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Entry Level Cost Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

General Atomics

Engineer III

Poway, CA · On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

We have an exciting opportunity for an Aircraft System Cost Engineer to support product development on new programs with the primary goal to influence affordability through establishment of cost ...

Swinerton Incorporated

Scheduling/Cost Analyst

Concord, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

... essential Entry Level/Intern Project Engineer responsibilities • Assist Project Manager and ... and cost accounting principles • Excellent written and verbal English communication skills ...

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Entry Level Cost Engineer information

See California salary details

$44.9K

$95.8K

$137.7K

How much do entry level cost engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level cost engineer in California is $95,777.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $79,900.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level cost engineer do?

An entry level cost engineer is responsible for assisting with the estimation, analysis, and control of project costs in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and engineering. They help prepare cost estimates, monitor project budgets, and analyze financial data to ensure projects stay within financial targets. Their role often involves working closely with project managers and other teams to track expenses, forecast future costs, and identify potential savings. Entry level cost engineers are typically supervised and receive on-the-job training to develop their technical and analytical skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level cost engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cost Engineer, you need a solid background in mathematics, analytical thinking, and a relevant degree such as engineering, construction management, or finance. Familiarity with cost estimating software (like CostX or Sage Estimating), Excel, and basic project management tools is typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate with teams and manage project budgets efficiently. Mastering these skills ensures accurate cost control, timely project delivery, and supports informed decision-making in construction and engineering projects.

What are the typical day-to-day tasks of an entry level cost engineer?

As an Entry Level Cost Engineer, your daily responsibilities often include collecting and analyzing cost data, preparing cost estimates, monitoring project budgets, and reporting on financial progress to the project management team. You'll frequently collaborate with engineers, project managers, and procurement teams to ensure all cost-related information is accurate and up to date. Your attention to detail and ability to communicate findings help the team make informed decisions, control expenses, and keep projects on track financially. This role provides a strong foundation in project controls and financial management, offering valuable experience for future career advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Cost Engineer vs Cost Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Cost EngineerCost Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; some certifications preferredBachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or related field; certifications like CPC or CMA advantageous
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, engineering firms, project officesCorporate offices, financial departments, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction, engineering, infrastructure projectsFinance, manufacturing, government agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

The Entry Level Cost Engineer and Cost Analyst roles share similarities in requiring analytical skills and cost management knowledge. However, the Cost Engineer focuses more on project cost estimation and engineering aspects, while the Cost Analyst emphasizes financial analysis and budgeting. Both roles are essential in their industries and often overlap in skills, but their primary focus and work environments differ.

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

The most popular types of Cost Engineer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Cost Engineer jobs in California?

For Entry Level Cost Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Cost Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Cost Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Cost Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Entry Level Cost Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Cost Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cost Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $95,777 per year, or $46 per hour.

Engineer III

General Atomics

Poway, CA • On-site

$81K - $141K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

General Atomics rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 39 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

11th of 72 rated aerospace companies

Job description

Job Summary
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI), an affiliate of General Atomics, is a world leader in proven, reliable remotely piloted aircraft and tactical reconnaissance radars, as well as advanced high-resolution surveillance systems.
We have an exciting opportunity for an Aircraft System Cost Engineer to support product development on new programs with the primary goal to influence affordability through establishment of cost targets by sub system and to identify cost and value drivers with the final goal to influence the aircraft system to have the configuration and features required by the customers at the programs specified cost target.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Provide direct support to the Advanced Airframe Engineering organization in the form of cost modeling and cost analysis to generate defensible estimates of system life cycle costs during conceptual design which matures to estimate costs as the system moves throughout the life cycle. Trade system level impacts to cost via implementation of technology or efficiency assumptions to influence program aircraft configuration decisions and technology development roadmaps.
  • The System Cost Engineer will: Perform cost analysis via a work breakdown structure (WBS) for active product development projects. Analyze and build representative cost models to identify key cost drivers and target systems for improvement during Conceptual Design. Perform parametric should-cost modelling to identify possible system and sub-system modifications. Effectively summarize analytical findings to internal and external cross-functional teams. Facilitate cross-functional interchanges to elicit improvement ideas. Build project idea business cases and can track improvement projects with project team members.
  • Cost Analysis: Able to effectively access and disseminate cost data from various Internal cost systems (SAP, Power BI, and Internal Tools), and external data sources. Perform cost breakdowns to identify key cost drivers and be able to effectively summarize cross-functional teams.
  • Cost Modeling and Supplier Analysis: Build the technical capability and effectively use parametric cost modeling tools (like SEER, PRICE, or Excel based models) to develop should-cost models to explore design alternatives and their impact to product cost. Perform Excel-based analysis functions. Work directly with engineering teams disseminate key take-aways from cost modelling and analysis work to inform design decisions at the Air Vehicle system level and above. Establish processes for performing air vehicle system cost modeling and maintain a database of historical results.
  • Integrate system level cost analysis tools into a multi-disciplinary Digital Engineering optimization format to include cost as a variable in the Conceptual design process.
  • Work closely with Program Management and technical teams to include Cost as a variable in tactical and strategic technology development plans, and support business development activities.
  • Ensure compliance, reporting, and safety standards are maintained.
  • Observe all laws, regulations, and other applicable obligations wherever and whenever business is conducted on behalf of the Company.
  • Work in a safe manner in accordance with established operating procedures.
  • Perform other duties as required.

We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Qualifications
  • Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in engineering or a related technical discipline from an accredited institution and progressive engineering experience as follows; four or more years of experience with a bachelors degree or two or more years of experience with a masters degree. May substitute equivalent engineering experience in lieu of education.
  • Previous industry experience/knowledge in the design and fabrication of aerospace or other relevant commercial products employing advanced composites materials and processing techniques, along with metallic processing and fabrication techniques.
  • Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
  • Strong written and oral communications skills.
  • Strong team player with demonstrated participation in Integrated Product Team (IPT) format.
  • Work under general supervision, following established procedures.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a US DoD Secret clearance.
  • Demonstrated technical expertise and application of engineering principles, concepts, theory, and practice in a relevant industry and product.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DoD Security Clearance is required.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Previous experience as a Pricing/Cost Analyst.
  • Experience in database analysis.
  • Experience with PowerBI.
  • Previous experience using SEER suite of cost modeling tools.
  • Previous industry experience/knowledge in the design and fabrication of aerospace or other relevant commercial products, including aerostructures, electronics, cabling, mechanical systems, propulsions, etc. employing advanced composites materials and processing techniques, along with metallic processing and fabrication techniques.

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About General Atomics

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General Atomics (GA), and its affiliated companies, is one of the world's leading resources for high-technology systems development ranging from the nuclear fuel cycle to remotely piloted aircraft, airborne sensors, and advanced electric, electronic, wireless and laser technologies.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Diego, CA, US

Year founded

1955

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