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Federal Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

FieldAI

Project Manager - Federal

Irvine, CA

$130K - $200K/yr

Learn more at About the Job We are seeking a skilled and motivated Federal Project Manager to lead and coordinate complex technology projects from conception through completion. The ideal candidate ...

FieldAI

Project Manager - Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Learn more at About the Job We are seeking a skilled and motivated Federal Project Manager to lead and coordinate complex technology projects from conception through completion. The ideal candidate ...

FieldAI

Project Manager - Federal

Irvine, CA · On-site

$130K - $200K/yr

Learn more at About the Job We are seeking a skilled and motivated Federal Project Manager to lead and coordinate complex technology projects from conception through completion. The ideal candidate ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

San Diego, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

San Diego, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

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All JobsFederal Project JobsFederal Project Manager JobsFederal Project Manager Jobs in California

Federal Project Manager information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$95.3K

$152.5K

How much do federal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal project manager in California is $95,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a federal project manager?

A Federal Project Manager is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing government projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with federal regulations. They coordinate resources, manage project teams, and communicate with stakeholders across various government agencies. Federal Project Managers are also tasked with risk management, contract administration, and ensuring that the project's objectives align with agency goals. Their work is critical in delivering public services and infrastructure efficiently and effectively.

What is the difference between Federal Project Manager vs Contract Project Manager?

AspectFederal Project ManagerContract Project Manager
CertificationsPMP, PMI-ACP often preferredPMP, PMI-ACP often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal projectsPrivate sector, client-specific projects
Employer & IndustryFederal government, defense, public sectorPrivate companies, consulting firms
Project FocusFederal regulations, compliance, public accountabilityClient requirements, contractual deliverables

Both roles require similar certifications like PMP and PMI-ACP and involve managing projects, but Federal Project Managers focus on government regulations and public sector projects, while Contract Project Managers work primarily in the private sector with client-specific goals.

What are some common challenges faced by federal project managers when coordinating across multiple government agencies?

Federal Project Managers often encounter challenges related to navigating differing priorities, regulations, and communication styles among various government agencies. Balancing compliance with federal regulations, maintaining transparency, and ensuring timely deliverables requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Successful project managers build collaborative relationships, stay up-to-date with changing policies, and use robust project management tools to keep everyone aligned. Regular status meetings and clear documentation also help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure smooth project execution.

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

To thrive as a Federal Project Manager, you need expertise in project management principles, budgeting, compliance, and a strong understanding of federal regulations and contracting, often supported by a bachelor's degree and PMP or FAC-P/PM certification. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project, government procurement systems, and federal reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing diverse teams and stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in accordance with complex federal requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Federal Project Manager jobs in California? For Federal Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Federal Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Federal Project Manager job openings:
Federal Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Federal Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,295 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Project Manager - Federal

FieldAI

Irvine, CA

$130K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

FieldAI's Irvine team is where embodied AI meets real robots, real sensors, and real field deployments. Based in the heart of Southern California's robotics ecosystem, we build risk-aware, reliable, field-ready AI systems that solve the hardest problems in robotics and unlock the full potential of embodied intelligence. If you want your work to ship, get tested on hardware, and improve through real deployments, Irvine is the place. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-only architectures, combining rigorous engineering with learning systems proven in globally deployed solutions that deliver results today and get better every time our robots run in the field.

Who are We?

 

Field AI is transforming how robots interact with the real world. We are building risk-aware, reliable, and field-ready AI systems that address the most complex challenges in robotics, unlocking the full potential of embodied intelligence. We go beyond typical data-driven approaches or pure transformer-based architectures, and are charting a new course, with already-globally-deployed solutions delivering real-world results and rapidly improving models through real-field applications.

 

Learn more at https://fieldai.com.

 
About the Job

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Federal Project Manager to lead and coordinate complex technology projects from conception through completion. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background combined with excellent project management skills to ensure timely delivery of high-quality solutions that meet business objectives.

What You'll Get To Do
  • Drive strategic execution across multiproject portfolios defining milestones, manage budgets, oversee resourcing across engineering, field ops, product, and business teams.
  • Align stakeholders and crossfunctional teams to ensure clarity of scope, dependencies, risks, and timelines for successful robot deployment programs aligned with company goals.
  • Coordinate gotomarket readiness to work with product, operations, and customer success teams to ensure deployment programs meet performance, safety, and scalability requirements.
  • Track program performance metrics to monitor statuses, escalate risks proactively, and report on progress, financials, and ROI to leadership and investors.
  • Prepare strategic communications to lead the creation of executive updates, board materials, and investor presentations.
  • Identify and unblock risks for surface technical, operational, or commercial issues early and drive resolution to keep programs on target.
What You Have

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or a related technical field.

  • Two or more years of experience in project coordination, program support, or operations within a technical organization.

  • Demonstrated ability to translate high-level requirements into structured task breakdowns and timelines.

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience coordinating across engineering teams.

  • Proficiency with project tracking tools (for example, Jira, Asana, Monday, or equivalent).

  • Ability to obtain and maintain any security clearance or export control authorization required for defense-related programs.

The Extras That Set You Apart

  • Experience supporting robotics, autonomy, aerospace, or defense engineering programs.

  • Familiarity with government contracting structures, including SBIR, SOWs, or deliverable-based contracts.

  • Experience working directly with technical leads to define acceptance criteria and milestone definitions.

  • Prior experience in a fast-growing startup environment.

  • Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR compliance considerations in a program support context.

  • MS technical degree

  • PMP certification

  • Experience interacting and leading projects with various DoD stakeholders, not limited to the US Army, USSOCOM, DARPA

  • Experience managing projects related to rugged ground autonomy

This position is for our FieldAI Federal Team.  This team works on projects connected to the U.S. government which requires U.S. Person eligibility.  A U.S. Person as defined by 22 C.F.R  120.62 includes U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, lawful permanent residents (green card holders) refugee or asylee.


Compensation

The salary range for this role is $130,000-$200,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time. 


Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy

At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our headquarters in Irvine, CA. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.


We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

$130,000 - $200,000 a year
Our salary range is generous and we consider each individual's background and experience when determining final compensation. Base pay may vary based on role scope, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and the Irvine, California market.
 
Why Join FieldAI in Irvine?
In Irvine, you will work where the robots are. Our local team builds and tests systems on real hardware with real sensors, then ships them to operate in unstructured, previously unknown environments around the world. We are solving one of robotics' hardest challenges: reliable deployment outside the lab. Our Field Foundational Models raise the bar for perception, planning, localization, and manipulation, with an emphasis on explainability and safety for real-world use.
You will collaborate with a world-class team that thrives on creativity, resilience, and bold thinking. We bring deep experience from organizations such as DeepMind, NASA JPL, Boston Dynamics, NVIDIA, Amazon, Tesla Autopilot, Cruise, Zoox, Toyota Research Institute, and SpaceX, along with a track record of field deployments and strong performance in DARPA challenge segments.
 
Be Part of the Next Robotics Revolution
We are looking for builders who want their work to leave the whiteboard and show up on robots. If you enjoy tackling tough, uncharted questions and working across disciplines, you will find your people here. Our teams span AI, software, robotics engineering, product, field deployment, and technical communication, all focused on shipping systems that perform in the real world.
 
Our headquarters is in Irvine, and we partner closely with teams there as well as colleagues across the US and around the world. Join us in Southern California and help define what dependable, field-ready autonomy looks like.
 
We value diverse perspectives and are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace. We evaluate candidates and employees based on merit, qualifications, and performance, and we do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
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