Industrial Controls Estimator/Automation Specialist in Development

Design Solutions & Integration; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

401(k) match

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

Design Solutions and Integration is seeking an Industrial Controls Estimator to develop accurate cost estimates for control panels, automation services, and instrumentation. You will collaborate with internal teams and vendors to establish material, labor, and project costs while ensuring precise estimates and smooth handoffs.

Opportunities include exposure to SCADA, industrial automation, and system integration with potential field service shadowing as schedules permit.

Qualifications

• AAS degree in Automation Controls, SCADA, Industrial Automation or related technical discipline preferred.
• Interest in progressing beyond estimating into automation, PLC systems, SCADA and system integration.

Responsibilities

• Develop project estimates for industrial control panel builds, automation and instrumentation.
• Maintain estimation numbers based on materials, vendor pricing and labor hours.
• Develop BOMs or use supplied BOMs to obtain vendor pricing.
• Estimate labor requirements and timeframes for projects.
• Coordinate with procurement, panel shop and automation teams to validate costs.
• Provide organized project handoffs to team leads after estimating.

Skills

Industrial automation

SCADA

Electrical drawings

Project estimation

Excel

Education

Associate of Applied Science in Automation Controls/SCADA

Job description

Design Solutions and Integration is an employee-owned company providing automation, electrical, and mechanical services to major energy partners including Diamondback Energy, ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, and Chevron. Since 2001, we’ve supported oil-field operations with reliable, safety-driven solutions that keep projects moving. Guided by our core values—integrity, safety, accountability, faith, and innovation—we take pride in delivering dependable work for customers who expect the best. As an employee-owner, you’ll have access to competitive wages and a strong benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, paid time off, a 401(k) match, and participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). At DSI, we’re all invested in doing the job right.

The Industrial Controls Estimator is responsible for developing accurate cost estimates for industrial control panel builds, automation services, and instrumentation projects. This position works closely with internal teams and external vendors to establish material, labor, and project costs while ensuring accurate estimates and effective project handoffs. The role also provides an opportunity for professional development through exposure to industrial automation, SCADA systems, and system integration. As projects and schedules allow, the individual will have opportunities to shadow an experienced system integrator during field service work, gaining hands‑on experience with troubleshooting, controls manufacturers, and various industrial processes.

Requirements

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in Automation Controls,SCADA, Industrial Automation, or a related technical discipline is strongly preferred. Candidates with an AAS from programs such as Mitchell Technical College's Automation Controls / SCADA program are encouraged to apply.

Candidates should have a genuine interest in developing their technical skills and progressing beyond estimating into industrial automation, PLC systems, SCADA, and system integration. Long-term placement exclusively within the estimating role is not an intended career path for this position.

Travel Requirements

• Estimating Phase: Occasional local travel may be required to accompany system integrators during service work, equipment evaluations, and field training. Travel is generally limited to the surrounding area.
• Automation Phase: Travel requirements will increase as the individual transitions into automation and system integration responsibilities. This may include overnight travel, extended stays, and rotations of up to two weeks at company-operated remote locations.

Candidates must be willing and able to accommodate the travel requirements associated with the automation role as their responsibilities progress.

Job Responsibilities

• Develop project estimates for industrial control panel builds, automation services, and instrumentation.
• Create and maintain estimation numbers based on material requirements, vendor pricing, and anticipated labor hours.
• Develop bills of materials (BOMs) or utilize supplied BOMs to obtain pricing from various vendors.
• Estimate labor requirements and anticipated timeframes for project completion.
• Coordinate with procurement, panel shop, and automation teams to validate project costs and requirements.
• Provide accurate and organized project handoffs to team leads upon completion of the estimating process.
• Develop an understanding of industrial automation, PLC systems, and SCADA applications.
• Work toward developing system integration knowledge and capabilities through internal training and project exposure.
• Shadow local system integrators during field service activities when scheduling and project demands allow.
• Gain exposure to troubleshooting methods, industrial control manufacturers, instrumentation, and various industrial processes.
• Develop, modify, and maintain electrical drawings, control panel layouts, wiring diagrams, and other project documentation as project requirements dictate.
• Assist with drawing revisions and documentation updates to reflect project changes, equipment selections, and final installations

Knowledge, skills & abilities

• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, sorting, filtering, and spreadsheet management.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows, general computer troubleshooting, and file management.
• General understanding of computer networking concepts, including IP addressing, Ethernet communications, and network connectivity.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, electrical schematics, and equipment documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Schedule

32-40 hours per week typical

$25 - $30 an hour

Guided by our core values—integrity, safety, accountability, faith, and innovation—we take pride in delivering dependable work for customers who expect the highest standards. Our footprint spans various sectors including architecture, engineering, construction, and technology. Whether crafting efficient workspaces, integrating cutting‑edge technology systems, or optimizing infrastructure for peak performance, Design Solutions and Integration brings a holistic approach to every project. As an employee-owner, you’ll benefit from competitive wages and a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, disability coverage, paid time off, a 401(k) match, and participation in our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). At DSI, we’re all invested in doing the job right.