Contracts Leadership Development Program with Security Clearance
The Contracts Leadership Development Program at Confidential Client is a 36-month rotational program designed to develop early career professionals into future leaders within Contracts Management. Participants gain diverse experience across multiple business areas aligned with DoD program lifecycle phases, enhanced by leadership training, advanced education, and mentorship. The program emphasizes mobility, leadership growth, and obtaining a master's degree in Contracts Management, preparing candidates for impactful careers in the defense industry.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Engineering.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Position Overview
Confidential Client is recruiting for a Contracts Leadership Development Program (CLDP) — a 36-month, entry-level rotational program based in San Diego, CA. This program is designed to accelerate development for early-career professionals interested in contracts management through structured rotations, formal training, mentorship, and educational support. Participants will gain hands-on experience across contracting life-cycle phases that support Department of Defense (DoD) programs.
What You’ll Do
- Complete three 12-month rotations across business areas tied to DoD program lifecycle phases (R&D, Engineering Manufacturing & Design, Production & Sustainment).
- Support contracts management activities including proposal review, contract administration, compliance, and negotiations under supervision.
- Participate in technical and leadership training, mentorship, and business-acumen coursework.
- Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation in contracting processes.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (engineering, program management, finance) to support contract execution and risk mitigation.
- Present findings and lessons learned to leadership; participate in formal development reviews.
Program Details & Rotation Expectations
- Program length: 36 months (three 12-month rotations).
- Rotations begin June 2027.
- Minimum of two different geographic locations required during rotations; remote-only assignments do not count toward the mobility requirement.
- Sample rotation locations (may vary by business need): Sterling Heights, MI; Minneapolis, MN; York, PA; Kingsport, TN; San Diego, CA; Jacksonville, FL; Norfolk, VA; other Confidential Client sites as available.
- Educational advancement: tuition assistance is provided for graduate study aligned with contracts management; internal contracts training is included.
- Travel & relocation: participants must be willing to relocate for rotations as required by program needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree completed by May 2027 — business-related degree preferred; liberal arts candidates with strong interest in contracts considered.
- Demonstrated leadership (student organizations, athletics, projects, military service, internships/co-ops, or prior work).
- Strong critical thinking, interpersonal, teamwork, and written/verbal communication skills.
- Internship, co-op, or project experience in a related field is preferred.
- Self-motivation, resilience, and a strong work ethic.
- Willingness and ability to relocate for rotational assignments as required.
- U.S. Citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense security clearance if required (this is a bona fide job requirement).
Compensation & Benefits
- Full-Time Salary Range: $56,401 - $95,881 (annual). This range is based on market pay structures; final salary will be determined by factors including local market conditions and candidate qualifications.
- Benefits for regular employees working 20+ hours/week typically include: medical, dental, vision, health savings accounts, 401(k) retirement plan, life & disability insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, parental & other leave, Employee Assistance Program, and employee discounts.
- Additional program incentives and recognition awards may be available depending on job level and specifics.
Location & Work Authorization
- Primary location: San Diego, CA (role is listed as telecommute-eligible/remote-in-some-capacities, but rotational mobility and relocation requirements remain).
- Applicants must meet U.S. citizenship and security-clearance eligibility requirements where applicable.
- Confidential Client complies with applicable state and federal hiring laws; reasonable accommodations are available for qualified applicants with disabilities.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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