Estimating Intern

Take Charge of Your Career at Interstates

At Interstates, we don’t just show up to work, we show up for each other. From our headquarters in Iowa to job sites across the country, we’re doing award-winning electrical, controls, automation, and OT work that powers industrial facilities for clients here in the U.S. and around the world. Whether you’re bending conduit, wiring panels, writing code, supporting projects, or helping things run behind the scenes, you’ll be part of a crew that works hard, shares laughs, and takes pride in doing quality work.

We believe in building strong teams, doing the right thing, and making a difference in the communities where we live. If you want to grow and do meaningful work, you’ll feel at home here.

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

• 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,…