Contract Specialist (Entry Level)

Tessera; Alameda (CA); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision

401(k) retirement plan

Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance

Flexible Spending Accounts

11 paid federal holidays

Vacation days

Shared earning bonus

Tuition assistance

Professional development

Verizon wireless discount

EAP

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Job summary

Tessera, a national non-profit government contractor, is hiring an Entry Level Contract Specialist on Alameda, CA. This exempt, full-time role operates in a hybrid schedule and supports processing procurement packages under SAT.

The position requires familiarity with FAR and FPDS‑NG, with opportunities for professional development and tuition assistance. Tessera emphasizes its mission to create opportunities for people with disabilities and veterans with disabilities, offering a comprehensive

Qualifications

• Experience working with Federal, State, Local, or Commercial acquisitions.
• Knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) preferred or ability to be trained.
• Experience with Federal Government Acquisition systems and FPDS‑NG preferred or ability to be trained.

Responsibilities

• Communicate with technical experts and USCG contracting personnel to assist with processing procurement packages below SAT ($250K).
• Identify acquisition methods compliant with Federal, DHS, and Coast Guard regulations.
• Draft solicitations and synopsize for response below SAT.
• Perform post-award duties: manage performance, pay invoices, close out orders.

Skills

MS Office

Tools

FPDS-NG

Job description

Contract Specialist – Entry Level

Location: Alameda, California (US Coast Guard Island)

Type: Exempt

Compensation: $75,000-$83,000/yr. (Competitive wages dependent upon experience)

Work Schedule: Full-time, Hybrid

Benefits: Tessera is proud to offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package to our eligible part‑time and full‑time employees.

• Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) retirement plan, Life & Short-Term Disability Insurance


• Flexible Spending Accounts for both medical and dependent care


• 11 paid federal holidays, accrual of 12 paid days of vacation at the start of employment, paid sick leave


• Potential shared earning bonus


• Tuition assistance is available after 1 year of employment and potential scholarships for qualified dependents


• Professional development, certifications, and training opportunities


• Verizon wireless discount


• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and an engaging wellness program


• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for full-time employees

Tessera is a national non‑profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission‑focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Tessera is seeking a competent and dedicated Contract Specialist – Entry Level with a can‑do attitude.

Typical Duties Include But Are Not Limited To

• Communicate with technical experts and other USCG contracting personnel to assist with processing procurement packages for commercial and non‑commercial supplies and services below the Simplified Acquisition Threshold (SAT), which is currently $250K.


• Identify and utilize most appropriate method for simplified acquisitions that are compliant with all Federal, DHS, and Coast Guard acquisition regulations and policies.


• Draft solicitations and synopsize for response for both commercial and non‑commercial supplies and services below the SAT.


• Perform post‑award acquisition duties, to include managing performance, paying invoices and closing out purchase and task orders.


• Communicate with USCG Program Management personnel about the details of technical requirements acquisitions and provide advice, guidance and counsel on how to handle complex acquisition contracts, modifications and processes.


• Interpret and implement the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and applicable agency directives.


• Provide excellent customer service and maintain a professional appearance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one (1) year experience working with Federal, other Government (State or Local), or Commercial Acquisition preferred. Equivalent combination of experience and education allowed.


• Working knowledge and understanding of the FAR preferred or ability to be trained.


• Experience working with Federal Government Acquisition systems as well as the Federal Procurement Data System – Next Generation (FPDS‑NG) preferred or ability to be trained.


• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

Requirements

• Valid state driver license is required with the ability to obtain and maintain coverage by Tessera’s insurance carrier.


• Must be able to obtain and maintain applicable security clearances and installation access. A background check and E‑Verify will be conducted for this position.

Date Posted: 09/29/2026

• Access to a federal military installation requires a REAL ID‑compliant driver's license or an acceptable alternative, such as a U.S. passport or military ID, in accordance with the REAL ID Act.

Please visit this website for more information: https://www.dhs.gov/real-id

Tessera is a national non‑profit, government contractor that is dedicated to “Creating Opportunities for People with Disabilities” through hiring and supporting individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. We take pride in our mission‑focused culture, our Core Values, Diversity, Partnership, Commitment, Integrity, and Quality, and our dedication to providing a safe and respectful work environment to our employees.

Individuals With Disabilities Are Encouraged To Apply.

Tessera is here to help you with the recruitment process.

Please contact us at [phone] or email [e-mail].

Tessera is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Women/Minority/Veteran/Disabled - Tessera participates in E‑Verify.