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Graduate Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MILLENNIUMSOFT

Customer Contract Admin

San Diego, CA · On-site

Typically is a college / university graduate or has equivalent experience. * Has basic knowledge of theories, practices and procedures in a job family or skill. * Applies knowledge and skills to ...

Graham Technologies

Contract Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Contract Administrator will maintain accurate, audit-ready files and support pre-award, post ... EducationMaster 's degree or graduate coursework in acquisition, contracting, business, or a ...

Graham Technologies

Contract Administrator

San Diego, CA · On-site

$75K - $100K/yr

The Contract Administrator will maintain accurate, audit-ready files and support pre-award, post ... Master's degree or graduate coursework in acquisition, contracting, business, or a related ...

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All JobsGraduate Contract JobsGraduate Contract Jobs in California

Graduate Contract information

See California salary details

$16

$25

$48

How much do graduate contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for graduate contract in California is $25.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.90 and $28.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Graduate Contract vs Junior Engineer?

AspectGraduate ContractJunior Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically a recent graduate or in final year of degreeBachelor's degree in engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentInternship or temporary position, often training-focusedEntry-level professional role, involved in project work
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in construction, engineering firms, and consultingStandard entry point in engineering companies and industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level opportunities and training rolesClarifying early career engineering roles and responsibilities

The main difference is that a Graduate Contract is typically a temporary, training-focused position for recent graduates, while a Junior Engineer is a standard entry-level professional role with more defined responsibilities. Both roles serve as stepping stones into the engineering industry, but the Graduate Contract often emphasizes training and development, whereas the Junior Engineer involves more hands-on project work.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate contract?

To thrive in a Graduate Contract role, you generally need a relevant bachelor's degree, strong analytical abilities, and an eagerness to learn within your chosen field. Familiarity with industry-standard software, project management tools, or sector-specific certifications can be advantageous depending on the employer. Strong communication, adaptability, and teamwork skills help graduates integrate quickly and contribute effectively. These competencies enable new graduates to transition smoothly into professional environments, quickly add value, and build a foundation for future career growth.

What is a graduate contract?

A Graduate Contract is a formal agreement offered by an employer to recent graduates, typically outlining the terms of their employment, such as duration, salary, responsibilities, and opportunities for training or progression. These contracts are common in graduate schemes or programs, helping new graduates transition from university to the workplace. They often provide structured support, mentoring, and a clear career path for the duration of the contract, which can range from one to three years. Upon successful completion, graduates may be offered permanent positions within the organization.

What opportunities for mentorship and professional development are typically available to those in a graduate contract role?

Graduate Contract roles often provide structured mentorship and training programs designed to help new graduates transition into the professional workforce. You can expect to work closely with experienced team members, participate in workshops, and receive regular feedback to support your growth. Many organizations also offer access to internal resources, networking events, and opportunities to rotate through different departments, allowing you to explore various career paths and develop a well-rounded skill set.
What are the most commonly searched types of Graduate jobs in California? The most popular types of Graduate jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Graduate Contract jobs in California? For Graduate Contract jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Graduate Contract jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Contract jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Graduate Contract jobs? Cities in California with the most Graduate Contract job openings:
Graduate Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Contract job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 68% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,732 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Contract Administrator (Deployable)

Defense Contract Management Agency

Van Nuys, CA

$85K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 4 days ago

Defense Contract Management Agency rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

145th of 844 rated public administrative organizations

Job description

See below for important information regarding this job.
Additional vacancies may be filled from this announcement.
The incumbent will be required to deploy to forward operating austere locations in war zones to perform duties at the will of the Combatant Commander. Typical deployments last from 6-9 months. For more information about DCMA's Deployable program, please visit https://www.dcma.mil/Careers/Deployment-Opportunities/.
Qualifications:A. Basic Contracting Requirement: 1.) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees OR 2.) a current civilian employee in DoD or member of the Armed Forces, who occupied an 1102 position, contracting officer position, or comparable military contracting position with authority to award or administer contracts above the simplified acquisition threshold on or before September 30, 2000 are excluded from the requirements of "A" above.
AND
B. Specialized Experience: One year of specialized experience that equipped you with the particular competencies to successfully perform the duties of the position and is directly in or related to this position. To qualify at the GS-11 level, applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-09 level or equivalent under other pay systems in the Federal service, military or private sector. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements including minimum qualifications, and any other regulatory requirements by the cut-off/closing date of the announcement. Creditable specialized experience includes:
  • Assisting in reviewing contract requirements, FAR/DFAR clauses, delivery schedules and statements of work.
  • Participating in the negotiation/resolution of contractual issues, modification of contractual agreements, establishing and monitoring financing.
  • Contributing in: the analysis of progress reports, the determination of whether contract data requirements are met, and issuing contract deficiency reports.
  • Providing resolution of incomplete or conflicting data through analysis.
OR
C. Education Substitution: Such education must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work. Education must be from a college or university accredited by an organization approved by the U.S. Department of Education. See http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx. If using education to meet basic qualifications, YOU MUST SUBMIT A TRANSCRIPT as supplemental documentation. To qualify based on education in lieu of specialized experience, you must possess:
  • 3 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree.


Positions will be filled at any of the locations listed below:

  • Van Nuys, CA.:$87,061 - $113,185
  • San Diego, CA.: $85,307 - $110,905
Education:

If the position has a minimum education requirement you MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at the time of application) to support your educational claims. Or, if you are using education to qualify in lieu of specialized experience you MUST provide transcripts (unofficial are acceptable at the time of application) to support your educational claims. The transcripts must include your name, the name of the college or university, class/course list, completed number of credits/hours, and the date degree conferred (if applicable). Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Licenses must be current at time of application.
GRADUATE EDUCATION: One academic year of graduate education is considered to be the number of credits hours that your graduate school has determined to represent one academic year of full-time study. Such study may have been performed on a full-time or part-time basis. If you cannot obtain your graduate school's definition of one year of graduate study, 18 semester hours (or 27 quarter hours) should be considered as satisfying the requirement for one year of full-time graduate study.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university.

Employment Type: OTHER

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