Cost Analyst Jobs in California
Cost Analyst jobs in California are actively in demand, with strong hiring concentration in aerospace and defense manufacturing, technology, healthcare systems, and state and local government contracting, covering openings from entry-level junior analyst through senior and principal-level roles. Los Angeles, San Diego, and the San Francisco Bay Area drive the highest volume of postings, where employers like Northrop Grumman, Kaiser Permanente, and Salesforce maintain large, established cost analysis functions. The most sought-after specialties in California right now are manufacturing cost analysis, IT project costing, and government contract cost accounting. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.Northrop Grumman Aeronautics Systems has opportunities for Cost Control Analysts (Level 2 or Level 3) to join our team in San Diego, California.
The selected candidates will join our cost & schedule team to:
Develop and implement solutions of moderate scope and complexity.
Interface with the program managers, functional management, and cost account managers (CAMs) to provide financial and administrative support and analysis to meet program requirements.
Analyze variances/trends and develop new methods and process techniques; Work under very general supervision while completing numerous assignments per schedule and elevating potential issues to ensure proper management focus.
Support the development of budget baselines and maintain cost/schedule integration; support preparation of budgets and ETC/EAC; perform and/or assist in financial performance analyses and visibility reporting.
This position may be filled at either the Level 2 or Level 3 Cost Control Analyst depending upon candidates, skills, knowledge, abilities and experience.
Level 2 Basic Qualifications:
Bachelors degree AND 2 years of qualifiable professional/military experience or a Masters Degree.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret Clearance within a reasonable amount of time, as determined by the program to meet business needs.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Program Access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
Level 3 Basic Qualifications:
Bachelors degree AND 5 years of qualifiable professional/military experience or a Masters degree and 3 years of experience.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain U.S. Government Secret Clearance within a reasonable amount of time, as determined by the program to meet business needs.
Must have the ability to obtain and maintain Program Access within a reasonable period, as determined by the company to meet its business needs.
EVM knowledge
Preferred Qualifications:
Active U.S. Government Secret Clearance or higher (with a background investigation completed within the last 6 years or currently enrolled into Continuous Evaluation).
See All 71 Cost Analyst Jobs in California
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Find Cost Analyst JobsCost Analyst Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Cost Analyst Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Northrop Grumman30

- GLOVIS America4

- CRB3

- AECOM2

- Fluor2

Top Industries Hiring
- Technology & Software
- Electronics & Hardware
- Construction & Real Estate
- Consulting & Professional Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in cost analyst jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related quantitative field required
- Proficiency in ERP systems such as SAP, Oracle, or Costpoint strongly preferred
- Experience with standard costing, variance analysis, and cost of goods sold reporting
- Advanced Excel skills including pivot tables, financial modeling, and data validation
- Familiarity with Federal Acquisition Regulation cost principles for government contract roles
- CPA, CMA, or CCEP credential preferred for senior and government contracting positions
Cost Analyst Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a cost analyst in California?
A bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, engineering, or a related field is the standard starting point for cost analyst roles in California. California does not require a state-issued license specific to cost analysis, but employers in aerospace, defense contracting, and healthcare strongly favor candidates who have earned or are pursuing a Certified Management Accountant credential through the Institute of Management Accountants. Government contract employers commonly expect familiarity with FAR cost principles before hiring.
Which companies hire cost analysts in California?
Employers hiring cost analysts in California right now include Northrop Grumman, GLOVIS America, and CRB, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's concentration of defense primes, large health systems, and enterprise technology companies means cost analyst demand is spread across several distinct industries rather than dominated by a single sector.
Which California cities have the most cost analyst jobs?
San Diego, Sacramento, and Palmdale have the most cost analyst openings in California. Los Angeles anchors demand through its aerospace, entertainment, and healthcare industries, San Diego through defense contractors and biotech, and the Bay Area through enterprise technology and financial services headquarters, which means openings in smaller or suburban metros typically cluster around satellite offices of those same large employers.
Are there remote cost analyst jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many finance roles, because cost analysis is primarily desk-based work with outputs delivered in spreadsheets and reports rather than requiring physical presence. About 34% of cost analyst openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting a genuine shift in how finance teams in technology and professional services operate. Roles tied to manufacturing plants or government-secured facilities are the least likely to offer remote options.
How can I get hired as a cost analyst in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a staff accountant or financial analyst associate role at a California-based manufacturer, health system, or defense contractor, then transitioning internally once you have exposure to cost reporting. Employers like Kaiser Permanente and large aerospace primes in Southern California run finance rotational or new-grad associate programs that include cost accounting exposure. A CMA candidacy or a course in cost accounting through a California State University extension program significantly strengthens an entry-level application.
Where can I find and apply to cost analyst jobs in California?
You can find and apply to cost analyst jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings updated regularly. Search the listings, find roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 71 Cost Analyst Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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