About the role#
As an Electrical & Automation Estimating Intern, you will gain hands-on experience supporting the team that plans, prices, and prepares industrial projects for bid. You will work alongside experienced estimators and project professionals to understand how electrical construction, controls, instrumentation, and automation systems are scoped. This role connects your classroom learning to real-world projects in a collaborative environment.
What you'll do#
- Assist with quantity takeoffs, pricing, and organizing estimate information.
- Review drawings, specifications, P&IDs, and other project documents.
- Help prepare proposals, scope letters, assumptions, clarifications, and vendor requests.
- Learn about electrical power distribution, control systems, instrumentation, and automation.
- Gain exposure to equipment such as PLCs, HMIs, MCCs, VFDs, and control panels.
- Participate in estimate reviews and bid-preparation activities.
- Collaborate with estimators, engineers, project managers, supply chain, panel shop, sales, operations, and field teams.
- Attend job walks, pre-bid meetings, or project discussions when appropriate.
- Complete assignments that build technical, communication, and problem-solving skills.
What you'll need#
- Currently pursuing an associate or bachelor’s degree in construction management, electrical technology, automation, instrumentation, engineering technology, electrical engineering, business, or a related field.
- 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.
- Familiarity with drawings, electrical systems, PLCs, HMIs, MCCs, VFDs, or basic electrical calculations is preferred but not required.
Location & details#
- This position is based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
- The role is on-site and full-time.
- This is a paid, rolling internship term.
About Interstates
Interstates provides electrical, automation, and operational technology services for industrial manufacturing and processing facilities. Founded in 1953, the company operates as a privately held firm based in Sioux Center, Iowa. It employs between 1,001 and 5,000 people. The organization serves various sectors including food and beverage, energy, chemical, and data centers.
How to get in at Interstates
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