Electrical & Automation Estimating Intern

Build Your Future with Interstates

Want to see how major electrical and automation projects come together—before construction even begins?

As an Electrical & Automation Estimating Intern at Interstates, you’ll gain hands-on experience supporting the team that plans, prices, and prepares projects for bid. You’ll work alongside experienced estimators and project professionals while learning how electrical construction, controls, instrumentation, and automation systems are scoped for industrial facilities.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in construction management, electrical technology, engineering, automation, or project planning. No estimating experience is required—just curiosity, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

What You’ll Do

You’ll support real estimating work while receiving coaching and feedback from experienced team members. Your work may include:

• Assisting with quantity takeoffs, pricing, and organizing estimate information 
• Learning how electrical and automation projects are planned and prepared for bid 
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and other project documents 
• Helping prepare proposals, scope letters, assumptions, clarifications, and vendor requests 
• Learning about electrical power distribution, control systems, instrumentation, and automation 
• Gaining exposure to systems and equipment such as PLCs, HMIs, MCCs, VFDs, and control panels 
• Participating in estimate reviews and bid-preparation activities 
• Collaborating with estimators, engineers, project managers, supply chain, panel shop, sales, operations, and field teams 
• Attending job walks, pre-bid meetings, or project discussions when appropriate 
• Completing meaningful assignments that build your technical, communication, and problem-solving skills

What You’ll Learn

This internship helps connect classroom learning to real-world projects. You’ll build foundational experience in:

• Electrical and automation estimating 
• Reading construction drawings and specifications 
• Industrial electrical systems, controls, and instrumentation 
• Project planning, pricing, and proposal development 
• Team communication and collaboration 
• Safety, quality, and problem-solving in industrial project environments 
• Career paths in estimating, electrical construction, engineering, and automation

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to know everything on day one. We’re looking for students who are dependable, detail-oriented, and ready to learn from a team that wants to help you grow.

Education

Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, electrical technology, automation, instrumentation, engineering technology, electrical engineering, business, or a related field.

Skills & Interests

•    Interest in estimating, construction, electrical systems, controls, instrumentation, or automation 
•    Strong attention to detail and organization 
•    Analytical thinking and a problem-solving mindset 
•    Clear written and verbal communication skills 
•    Ability to manage time, meet deadlines, and follow defined processes 
•    Willingness to ask questions, receive feedback, and work as part of a team 
•    Familiarity with Microsoft Excel, Word, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat, or similar tools is helpful 
•    Familiarity with drawings, electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, MCCs, VFDs, or basic electrical calculations is helpful—but not required

No previous estimating or industry experience is required. We’ll help you build the skills and confidence to take the next step in your career.

Travel Requirements

Some travel may be required for job walks, project meetings, or other business needs.

Location

Based in either the Sioux Center, Iowa, or Sioux Falls, South Dakota, office

Why Intern at Interstates?

This is more than an internship—it’s a chance to explore a career, contribute to meaningful work, and learn from people who want to see you succeed.

At Interstates, you can expect:

• Real-world experience supporting electrical and automation projects 
• Coaching and feedback from experienced estimators and project professionals 
• Exposure to multiple career paths in electrical construction, engineering, and automation 
• A safety-focused, team-oriented workplace 
• Career coaching and development opportunities 
• Company-sponsored holiday events, team celebrations, and community outreach volunteer time 
• Company discount perk program 
• Travel pay, when applicable

Let’s Build What’s Next—Together.

At Interstates, we treat each other like family because our team is the foundation for our success. We’re focused on building a collaborative workplace based on trust, integrity, and support for one another.

If you’re ready to gain experience, grow your skills, and help shape the projects of tomorrow, apply for the Electrical & Automation Estimating Internship.