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Project Controls Associate Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects ... At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly ...

Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects ... At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly ...

Sr. Controls Specialist

Ione, CA · On-site

$104K - $143K/yr

Provide technical expertise in support of capital projects, process evaluation, and equipment ... Education/Experience An Associate's degree coupled with 5+ years of demonstrated experience in an ...

Provide technical expertise in support of capital projects, process evaluation, and equipment ... An Associate's degree coupled with 5+ years of demonstrated experience in an industrial continuous ...

Senior Associate

Oakland, CA · On-site

$110K - $136K/yr

... Associates for our Construction Consulting Practice in Oakland, CA . In this role you will work as ... Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects.

Senior Associate

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $132K/yr

... Associates for our Construction Consulting Practice in Oakland, CA . In this role you will work as ... Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects.

... Associates for our Construction Consulting Practice in Oakland, CA . In this role you will work as ... Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects.

... Associates for our Construction Consulting Practice in Oakland, CA . In this role you will work as ... Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects.

Senior Project Manager

Salinas, CA · On-site

$190K - $220K/yr

Manage project controls, cost, schedule, performance activities, and procedures required by the ... Associate DBIA or DBIA Certification is preferred Travel Requirements This position is project site ...

Project Accountant II

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$25 - $30/hr

... support, project controls, cost estimating, scheduling, environmental compliance, and QA/QC ... Associate's degree or College Certificate. Additional qualifying experience in excess to the ...

Senior Project Manager

San Bernardino, CA · On-site

$160K - $180K/yr

Manage project controls, cost, schedule, performance activities, and procedures required by the ... A DBIA or Associate DBIA certificate is desired but not required * A valid driver's license with an ...

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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 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:
Senior Associate

Full-time

Retirement

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Exponent is the only premium engineering and scientific consulting firm with the depth and breadth of expertise to solve our clients’ most profoundly unique, unprecedented, and urgent challenges.  

We are committed to engaging multidisciplinary teams of science, engineering, and regulatory experts to empower our clients with solutions that create a safer, healthier, more sustainable world. For over five decades, we've connected the lessons of past failures with tomorrow's solutions to advise clients as they innovate technologically complex products and processes, ensure the safety and health of their users, and address the challenges of sustainability.  

Join our team of experts with degrees from top programs at over 500 universities and extensive experience spanning a variety of industries. At Exponent, you’ll contribute to the diverse pool of ideas, talents, backgrounds, and experiences that drives our collaborative teamwork and breakthrough insights. Plus, we help you grow your career through mentoring, sponsorship, and a culture of learning. Thanks for your interest in joining our team! 

Key statistics: 

  • 950+ Consultants 
  • 640+ Ph.D.s 
  • 90+ Disciplines 
  • 30+ Offices globally 

We are currently seeking Senior Associates for our Construction Consulting Practice in Oakland, CA. In this role you will work as part of a team working on projects relating to construction project and program management, cost and schedule controls, risk management, construction claims analysis, and related construction consulting services.


  • Performing or supporting project management and project controls of construction projects.  
  • Analyzing and managing construction project scope, cost, schedule, contracts, resources, changes and risks. 
  • Evaluating, monitoring, and reporting on performance of projects.
  • Performing data management and analytics.
  • Supporting analysis of construction claims.
  • Responding to requests of project leads and clients.

  • B.S. in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, Structural Engineering or related field (Advanced degree(s), Registration and Certifications are preferred but not required)
  • 5+ years of experience in construction project management, project controls, or construction consulting
  • Ability to work within project teams with a strong desire to contribute
  • Analytical and critical thinking skills
  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to interact effectively with both internal and external clients
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Knowledge of common construction-related software including Primavera and Microsoft Office tools
  • Presently legally authorized to work in the US, no immigration sponsorship or visa processing required

Applicants are encouraged to submit a CV (Curriculum Vitae) with publications (feel free to include publications that are in review or pending) [not restricted to 1 page].


To learn more about life at Exponent and our impact, please visit the following links:
https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent
https://www.exponent.com/company/our-impact

Attracting, inspiring, developing, and rewarding exceptional people with diverse backgrounds and expertise are central to our corporate culture. Our diverse team allows us to provide better value to our clients and enjoy an enriched work environment.  

Our firm is committed to offering a variety of programs and resources to support health and well-being. We believe that providing competitive benefits as well as compensation and recognition programs empowers our staff to do work that makes a difference. 


At Exponent, we have found that in-person interactions deepen employee engagement and are crucial for development, for realizing the full potential of our talented and diverse teams, and for building a more inclusive workplace where all have a sense of belonging. In our offices, you can expect a supportive culture and a collaborative, dynamic, multi-disciplinary work environment. Our consultants engage in-person in the office unless they are traveling for client work or other business activities.

We value the rich lives our colleagues enjoy outside of work and understand that work/life balance is critical to our employees and their well-being. Consultants have the autonomy to balance their work and personal schedules so you can meet with clients, visit inspection sites, attend conferences, and make time for priorities outside of work, too. It is this flexible, agile work style and working hours that allow our teams to drive innovation and results in their own ways, while meeting the needs of clients.  #LI-Onsite 


Our consultants are rewarded for their technical and business contributions and have an opportunity to plan for future success and career growth. Exponent's total compensation plan is consistent with its expectations of the quality and quantity of work performed and with the professional standards set by Exponent. At the Associate and Senior Associate level, total compensation includes base salary, bi-weekly bonuses for high-intensity efforts, annual bonus and 401(k) employer contribution of 7% of base salary.

The base salary range for this position is dependent on experience and capabilities which will be assessed during the interview process.


USD $110,000.00 - USD $136,000.00 /Yr.

Access benefits information on our Life@Exponent page: 

https://www.exponent.com/careers/life-exponent 

Exponent is a proud equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected status. 

If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may email us at HR-Accommodations@exponent.com. 


US-CA-Oakland