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Temporary Contractor Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Attorney Editor - Trade Secrets (Temporary Contractor Position) Practical Law is looking for temporary Litigation Attorney Editors with substantial experience in trade secrets litigation.

Automation QA Engineer

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$100 - $125/hr

We are requesting a temporary contractor to cover a paternity leave absence from October 26, 2026, through January 7, 2027. The additional resource will help ensure uninterrupted project execution ...

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Temporary Contractor information

See California salary details

$10

$18

$25

How much do temporary contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary contractor in California is $18.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.71 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a temporary contractor?

Temporary contractors are individuals hired by companies to perform specific tasks or projects for a limited duration. Unlike permanent employees, they are typically contracted through staffing agencies or directly, and their employment ends when the assignment is complete. Temporary contractors often bring specialized skills and flexibility to organizations needing short-term support. They may not receive the same benefits as full-time employees but can gain diverse experience and networking opportunities.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a temporary contractor?

To thrive as a Temporary Contractor, you need a flexible skill set relevant to the assignment, such as industry-specific knowledge, adaptability, and a proven track record of reliability. Familiarity with project management tools, time-tracking software, and, when necessary, specialized certifications or systems related to the role are commonly required. Strong communication, self-motivation, and the ability to quickly integrate into new teams are standout soft skills. These qualities enable temporary contractors to deliver immediate value, meet project goals, and seamlessly support organizations on a short-term basis.

How does being a temporary contractor impact opportunities for career development and networking within an organization?

As a temporary contractor, you may have limited access to formal career development programs and internal networking events compared to full-time employees. However, you can still build valuable relationships by collaborating closely with team members, participating in meetings, and taking initiative on projects. Temporary roles often provide exposure to diverse work environments and allow you to quickly expand your professional network. Proactively seeking feedback and expressing interest in future opportunities can also help position you for longer-term roles or future contracts within the organization.

What is the difference between Temporary Contractor vs Temporary Employee?

AspectTemporary ContractorTemporary Employee
CredentialsMay require specialized certifications or skills, but typically no formal employment credentialsUsually employed through a staffing agency or directly hired, with standard employment documentation
Work EnvironmentOften works on project-based tasks, may have more flexible or independent rolesWorks within a company's team, following company policies and procedures
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in IT, construction, consulting, and freelance sectorsCommon across various industries for short-term staffing needs
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for contract work vs employee rolesCompared for temporary staffing vs permanent roles

Temporary Contractors typically work on specific projects with specialized skills and may operate independently, while Temporary Employees are hired through agencies or directly by companies for short-term roles within the company's environment. Both serve short-term staffing needs but differ in employment structure and work setup.

What is the best way to find contract and temporary work?

Temporary contractors can find work through staffing agencies that specialize in temporary placements, online job boards that list contract opportunities, and networking within industry events or professional platforms. Building relevant skills and certifications can also improve chances of securing contract roles, which often require flexibility and specific technical knowledge.

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

The most popular types of Contractor jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Temporary Contractor jobs in California?

For Temporary Contractor jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Temporary Contractor jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Temporary Contractor jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Temporary Contractor jobs?

Cities in California with the most Temporary Contractor job openings:

Infographic showing various Temporary Contractor job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 56% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 11% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,737 per year, or $18.1 per hour.

Quality Engineer II (Temporary/Contractor)

INOVIO PHARMACEUTICALS INC

San Diego, CA โ€ข On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Quality Engineer II (Temporary/Contractor)

Contractor - 3rd Party Mesa Ridge, San Diego, CA, US

2 days ago Requisition ID: 1046

Salary Range: $45.67 To $52.88 Hourly

About INOVIO

INOVIO is a biotechnology company focused on developing and commercializing DNA medicines to help treat and protect people from HPV-related diseases, cancer, and infectious diseases. INOVIO's technology optimizes the design and delivery of innovative DNA medicines that teach the body to manufacture its own disease-fighting tools. For more information, visitwww.inovio.com .

Job summary

The Temporary Quality Engineer II provides hands-on quality engineering, and quality systems support for product development and pilot manufacturing activities. This position supports a variety of assigned quality projects, including document creation and updates, record review, and follow-up on action items.

This role will assist with implementation and maintenance of quality processes related to process changes, documentation updates, quality metrics, management review support, and general quality system compliance activities. The temporary Quality Engineer II will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality Control, and other functions to help ensure that quality records are complete, accurate, timely, and compliant.

This role requires strong attention to detail, solid organizational skills, technical capability, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities. This position requires flexibility and willingness to support both technical and routine quality tasks as needed. Experience in regulated environments and the ability to analyze information, communicate clearly, and work effectively with engineers and operations teams is important.

This role supports activities within a quality system aligned with applicable medical devices and combination product quality requirements, including FDA QMSR, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 14971:2019, and applicable constituent-part quality requirements under 21 CFR Part 4.

Essential job functions and duties
  • Support day-to-day activities related to quality engineering and quality systems operations.
  • Support preparation, review, and revision of quality system documents (SOPs, work instructions, forms, and quality records) to ensure accuracy, clarity, and compliance.
  • Review completed records for completeness, accuracy, data integrity, and adherence to applicable procedures and regulatory expectations.
  • Support collection, compilation, and trending of quality metrics and other data for management reporting, process monitoring, and quality improvement activities.
  • Support manufacturing related activities such as calibration and preventive maintenance programs for manufacturing, laboratory, inspection, and quality equipment.
  • Support equipment qualification and validation activities, including IQ/OQ/PQ documentation as assigned.
  • Help identify documentation gaps, incomplete or overdue records, and other quality system issues requiring escalation or corrective action.
  • Work closely with engineers and other cross-functional team members to obtain technical information required to complete quality records, investigations, and documentation accurately.
  • Support investigations, CAPAs, and process improvement activities as assigned.
  • Maintain organized files and records within paper-based and/or electronic quality systems.
  • Perform other duties as required to support Quality Assurance and quality systems operations in fast-paced environment.
  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, Quality, or a related technical discipline.
  • Minimum 2-5 years of quality engineering or quality systems experience in a regulated medical device, combination product, biotechnology, or similarly regulated environment.
  • Working knowledge of quality system requirements applicable to medical devices and/or combination products, including FDA QMSR / 21 CFR Part 820, ISO 13485:2016, ISO 14971:2019 and applicable elements of 21 CFR Part 4.
  • Experience authoring or revising SOPs, work instructions, forms, templates, validation-related documents, or other controlled quality system documentation.
  • Experience with change control, document control, nonconformance, CAPA, or other core quality system processes.
  • Experience with equipment qualification and computerized systems.
  • Experience working cross-functionally with engineering teams and reviewing technical documentation such as drawings, specifications, design documents, test methods, validation documents, and risk management records.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments and deliver high-quality work within timelines in a dynamic environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, especially Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
  • Preferred experience with electromechanical devices, software-controlled devices, manufacturing process changes, design changes, or validation change impacts.
  • Preferred experience with eQMS platforms such as MasterControl or similar systems.
  • Preferred Experience using electronic calibration, maintenance, and asset management systems, preferably Blue Mountain Regulatory Asset Manager (BMRAM).
  • Preferred experience using statistical analysis software such as Minitab, JMP, or comparable tools
  • Preferred experience supporting combination products, including constituent-part quality system considerations.
  • Preferred ability to work independently with limited supervision while exercising sound judgment in identifying and escalating compliance or quality risks.
  • Six Sigma Green Belt, Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA), or other relevant quality certification preferred.
Disclaimer

INOVIO Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, including but not limited to veterans and individuals with disabilities. We prohibit discrimination of any kind. In keeping with our policy, we recruit, hire, train, and promote the most qualified individuals for all job titles, and we provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment.

A current US work authorization is required. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. All personnel may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed. INOVIO offers an attractive benefits package and is an equal opportunity employer.

Important notice to employment businesses/agencies

INOVIO does not accept referrals from employment agencies unless written authorization from the INOVIO Human Resources department has been provided. In the absence of written authorization, any actions undertaken by employment agencies shall be deemed to have been performed without our consent and therefore INOVIO will not be liable for any fees arising from employment agency referrals in respect to current or future position vacancies at INOVIO.

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