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Project Controls Specialist Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

STV

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$91K - $105K/yr

STV is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to overseeing project controls functions for high-quality infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will lead and manage the full suite of project ...

Airswift

Project Cost Controls Specialist

Pacheco, CA · On-site

Project Cost Controls Specialist Duration: 12 months w/ possible extension Location: Martinez, CA Schedule: 9/80 About Airswift Airswift is an international workforce solutions provider within the ...

STV

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$82K - $94K/yr

STV is seeking a Project Controls Specialist to join our Project Controls department at our Los Angeles, CA office. STV is a leading national infrastructure-focused professional services firm ...

OMS Group

Project Controls Specialist

Pleasant Hill, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

The PROJECT CONTROLS SPECIALIST is a senior technical and leadership role responsible for directing environmental planning, regulatory compliance, permitting, construction-phase oversight, and ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA

As a Project Controls Specialist at PM2CM, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of our projects through effective cost management, scheduling, and risk assessment. You ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Project Controls Specialist at PM2CM, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of our projects through effective cost management, scheduling, and risk assessment. You ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

As a Project Controls Specialist at PM2CM, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of our projects through effective cost management, scheduling, and risk assessment. You ...

PM2CM

Project Controls Specialist

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

As a Project Controls Specialist at PM2CM, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of our projects through effective cost management, scheduling, and risk assessment. You ...

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All JobsProject Controls Specialist JobsProject Controls Specialist Jobs in California

Project Controls Specialist information

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$43

$65

How much do project controls specialist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for project controls specialist 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 is a project controls specialist?

Project Controls Specialists are professionals who monitor, analyze, and report on various aspects of project performance, such as cost, schedule, and risk. They play a key role in ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget by providing accurate data and forecasts to project managers and stakeholders. Their responsibilities typically include developing project schedules, tracking progress, managing budgets, and identifying potential issues before they impact project delivery. Project Controls Specialists often work in industries like construction, engineering, and energy, where large-scale projects require close oversight.

What does a project controls specialist do?

As a project controls specialist, you track employee performance during a project and support all managers involved with this project. In this role, you may report any problems with the project, help ensure the schedule and budget match the objectives of the project, and otherwise ensure operations conform to the plan. This is often an intermediate managerial role that works directly below the primary project manager, but above the employees who are doing most of the actual work on the project. Most project control specialists focus on large, complex projects, and may help with several different projects at the same time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a project controls specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Project Controls Specialist, you need expertise in project management, cost control, scheduling, and data analysis, typically supported by a degree in engineering, construction management, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Primavera P6, MS Project, and Earned Value Management Systems (EVMS), as well as relevant certifications such as PMP or AACE, is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills ensure projects remain on track, within budget, and risks are proactively managed for successful project delivery.

What are some common challenges faced by project controls specialists when managing large-scale projects?

Project Controls Specialists often encounter challenges such as integrating data from multiple sources, maintaining up-to-date project schedules, and ensuring cost control across various project phases. Managing communication between different departments and adapting to frequent changes in project scope or timelines are also common hurdles. Proactively addressing these issues requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration with project managers, engineers, and stakeholders.

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

AspectProject Controls SpecialistCost Analyst
CredentialsPM certifications, industry-specific trainingFinance or accounting certifications, such as CPA or CMA
Work EnvironmentConstruction, engineering, or infrastructure projectsCorporate finance, manufacturing, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in project-driven industries like construction and engineeringCommon in finance, manufacturing, and government sectors

While both roles involve financial and project data, a Project Controls Specialist focuses on overall project scheduling, risk management, and performance tracking, whereas a Cost Analyst primarily analyzes project costs and budgets. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus, with the Project Controls Specialist managing broader project controls and the Cost Analyst concentrating on cost specifics.

Is project controls a good career?

Project controls is a valuable career path that involves planning, scheduling, cost management, and risk analysis to ensure project success. Professionals in this field often use tools like Primavera P6 or Microsoft Project and may pursue certifications such as PMI-SP or AACE certifications. It offers opportunities across industries like construction, engineering, and manufacturing with a focus on analytical skills and attention to detail.
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Project Controls Specialist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Project Controls Specialist job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,985 per year, or $43.3 per hour.

Project Controls Specialist Assistant

Walnut Creek, CA • On-site

One Tech
See more jobs at One Techexternal

$91K - $95K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Job Description One Tech Engineering is searching for a Project Controls Specialist Assistant for a position located in Walnut Creek, California. The Project Controls Specialist Assistant will support all aspects of project controls and reporting, including project change management, cost control, progress measurement, schedule development, and schedule control. The candidate must be a US Citizen or a green card holder, the position is not eligible for sponsorship.

The candidate should have a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management or a related field. Local candidates preferred or open to relocation. This is not a remote position.

Project Controls Specialist Assistant Responsibilities: 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.

Requirements of the Project Controls Specialist Assistant: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field. Applicable experience may be substituted for the degree requirement. Experience with Oracle Primavera P6 is preferred.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient with Microsoft Office. OSHA 10-hour safety certification is a nice-to-have.

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