1

Federal Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Experienced Project Manager

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$125K - $150K/yr

From architecture, aviation, food/beverage processing, federal, transportation, water ... Managing medium to large projects for budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation * Developing ...

Showing results 41-60

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 7, 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 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:
Infographic showing various Federal Project Manager job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,295 per year, or $45.8 per hour.

Sr. Project Manager in Ventura / LA / San Diego / Riverside Counties

MAAS Companies

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site

$155K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a Sr. Project Manager across multiple Southern CA locations, including Ventura, LA, San Diego, and Riverside Counties! Under the direction and supervision of the Program Manager, the Senior Project Manager is responsible for overseeing the District's capital design and construction projects from the design to D.S.A. close-out, ensuring project goals and objectives are met, while maintaining compliance with company policies and procedures and all relevant regulations. The Senior Project Manager serves as mentor for Project and Construction Managers. The Senior Project Manager plans and coordinates activities of designated projects to ensure that goals or objectives of projects are accomplished within the prescribed time frame and funding parameters by performing the following duties personally or through subordinate supervisors. Performs other functions as needed.

Examples of Essential Functions

  • Abide by operational procedures and reporting responsibilities for the on-going management and supervision of the District's capital design and construction program.
  • Assist in the development of project-based scope, schedule and budget goals and objectives.
  • Manage and oversee program design, bid and construction phases including constructability review and value engineering efforts to ensure project goals and objectives are met.
  • Assist as District liaison in acquiring all local, state, and federal project specific agency approvals in a timely matter.
  • Monitor professional service contract performance including review and approval of pay requests.
  • Prepare general and trade contractor pre-qualification documentation and oversee selection process.
  • Track, review, approve, and record capital construction project communications, documentation, and accounting.
    • Related communication includes construction phase documentation such as meeting minutes, job schedules, shop drawings, submittals, daily logs, field orders, requests for information, proposal requests, change orders, pay requests, inspection reports, special inspection tests results and other written project communication.
  • Conduct periodic job walks to ensure contract performance, schedule, and the highest quality of workmanship.
  • Monitor general and trade contractor performance including review and approval of pay requests.
  • Monitor DSA inspector of record and materials testing and inspection performance including review and approval of pay requests.
  • Prepare project reports for management, client, or others.
  • Coordinate project activities with all regulatory agencies.
  • Develop project requirements that identify resource and budgetary needs.
  • Host project meetings at least once a week with team and managers.
  • Manage deadlines and drive team to ensure timeliness.
  • Leadership qualities, such as motivation techniques and conflict-management.
  • Time management skills, familiarity with calendar management and goal setting.
  • Understand general project scope of program as a whole, even projects not assigned.
  • Proficient Knowledge of project management processes.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Salary Range: $155,000 - 180,000

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

  • At least 10 years of construction project management experience, while managing multiple projects.
  • Prior DSA experience and knowledge of DSA requirements.
  • Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.

Preferred Certifications / Registrations / Qualifications:

  • Experience with K-14 / higher education projects.
  • Experience managing large multimillion dollar projects.
  • Experience within a large capital improvement program and familiarity with relevant provisions of the California Public Contract Code.

Benefits

  • Medical Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement Plan (optional)
  • Stock Options! 100% Employee Owned - Employee Stock Ownership Plan
  • Safe Harbor Account: MAAS automatically contributes 3%, start accruing day 1
  • 3 weeks Paid Time Off (2 weeks' vacation, 1 week sick) and holidays
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Family and Medical Leave

Culture & Growth

  • Great Place to Work certified
  • Room for growth within the organization
  • Positive, team-oriented environment