ZipRecruiter

Log In

2

Entry Level Project Controls Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Dennis Group

Entry Level Process Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

Process Engineers work in every aspect of a project - controls, packaging, mechanical, electrical, building system, architecture, etc., from the conceptual stages to design completion, and throughout ...

HDR

Commercial Management Coordinator

Folsom, CA · On-site

A minimum of 3 years' experience in Architecture/ Engineering, Design-Build, P3, project management, or project controls environment * Entry level positions are possible with a bachelor's degree in ...

New

Thermal Structures

Be Seen First

Project Engineer - Composites

Corona, CA · On-site

$70K - $100K/yr

This entry-level role develops foundational knowledge of composite materials, fabrication processes ... controls, standard work, and best practices • Lead troubleshooting of complex composite ...

LHH US

Entry Level Accounting Clerk

Corona, CA

$19 - $23/hr

Support various accounting and administrative projects as assigned Qualifications * High school ... Understanding of basic accounting principles and internal controls Pay Details: $19.00 to $23.00 ...

NAES

Power Plant Engineer, Entry Level

Mckittrick, CA · On-site

... controls, and compliance. Your scope of responsibility as Plant Engineer includes the following ... Support capital projects, plant modifications, and Management of Change (MOC) activities while ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsProject Controls JobsEntry Level Project Controls JobsEntry Level Project Controls Jobs in California

Entry Level Project Controls information

See California salary details

$19

$43

$65

How much do entry level project controls jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level project controls in California is $43.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35.58 and $50.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is project control a good career?

Entry level project controls roles involve monitoring project schedules, budgets, and progress to ensure successful completion. The field offers opportunities for growth with skills in scheduling software, data analysis, and certifications like PMP or CCP. It is a stable career path in industries such as construction, engineering, and manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level project controls professionals, and how can they overcome them?

Entry level project controls professionals often encounter challenges such as mastering complex scheduling software, understanding project cost tracking, and adapting to rapidly changing project priorities. To overcome these, it's helpful to seek mentorship from experienced colleagues, proactively ask questions, and take advantage of training resources provided by the employer. Building strong communication skills is also key, as collaborating with project managers, engineers, and finance teams is a regular part of the role. Embracing a continuous learning mindset will help you adapt quickly and contribute effectively to project success.

What is the difference between Entry Level Project Controls vs Entry Level Cost Estimator?

AspectEntry Level Project ControlsEntry Level Cost Estimator
Required CredentialsAssociate's/Bachelor's in Construction Management, Engineering, or related fieldsAssociate's/Bachelor's in Finance, Accounting, or related fields
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, project offices, engineering firmsConstruction companies, consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsagePlanning, scheduling, cost control, project monitoringCost analysis, budgeting, bid preparation, pricing

Entry Level Project Controls focuses on tracking project progress, scheduling, and cost management, while Entry Level Cost Estimator specializes in preparing cost estimates and budgets. Both roles require related educational backgrounds and are essential in construction and engineering projects, but they emphasize different aspects of project financials and planning.

What are entry level project controls?

Entry level project controls refer to junior roles focused on supporting the planning, monitoring, and reporting of projects, often in industries like construction, engineering, or IT. People in these positions assist with tasks such as tracking project schedules, costs, and resources, as well as preparing progress reports and identifying potential risks. They typically work under the supervision of senior project controllers or managers, helping to ensure projects stay on budget and on schedule. Entry level project controls positions are ideal for recent graduates or those new to project management, offering valuable experience and exposure to project management processes.

How do you get a PM job with no experience?

Entry level project controls roles often require some knowledge of project management principles, scheduling software like Primavera or MS Project, and basic understanding of construction or engineering processes. Gaining relevant certifications such as CAPM or PMP, even at an entry level, and demonstrating strong organizational and communication skills can improve chances of securing a project management position without prior experience.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Project Controls professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Project Controls professional, you need a basic understanding of project management principles, cost control, scheduling, and a relevant bachelor’s degree such as engineering or construction management. Familiarity with project management software like Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, and Excel, as well as foundational knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM), is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with project teams and interpret project data. These competencies are essential for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and according to scope.

What is an entry level job in project management?

An entry level project controls position is a role suitable for individuals starting their careers in project management, focusing on supporting project planning, scheduling, cost tracking, and reporting. These roles often require basic knowledge of project management tools like MS Project or Primavera and may involve working under supervision to gain experience in managing project scope, timelines, and budgets.

How do I get into project controls?

To enter project controls, candidates typically need a background in engineering, construction, or related fields, along with strong skills in scheduling, cost management, and data analysis. Gaining experience with tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project and obtaining certifications such as PMI's Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) can improve job prospects. Entry-level roles often require a bachelor's degree and good organizational skills to support project planning and monitoring activities.
What are the most commonly searched types of Project Controls jobs in California? The most popular types of Project Controls jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Project Controls jobs in California? For Entry Level Project Controls jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Project Controls jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Project Controls jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Entry Level Project Controls jobs? Cities in California with the most Entry Level Project Controls job openings:
Entry Level Project Controls jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Project Controls job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,985 per year, or $43.3 per hour.
Intern/co-op - Refining Construction Management (Fall 2026)

Intern/co-op - Refining Construction Management (Fall 2026)

Marathon Petroleum Corporation

Los Angeles, CA

$26.46/hr

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

Marathon Petroleum rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 201 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 77 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

An exciting career awaits you

At MPC, we're committed to being a great place to work - one that welcomes new ideas, encourages diverse perspectives, develops our people, and fosters a collaborative team environment.

Overview:

Depending on experience level and interest, construction management entry level hires at Marathon Petroleum Company LP (MPC) are involved in diverse and challenging projects. Interns/co-ops participate as integral team members, making recommendations on various project construction management activities. Projects and tasks will vary dependent on the business needs. MPC seeks interns/co-ops from a wide range of technical disciplines to meet its growing business ventures.

Responsibilities:

Construction Management/Project Controls Specialist

This job entails applying the principles learned in Construction Management/Project Controls classes to various projects within the facilities. The construction management professional works with contractors and other construction specialists in the specialized industrial construction of Projects. The project values range from tens of thousands to billions of dollars. Typical tasks include: planning and scheduling of materials, labor, and equipment for construction, tracking and analyzing costs and comparing to control budgets, ensuring compliance with document control procedures and processes, preparing documents that provide an audit trail of major project decisions and risk mitigation efforts, assisting with bid preparation, award, and contract administration, monitoring and reporting of contractor productivity, progress, and performance, preparing schedule updates and critical path analysis.

During your time at MPC, you will develop and utilize project management skills ranging from scope, budget, and schedule development through construction and startup. MPC will provide training and educational opportunities to help you develop your knowledge. Additionally, MPC is committed to developing interns/co-ops into professional project managers who have the ability to successfully manage projects of all sizes.

Qualifications:

  • Desired majors are as follows: Construction Management, Construction Science, Construction Engineering, Construction Technology, or other related disciplines
  • Strong academic performance
  • Candidates must be authorized to work in the US on a full-time, indefinite basis without the need for employment visa sponsorship now or in the future.
  • Availability for multiple work terms is preferred
  • A valid driver's license is required
  • Available to work 40 hours per week
  • Concurrent enrollment in a degree-seeking program throughout duration of experience
  • MIN- $26.46 per hour / MAX- $33.49 per hour

As an energy industry leader, our career opportunities fuel personal and professional growth.

Location:

Findlay, Ohio

Job Requisition ID:

00018184

Pay Min/Max:

$0.00 - $999.99 Hourly

Grade:

HRLY1

Location Address:

539 S Main St

Additional locations:

Anacortes, Washington, Canton, Ohio, Catlettsburg, Kentucky, Detroit, Michigan, Robinson, Illinois, Salt Lake City, Utah, Texas City, Texas, Wilmington, California

Education:

Employee Group:

Part time

Employee Subgroup:

Intern

Marathon Petroleum Company LP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decision-making, age, mental or physical disability, medical condition or AIDS/HIV status, ancestry, national origin, genetic information, military, veteran status, marital status, citizenship or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. If you would like more information about your EEO rights as an applicant, click here.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process at Marathon Petroleum LP, please contact our Human Resources Department at talentacquisition@marathonpetroleum.com. Please specify the reasonable accommodation you are requesting, along with the job posting number in which you may be interested. A Human Resources representative will review your request and contact you to discuss a reasonable accommodation. Marathon Petroleum offers a total rewards program which includes, but is not limited to, access to health, vision, and dental insurance, paid time off, 401k matching program, paid parental leave, and educational reimbursement. Detailed benefit information is available atmympcbenefits.com. The hired candidate will also be eligible for a discretionary company-sponsored annual bonus program.
Equal Opportunity Employer: Veteran / Disability

We will consider all qualified Applicants for employment, including those with arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws. In reviewing criminal history in connection with a conditional offer of employment, Marathon will consider the key responsibilities of the role.

What Marathon Petroleum employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Marathon Petroleum logo

About Marathon Petroleum

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Marathon Petroleum Corporation, headquartered in Findlay, Ohio, US, is a leading independent petroleum refining, marketing, and transportation company. Their official website can be found at marathonpetroleum.com. The company, part of the energy sector, was established in 1887, making it one of the oldest petroleum companies in the US. It operates an integrated refining, marketing and transportation system concentrated primarily in the Midwest, Northeast, East Coast, Southeast and Gulf Coast of the United States. This includes refineries, pipelines, and terminals that process and transport crude oil and refined products.

Industry

Oil and gas extraction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Findlay, OH, US

Year founded

1887

View All Marathon Petroleum Jobs

Apply