, defensible path forward.
  • Works well with varying seniority levels, including staff, managers and external partners
  • Highly organized individual with the ability to conduct business in a professional manner
  • Demonstrates, critical thinking, negotiation and conflict resolution skills
  • Process-oriented, results and deadline-driven; Professional appearance and conduct at all times
  • Demonstrates familiarity with finance and accounting procedures
  • Able to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, where small teams share a broad variety of duties
  • Displays strong initiative and drive to accomplish goals and meet company objectives
  • Has effective problem-solving, analytical, interpersonal and communication skills.

Physical Demands

  • Ability to work in an office environment (Constant)
  • Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent)
  • Ability to sit, stand, stoop, reach, lift (up to 10 lbs.), bend, etc. Hand and wrist dexterity to utilize the computer.
  • May require travel to sites/program and special functions.

Special Requirements

  • U.S. Citizenrequired.
  • Must be able to travel within the Continental U.S. and internationally when required.
  • SECRET clearance (Top Secret preferred) is required.


Clearance Level

Secret

The salary range for this role is:

$101,000 - $154,000

AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills.

ITAR Requirement:

This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations ("ITAR") and/or the Export Administration Regulations ("EAR"). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment's determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment's business requirements. A "U.S. person" according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements.

Benefits: AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: http://www.avinc.com/myavbenefits.

We also encourage you to review our company website at http://www.avinc.com to learn more about us.

Principals only need apply. NO agencies please.

About AV:

AV isn't for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best.

We don't just build defense technology-we redefine what's possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve.

Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian-but we're not building history, we're building what's next.

If you're ready to build technology that matters-with speed, scale, and purpose-there's no better place to do it than AV.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data,sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status.

ITAR

U.S. Citizenship is required. Secret or Top Secret clearance, or the ability obtain a clearance is desired.

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