Interstates

Automation Lead Estimator

Interstates • $90K — $120K *
Sioux Falls, SD 57106In-Person
Real Estate & Construction
8 - 10 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's or associate degree in construction management, electrical technology, engineering technology, automation, or a related field preferred
  • Advanced training in automation
  • Proven success leading an estimating team on complex or large-scale electrical or automation projects
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in electrical and automation estimating, project execution, or engineering leadership
  • Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional coordination experience

Responsibilities

  • Serve as a subject matter expert in your estimating field
  • Collaborate with offer and market lane leaders to support project pursuits
  • Assign estimating tasks based on team members' skills and availability
  • Lead and review high-risk estimates for quality and accuracy
  • Mentor, develop, and motivate estimators to align with organizational goals
  • Facilitate team meetings that encourage knowledge sharing and problem-solving

Benefits

  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus short- and long-term disability and group life insurance
  • Paid time off, holiday pay, and flexible scheduling for work-life balance
  • Bonus incentives, including year-end incentives
  • Family- and safety-focused culture that values the whole person
  • Company-sponsored holiday events and volunteer opportunities
  • Advancement opportunities aligned with long-term goals
Full Job Description
At Interstates, our Automation Lead Estimator leads estimating activities within an assigned lane to help deliver awarded, profitable work. This role is responsible for producing consistent, high-quality estimates, allocating estimating resources effectively, and building strong collaboration across lanes. The Lead Estimator partners with business, market, and estimating leaders to improve estimating practices, drive innovation, and support the development of the estimating team.

What You'll Do
  • Serve as a subject matter expert in your estimating field
  • Collaborate with offer and market lane leaders to support project pursuits aligned with lane strategy and business goals
  • Assign estimating tasks based on team members' skills, experience, and availability
  • Ensure each proposal has a clear win strategy and meaningful differentiators
  • Lead and review targeted or high-risk estimates for quality and accuracy
  • Assess estimating resource needs to align capacity with project demand
  • Hire, onboard, and train new team members
  • Mentor, develop, and motivate estimators to align with organizational goals
  • Work with the Home Base Leader to maintain estimating standards, methodologies, and best practices
  • Facilitate regular team meetings that encourage knowledge sharing, problem-solving, and team building
  • Define and communicate performance expectations for team members within the lane
  • Support strategic planning with the Director of Estimating, offer team leaders, and geo-market leaders
  • Fulfill supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies and applicable laws

What We're Looking For
  • Bachelor's or associate degree in construction management, electrical technology, engineering technology, automation, or a related field preferred
  • Advanced training in automation
  • Proven success leading an estimating team on complex or large-scale electrical or automation projects
  • 10+ years of progressive experience in electrical and automation estimating, project execution, or engineering leadership
  • Demonstrated leadership and cross-functional coordination experience

Skills for Success
  • Proficient in and/or able to develop within Interstates estimating systems
  • Expert-level estimating, risk management, and pricing strategy skills
  • Strong leadership, facilitation, and cross-functional collaboration skills
  • Ability to make sound decisions under schedule and cost pressure
  • Strong understanding of constructability, execution planning, and margin drivers
  • Effective communication skills with internal teams and external partners
  • Professional, collaborative, and consistent in all interactions
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and team development

Location and Travel: This role is based in Sioux Falls, SD, or Sioux Center, IA, with limited travel of up to 10%.

Benefits of Working at Interstates
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company match
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance, plus short- and long-term disability and group life insurance
  • Company discount program with savings from top national brands
  • Paid time off, holiday pay, and flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
  • Bonus incentives, including year-end incentives and merit increases
  • A family- and safety-focused culture that values you as a whole person
  • Company-sponsored holiday events, team celebrations, and volunteer opportunities
  • Advancement opportunities aligned with your long-term goals
  • Continued education for licensed electricians
  • Career coaching


About Interstates

Interstates is an electrical engineering, construction, and automation company that provides innovative solutions to industrial and manufacturing clients across the United States. The company was founded in 1953 and has grown to become a leading provider of electrical engineering and automation services. Interstates has a team of over 1,000 professionals who work together to deliver high-quality solutions that help clients improve their operations and increase their efficiency. The company is committed to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, and has a proven track record of success in the industry.
Learn more about Interstates
Size
1,000 employees
Industry
Real Estate & Construction
Founded
1933
* Ladders Estimates

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