Estimating Intern

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

Interstates may collect personal information as part of your job application, such as your contact details, work history, education, and any information you provide. This information is used only for recruitment, to evaluate your candidacy, and to meet legal requirements. For details about our privacy practices and your rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), please see our Privacy Policy . By applying, you acknowledge that you have reviewed this notice.

Interstates is an EEO provider and offers a drug-free workplace. Employment at Interstates is at-will and may be terminated at any time with or without notice or cause, except as otherwise provided by law.