Project Controls Specialist Jobs in California
Project Controls Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in infrastructure, defense, energy, and large-scale construction, with openings at every level from junior cost engineer through senior program controls lead. The heaviest hiring is in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento, where major employers like Bechtel, AECOM, and the California Department of Transportation consistently staff project controls teams. Earned value management, cost forecasting, and schedule control using Primavera P6 are the most in-demand specialties across California's public and private sectors. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 31+ Project Controls Specialist jobs
Description
The Assistant Project Controls Specialist will support all aspects of project controls and reporting, including project change management, cost control, progress measurement, schedule development and schedule control.
- Assist project set-up in the Enterprise Planning & Controls software.
- Input data, maintain logs, and run reports in the Enterprise Planning & Controls software or other tools.
- Assist with creating Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
- Assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flows and forecasts on small projects.
- Responsible for following project execution plans.
- Assist with reviewing and approving Purchase Orders and/or Subcontracts for proper coding.
- Input and document changes to cost reports or forecasts.
- Assist with upstream (prime contract) and downstream (purchase order & subcontract) change orders.
- Assist with the development of a cash flow.
- Assist in the development of various levels of schedules.
- Assist in applying logic ties within the schedule.
- Assist with resource loading of a schedule.
- Assist with coordinating project schedules and the development of scheduling reports.
- Assist with retrieving, reviewing and distributing pre-programmed scheduling reports along with back-up documentation.
- Assist with updating and documenting schedule progress.
- Assist with developing and maintaining an earned value management system.
- Assist with verifying progress measurements.
- Assist with developing and maintaining progress curves.
- Assist with material takeoffs.
- Assist quality checks and inspections on project controls deliverables.
- Assist with field audits to validate accuracy of reporting and processes.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field required or applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement required.
- Experience with Oracle Primavera P6 preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to obtain OSHA 10-hour safety certification.
Compensation
- $90,000.00-125,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Project Controls
Primary Location US-CA-Walnut Creek
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Req ID: 262429
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-MC #CDB
Description
The Assistant Project Controls Specialist will support all aspects of project controls and reporting, including project change management, cost control, progress measurement, schedule development and schedule control.
- Assist project set-up in the Enterprise Planning & Controls software.
- Input data, maintain logs, and run reports in the Enterprise Planning & Controls software or other tools.
- Assist with creating Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).
- Assist with developing, implementing, and maintaining scheduling reports, cost reports, cash flows and forecasts on small projects.
- Responsible for following project execution plans.
- Assist with reviewing and approving Purchase Orders and/or Subcontracts for proper coding.
- Input and document changes to cost reports or forecasts.
- Assist with upstream (prime contract) and downstream (purchase order & subcontract) change orders.
- Assist with the development of a cash flow.
- Assist in the development of various levels of schedules.
- Assist in applying logic ties within the schedule.
- Assist with resource loading of a schedule.
- Assist with coordinating project schedules and the development of scheduling reports.
- Assist with retrieving, reviewing and distributing pre-programmed scheduling reports along with back-up documentation.
- Assist with updating and documenting schedule progress.
- Assist with developing and maintaining an earned value management system.
- Assist with verifying progress measurements.
- Assist with developing and maintaining progress curves.
- Assist with material takeoffs.
- Assist quality checks and inspections on project controls deliverables.
- Assist with field audits to validate accuracy of reporting and processes.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- Complies with all policies and standards.
Qualifications
- Bachelor Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or related field required or applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement required.
- Experience with Oracle Primavera P6 preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office.
- Ability to obtain OSHA 10-hour safety certification.
Compensation
- $90,000.00-125,000.00 Yearly
The expected compensation range for this position is displayed in compliance with all local/state regulations. The expected compensation range for this position is based on a number of factors, including but not limited to: individual education, qualifications, prior work experience and work location. The total annual compensation package will consist of a base salary and eligibility to participate in our discretionary year-end incentive bonus program.
Benefits
Our extensive benefits package takes care of you so that you can focus on doing great work. From insurance and disability to time off and wellness programs, we provide the tools to meet your needs. As part of being 100% employee-owned, eligible employees participate in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) in addition to our 401(k) retirement program. For more information, please visit the Benefits & Wellness page.
This job posting will remain open a minimum of 72 hours and on an ongoing basis until filled.
EEO/Disabled/Veterans
Job Project Controls
Primary Location US-CA-Walnut Creek
Schedule: Full-time
Travel: Yes, 5 % of the Time
Req ID: 262429
Job Hire Type New Grad #LI-MC #CDB
See All 31 Project Controls Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find JobsProject Controls Specialist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Project Controls Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- PMCS Group4
- Stv3
- Google2
- TYLin2
- Burns & McDonnell1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services12
- Construction & Real Estate2
- Energy2
- Manufacturing2
- Technology & Software2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in project controls specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related technical field
- Proficiency in Primavera P6 and Microsoft Project for scheduling and planning
- Experience with earned value management and cost performance reporting
- Familiarity with California public agency contract requirements and reporting standards
- PMI Planning and Scheduling Professional or AACE International certification preferred
- Strong communication skills for coordinating with project managers and field teams
Project Controls Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a project controls specialist in California?
Most project controls specialists in California enter the field with a bachelor's degree in construction management, civil engineering, or a related discipline, then build experience in cost engineering or scheduling support roles. California does not require a state-issued license specific to project controls, but AACE International certifications such as the Certified Cost Professional and PMI's Planning and Scheduling Professional are widely recognized by California employers, particularly on public infrastructure and state agency contracts.
How much do project controls specialists make in California?
Project controls specialists in California earn a median of about $120,910 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $69,180 for the lowest 10% to over $188,560 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire project controls specialists in California?
Employers hiring project controls specialists in California right now include PMCS Group, Stv, and Google, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large public infrastructure programs, defense contractors in Southern California, and major utilities in the Bay Area and Central Valley keep demand consistent throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most project controls specialist jobs?
Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego have the most project controls specialist openings in California. Los Angeles anchors demand through its concentration of defense contractors, transportation megaprojects, and commercial construction firms, while San Francisco draws roles tied to technology campus builds and Bay Area transit expansion, and Sacramento sees steady hiring driven by state agency contracts and regional infrastructure programs.
Are there remote project controls specialist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're less common than in purely desk-based fields, since project controls work often requires on-site coordination with field teams and direct access to project documentation. About 10% of project controls specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, with remote arrangements most frequently available for cost analysis, reporting, and schedule review functions on programs that have established controls processes.
How can I get hired as a project controls specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is a junior cost engineer or project controls analyst role, which large California contractors and public agencies use to bring in candidates with strong analytical skills who can grow into full controls responsibilities. Employers like Bechtel, AECOM, and Caltrans-funded prime contractors recruit new graduates for assistant scheduler and cost support positions. Building proficiency in Primavera P6 through coursework or a certificate program and pursuing an entry-level AACE credential gives candidates a measurable edge in California's competitive hiring pool.
Where can I find and apply to project controls specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to project controls specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from employers hiring in the state right now. Search the available roles, identify the ones that match your experience and location, and apply directly to the positions that fit.
See All 31 Project Controls Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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