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Dod Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K/yr

Active DoD SECRET clearance. * Healthcare, active duty service, and/or DoD contractor experience preferred. Education and Certifications: * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university ...

Project Manager

San Diego, CA · On-site

$110K/hr

Active DoD SECRET clearance. * Healthcare, active duty service, and/or DoD contractor experience preferred. Education and Certifications: * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university ...

Active DoD SECRET clearance. * Healthcare, active duty service, and/or DoD contractor experience preferred. Education and Certifications: * Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university ...

Apply deep knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and DoD contracting protocols, including traditional acquisitions and modern, agile methodologies under the Adaptive Acquisition Framework * Navigate and manage ...

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Dod Contractor information

See California salary details

$34K

$89.5K

$131.3K

How much do dod contractor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for dod contractor in California is $89,487.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,600.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are DoD Contractor Jobs?

DoD contractor jobs include a wide variety of positions that supplement the daily activities of the Department of Defense, which is a part of the government of the United States. As part of a private organization, you may provide help to military or intelligence services, help manage civilian contacts, or do almost anything else for which the DoD needs outside people. Roles in this field often focus on security and engineering. For example, a DoD contractor might help install and maintain elevators on military bases or deliver food and other packages. Many DoD contractor positions require you to work on or near military bases and other sensitive facilities, making the majority of them geographically limited roles.

What is the difference between Dod Contractor vs Dod Consultant?

AspectDod ContractorDod Consultant
CredentialsTypically requires security clearances, relevant certifications, and specialized trainingOften requires similar certifications, with additional expertise in specific areas or systems
Work EnvironmentOn-site or remote support for DoD projects, often in secure facilitiesAdvisory role, providing expertise and recommendations, usually in office or on-site
Employer & Industry UsageContracted by DoD or defense contractors to perform specific tasksHired as external experts to advise or improve DoD operations and strategies

In summary, Dod Contractors primarily execute specific tasks and support DoD projects directly, often requiring security clearances. Dod Consultants focus on providing expert advice and strategic recommendations, leveraging specialized knowledge to improve defense operations.

Who are the top 5 DOD contractors?

The top five Department of Defense (DoD) contractors typically include Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and General Dynamics. These companies provide a wide range of defense systems, technology, and services, often requiring security clearances and specialized skills for contractor roles. Their prominence is based on contract awards and defense industry influence.

What are some common challenges faced by DoD contractors when working on government projects?

DoD contractors often encounter challenges such as navigating strict security clearance requirements, adhering to complex government regulations, and managing fluctuating project scopes due to evolving defense priorities. Collaboration with both civilian and military personnel requires adaptability and clear communication. Staying current with compliance standards like ITAR and DFARS is also essential for continued contract eligibility and success.

What do DOD contractors make?

DOD contractors typically earn salaries that vary based on their role, experience, and security clearance level, with many positions paying between $50,000 and $150,000 annually. Compensation may include benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and overtime pay, especially for specialized skills like cybersecurity, engineering, or logistics working in secure environments. Salaries are often influenced by government budgets and contract specifics.

How do I become a DOD contractor?

To become a DOD contractor, individuals or companies must register with the System for Award Management (SAM), obtain necessary security clearances if required, and meet specific contract requirements such as relevant experience and certifications. Successful contractors often need to demonstrate compliance with federal regulations and may need to pass background checks depending on the contract scope.

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

To thrive as a DoD Contractor, you need relevant technical expertise or specialized knowledge, a security clearance, and often a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with government contracting processes, compliance systems like DFARS, and tools such as SAM.gov is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set individuals apart in this role. These skills ensure that contractors meet strict regulatory standards, deliver high-quality work, and successfully collaborate with government teams.

What are DoD Contractors?

DoD contractors are private companies or individuals that provide goods or services to the United States Department of Defense (DoD) under a contract. These contractors play a critical role in supporting the military by supplying equipment, technology, logistics, consulting, and other specialized support. They are not government employees but work closely with the DoD to fulfill specific mission requirements. DoD contractors must adhere to strict regulations, including security clearances and compliance standards, to ensure national security and accountability.

What jobs pay 4000 a week without a degree?

A DOD contractor can earn $4,000 or more weekly through roles such as cybersecurity specialists, logistics managers, or technical analysts, often requiring specialized skills, security clearances, or military experience. These positions typically involve contract work for government agencies and may require certifications or prior experience rather than a formal degree.
What are the most commonly searched types of Dod Contractor jobs in California? The most popular types of Dod Contractor jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Dod Contractor jobs in California? For Dod Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in California are hiring for Dod Contractor jobs? Cities in California with the most Dod Contractor job openings:
Infographic showing various Dod Contractor job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 75% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 15% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,487 per year, or $43 per hour.

Engineering - General Interest

Zone 5 Technologies

San Luis Obispo, CA

Other

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Don't see an Engineering job that applies to you?

Zone 5 Technologies is a fast-paced and growing company in a transformative marketplace.  We develop, design, model, simulate, prototype, test, and manufacture Counter-UAS drones, lower-cost Counter UAS missile systems and various related products and are a US Defense Innovation Unit Blue UAS Cleared DOD contractor.  If you're an Engineer or Engineering Technician and think we might have a future need for someone with your skills, education, and experience please complete this application so we can reach you when we have something that's a fit.  

Please continue to check back on our web-site just in case our hard-working recruiters don't see the match that you do.

We look forward to meeting you!