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Project Controls Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Nexiya, INC.

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Project Controls Specialist II (Environmental Queue Coordinator)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$29 - $37/hr

Associate's Degree and/or two (2) years of equivalent coursework, work experience, or professional training. * Minimum two (2) years of experience in utility, environmental, project controls, project ...

Syensqo

Project Control Specialist-Capex

Anaheim, CA · On-site

$88K - $110K/yr

We are looking for: The Project Controls Specialist Composite Materials GBU that has ... associates. Our solutions contribute to safer, cleaner, and more sustainable products found in ...

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All JobsProject Controls Associate JobsProject Controls Associate Jobs in California

Project Controls Associate information

See California salary details

$19

$43

$65

How much do project controls associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls associate 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.

What does a Project Controls Associate do?

A Project Controls Associate supports project management teams by monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on project cost, schedule, and performance data. They help ensure that projects stay on track by identifying variances, preparing forecasts, and maintaining detailed records of project progress. Their work involves collaborating with project managers, engineers, and other stakeholders to provide timely and accurate information that facilitates decision-making. This role is essential for maintaining project efficiency, controlling budgets, and minimizing risks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Project Controls Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Controls Associate, you need a solid understanding of project management principles, data analysis, and cost/schedule control, typically supported by a bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with project management software such as Primavera P6, MS Project, and proficiency in Excel, along with knowledge of Earned Value Management (EVM), are commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you manage project data and collaborate with stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for ensuring projects stay on track, on budget, and aligned with organizational objectives.

What is the difference between Project Controls Associate vs Cost Analyst?

AspectProject Controls AssociateCost Analyst
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in project management, finance, or related field; certifications like CAPM or PMP are commonRequires a degree in finance, accounting, or related; certifications like CPC or CMA are advantageous
Work EnvironmentWorks on project schedules, progress tracking, and reporting within construction, engineering, or IT projectsFocuses on budgeting, cost tracking, and financial analysis within similar industries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by construction, engineering, and infrastructure firms for project oversightCommon in finance, construction, and engineering sectors for financial management

The Project Controls Associate and Cost Analyst roles share overlapping skills in project budgeting and financial tracking. However, the Project Controls Associate primarily focuses on project scheduling, progress monitoring, and reporting, while the Cost Analyst emphasizes cost analysis, budgeting, and financial forecasting. Both roles are essential for project success but serve different aspects of project management and financial oversight.

How does a Project Controls Associate typically collaborate with project managers and other team members?

Project Controls Associates work closely with project managers, schedulers, and cost engineers to ensure that all aspects of a project are on track. They regularly participate in team meetings to provide updates on scheduling, budgeting, and progress tracking. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as they often need to coordinate data collection, analyze project performance, and help implement corrective actions when necessary. This cross-functional teamwork helps ensure that projects meet their deadlines and budgetary constraints.
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 Project Controls Associate jobs in California? For Project Controls Associate jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Project Controls Associate jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Project Controls Associate jobs in California are:
Project Controls Associate jobs near you
Project Controls Specialist

Project Controls Specialist

Strategic Management Solutions, LLC.

Livermore, CA

$150K - $175K/yr

Full-time, Per diem

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

SMSI provides expert management consulting, program and project management, and technical consulting services to
government and private sector clients. SMSI has grown and evolved by building an outstanding reputation for client-focused performance and for delivering results that enable clients to meet commitments and milestones.
SMSI is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Job Summary
SMSI is hiring multiple mid to senior level Project Controls Specialists to provide onsite support to multiple weapons development programs at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in California. The candidate can be based in either Livermore, CA or Las Vegas, NV. If based in Las Vegas, NV, the candidate will need to train onsite in Livermore, CA for a few months before transitioning to working fulltime in Las Vegas.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Support the Project Controls/Earned Value Management System. Perform cost estimating, analysis and control activities. As delegated to, supervises/provides technical direction for cost engineering and/or planning/scheduling activities. Identifies trends for management attention.
  • Provides/supervises schedule development, maintenance and monitoring activities. Provide/supervise cost engineering analysis, and control activities.
  • Prepares and reviews or supervises the preparation and presentation of cost engineering and planning activities.
  • Supports project organizational and administrative activities.
  • Responsible for cost engineering and cost analysis/control and planning and scheduling activities for projects with significant non-routine requirements or for discipline/projects/proposal cost and planning activities which require a high degree of technical skilled experience.
  • Demonstrated skill in identifying, analyzing, and providing innovative solutions to cost engineering and schedule guidance to projects.
  • Ensures work is completed as scheduled. Identification of cost trends for management attention.
  • Has broad expertise or unique knowledge, uses skills to contribute to development of objectives and principles and to achieve goals in creative and effective ways.
  • Develops advanced concepts, techniques, and standards based on professional principles and theories.
  • Works on unusually significant, unique or complex issues, provides solutions that are highly creative and where analysis of situations or data requires an evaluation of intangibles. Has impact on success of future concepts, products or technologies.
  • Works under consultative direction toward predetermined long-range targets. Assignments are often self-initiated. Virtually self-supervisory. Uses independent judgment for determining course of action to accomplish objectives. Uses wide latitude in the methods, techniques and evaluation criteria for obtaining results.
  • Position requires experience in performing, monitoring, and reviewing planning and scheduling functions, including schedule development, control, and analysis, and cost engineering functions, including cost estimating, cost control, financial reporting systems, and cost analysis, in the field and the home office.
  • Knowledge of supervision, personnel administration, and training of technical and non-technical personnel.
  • Skilled in oral and written communication. Proficiency in using personal computer operating systems, including several basic
  • software applications. Proficiency in using multiple discipline-specific software applications currently used.
  • Knowledge of financial report systems and controller account codes, and understanding of controller instructions, which impact project controls (including project financial status reports and earned revenue determination data). Demonstrates an intermediate level of understanding of project controls general technical skills.
Requirements:
  • U.S. Citizenship is required.
  • Candidates must be able to work onsite in Livermore, CA (travel reimbursement / per diem may be available but not guaranteed). Alternatively the candidate can work onsite in Las Vegas, NV. If based in Las Vegas, NV, the candidate will need to train onsite in Livermore, CA for a few months before transitioning to work onsite fulltime in Las Vegas.
  • Minimum of eight years of related experience is required, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Experience in P6 Primavera, Deltek Cobra, and / or risk management software applications (e.g. Acumen Risk, Crystal Ball, etc.)
  • Experience in Earned Value Management (EVM).
Educational Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree and 6 years of experience or Associate's degree and 8 years of experience.
  • 10 years of experience in lieu of degree.
  • At this level, post graduate course work may be expected.
Salary Range
  • $150,000 to $175,000 per year

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