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Entry Level Government Contracting Jobs in California

Tecolote Research

Contracts Business Associate

Goleta, CA · On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

... Government Contracting as a career. Based on Company growth and requirements, the entry-level Business Associate will support the Corporate Headquarters Contracts Organization. Responsibilities

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Entry Level Government Contracting information

See California salary details

$22.5K

$56.5K

$124.9K

How much do entry level government contracting jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level government contracting in California is $56,513.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $61,201.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level government contracting job?

An Entry Level Government Contracting job involves assisting with the procurement and management of government contracts. Responsibilities may include researching regulations, preparing proposals, ensuring compliance, and coordinating with vendors. These roles are often found in government agencies or private companies that work with federal, state, or local governments. Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and knowledge of government procurement processes are beneficial. Many positions provide on-the-job training to help employees understand contract procedures and regulatory requirements.

What skills and qualifications are needed for an entry level government contracting position?

To thrive in an Entry Level Government Contracting role, you need a solid understanding of basic procurement principles, attention to detail, and often a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, or a related field. Familiarity with contract management systems, Microsoft Office Suite, and sometimes government-specific tools like SAM.gov or FAR is beneficial. Strong organizational skills, effective communication, and a willingness to learn complex regulations will set you apart. These abilities are crucial because government contracting requires accuracy, compliance, and clear collaboration with both internal teams and external agencies.

What career paths are available for someone starting in an entry level government contracting position?

Entry Level Government Contracting roles offer great opportunities for career development, with common paths leading to positions such as Contract Specialist, Procurement Analyst, or Contract Administrator. As you gain experience and familiarity with federal acquisition regulations, you may find opportunities to specialize in areas like proposal management, compliance, or cost analysis. Many employers offer training programs and can assist with certifications (such as Certified Federal Contracts Manager) that further your expertise. Advancement often involves taking on more complex contracts, leading teams, or moving into supervisory or management roles. This progression allows you to build valuable skills while making a tangible impact in the public sector.

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

The most popular types of Government Contracting jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Government Contracting jobs in California?

For Entry Level Government Contracting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Government Contracting jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Government Contracting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Government Contracting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Government Contracting job openings:

Entry Level Government Contracting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Government Contracting 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 $56,513 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Entry Level Project Manager

Innovatus Technology Consulting

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Entry-Level Project Manager
Innovatus Technology Consulting
Location: San Diego, CA (on-site or hybrid as mission requirements dictate)
Clearance: Active U.S. Secret clearance (or higher) required
About Innovatus Technology Consulting
Innovatus Technology Consulting is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) headquartered in San Diego, California. Since 2012, we have delivered secure cloud engineering, cybersecurity, enterprise IT, Microsoft enterprise services, network support, and program management solutions primarily to Department of Defense and national security customers. We emphasize integrity, technical excellence, and mission impact.
Position Overview
We are seeking an Entry-Level Project Manager to support and help lead smaller projects or defined work packages on DoD and federal IT contracts. This role is ideal for professionals ready to take ownership of project coordination, scheduling, risk tracking, and stakeholder communication while working under the guidance of senior Project or Program Managers. You will help ensure deliverables, timelines, documentation, and compliance requirements are met in both classified and unclassified environments.Key Responsibilities
  • Plan, coordinate, and track project activities, schedules, milestones, and deliverables for assigned work packages or smaller projects.
  • Develop and maintain project documentation, including project plans, schedules, risk registers, action-item logs, status reports, and meeting minutes.
  • Facilitate project meetings, prepare agendas, capture decisions and action items, and follow up to ensure timely completion.
  • Monitor progress against baselines, identify potential issues or risks early, and escalate as needed while proposing practical mitigation steps.
  • Support resource coordination, basic budget/expense tracking, and timesheet oversight under the direction of a senior PM.
  • Ensure adherence to contract requirements, quality standards (e.g., ISO 9001), security processes (including RMF considerations), and company procedures.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for routine communications among internal teams, subcontractors, and government stakeholders.
  • Maintain project repositories in SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, or similar tools and support configuration management of key artifacts.
  • Assist with data calls, status reporting packages, and light proposal support as required.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of project management processes within a fast-paced defense IT environment.
Required Qualifications
  • Active U.S. Secret security clearance (minimum); higher clearances preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Information Technology, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience).
  • 0–3 years of professional experience in project coordination, junior project management, or related roles (government contracting, defense, or IT experience strongly preferred). Recent graduates with relevant internships or academic project leadership experience are encouraged to apply.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and time-management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Project preferred) and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint).
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to interact professionally with technical teams, managers, and government customers.
  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team while taking ownership of assigned responsibilities.
  • Ability to handle sensitive and classified information appropriately.
  • U.S. citizenship required (due to clearance and contract requirements).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting DoD, NIWC Pacific, NAVWAR, or similar federal IT, cloud, or cybersecurity programs.
  • Familiarity with project management methodologies (Waterfall, Agile/Scrum basics, or hybrid) and tools such as Microsoft Project, Jira, or equivalent.
  • Prior experience in a cleared environment or with government contracting processes (e.g., CDRLs, status reporting, risk management).
  • CAPM, Google Project Management Certificate, or other entry-level project management credential (or willingness to obtain).
  • Veteran status or experience working with military/defense customers is a plus.
What We Offer
  • Opportunity to build project management skills while supporting meaningful national security and defense missions.
  • Mentorship from experienced Program and Project Managers.
  • Competitive compensation commensurate with experience and clearance level.
  • Benefits package typical for a growing SDVOSB (details provided during the hiring process).
  • Collaborative culture that values ethics, expertise, professional growth, and military-aligned talent.
  • Clear pathway for advancement into more senior project or program management roles

Salary Range: $80,000-$100,000 depending on experience

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