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Graduate Contract Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Contracts Coordinator

Placerville, CA ยท On-site

$22.69 - $27.23/hr

The Contract Coordinator also provides prompt and effective clerical and administrative support to ... High School Graduate or equivalent required. Knowledge/Experience: Two years of clerical experience ...

Contracts Coordinator

Placerville, CA ยท On-site

$22.69 - $27.23/hr

The Contract Coordinator also provides prompt and effective clerical and administrative support to ... POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Education/Licensure/Certification: โ€ข High School Graduate or equivalent ...

... or Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years prior related experience in the field of Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management, Contract Administration, Supply Chain Management ...

... or Graduate Degree and a minimum of 2 years prior related experience in the field of Accounting, Business Administration, Business Management, Contract Administration, Supply Chain Management ...

Contracts Manager

Costa Mesa, CA

$95K - $127K/yr

In this role, you will oversee the full contract lifecycle for Anduril's government and commercial ... Graduate degree in business, law, government, or a related field. * Experience with Cost Accounting ...

Maritime Contracts Manager

Costa Mesa, CA ยท On-site

$95K - $127K/yr

In this role, you will oversee the full contract lifecycle for Anduril's government and commercial ... Graduate degree in business, law, government, or a related field. * Experience with Cost Accounting ...

New

Principal, Contracts

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site +1

$92K - $123K/yr

Support proposal development activities, including estimating, pricing, and required contract ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Principal, Contracts

Carlsbad, CA ยท On-site

$92K - $123K/yr

Support proposal development activities, including estimating, pricing, and required contract ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Principal, Contracts

San Diego, CA ยท On-site +1

$94K - $126K/yr

Support proposal development activities, including estimating, pricing, and required contract ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Principal, Contracts

San Diego, CA

$94K - $126K/yr

Support proposal development activities, including estimating, pricing, and required contract ... Graduate Degree and a minimum of 10 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum ...

Showing results 21-40

Graduate Contract information

See California salary details

$16

$25

$48

How much do graduate contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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 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:

Infographic showing various Graduate Contract job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,732 per year, or $25.8 per hour.

Contract Specialist

US Department of the Air Force

Travis Air Force Base, CA โ€ข On-site

$61K/yr

Part-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

The purpose of this position is to perform developmental assignments which are designed to provide the employee the application of common contracting methods and contract types, and to assist in the procurement of standard or specialized service; supply; and/or construction items, services, and/or materials primarily through formal advertising, or through limited use of negotiation techniques. The position is centrally managed and funded by the Headquarters Air Force Personnel Center.Qualifications:BASIC REQUIREMENT OR INDIVIDUAL OCCUPATIONAL REQUIREMENT:
Master degree from an accredited educational institution authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees.
OR
A current member of the Armed Forces (not retired or separated) OR a current DOD employee that meets the following requirements: 1) served as a contracting officer with authority to award or administer contracts in excess of the simplified acquisition threshold on or before 30 September 2000; 2) served, on or before 30 September 2000, in a position as either an employee in the GS-1102 series or as a member of the Armed Forces in a similar occupation specialty; OR 3) is in the contingency contracting force.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement above, to qualify for this position you must also meet the qualification requirements listed below:
1. You must have completed two full academic years of progressively higher-level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree or LL.B. or J.D. (Submit copy of transcripts).
2. You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-07 or equivalent in other pay systems. Specialized experience is defined as experience that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled and has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities, to successfully perform the duties of the position and must demonstrate the following: Knowledge of commonly used contracting methods and contract types for contract actions that are well-defined and well-precedented; of directly applicable Federal contracting laws, regulations, policies, and procedures; of business practices and market conditions as they relate to program and technical requirements to assist customers in developing requirements and to evaluate proposal responsiveness, contractor responsibility, and contractor performance.
THIS IS AN INDIVDUAL, SINGLE AGENCY QUALIFICATION STANDARD FOR DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE POSITIONS: This standard implements requirements contained in Title 10, United States Code, Sections 1723 through 1733, as amended by Section 861(b) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (Public Law 116-92) and implemented on a policy exception basis by Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment memorandum, Exception to 24 Semester Hours Requirement for Contracting Positions, effective and dated August 2, 2020.
PART-TIME OR UNPAID EXPERIENCE: Credit will be given for appropriate unpaid and or part-time work. You must clearly identify the duties and responsibilities in each position held and the total number of hours per week.
VOLUNTEER WORK EXPERIENCE: Refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service Programs (i.e., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student and social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge and skills that can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:IF USING EDUCATION TO QUALIFY: If position has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications, you MUST submit transcriptswith the application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application; however, if position has a positive degree requirement, qualifying based on education alone or in combination with experience, transcripts must be verified prior to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying.Employment Type: OTHER