What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Project Manager - Innovation position at Interstates Companies?
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.
Assistant Project Manager - Innovation
We are looking for the future leaders of our Project Management team!
We're looking for people who want to help figure out what's worth building in the first place.
At Interstates, we specialize in Electrical Construction, Engineering, Instrumentation, and Automation. Yes, that may sound like a mouthful-but you don't need experience in those areas to succeed here. We believe in coaching, training, and development. With the right attitude and a desire to help our customers and teams, we can teach you the rest.
This Assistant Project Manager role sits within our Innovation team, where you'll help take ideas from early-stage concepts to real, validated solutions that impact our customers, field teams, and business.
If you're curious, organized, and excited about solving problems that don't have clear answers yet-we strongly encourage you to apply.
What You'll Do
As an Assistant Project Manager - Innovation, you'll work closely with project managers, technologists, field teams, and internal stakeholders to bring structure and momentum to new ideas.
You'll help:
- Turn early-stage ideas into structured project work
- Track goals, assumptions, risks, and next steps
- Coordinate research, field feedback, and customer insights
- Support pilots, testing, and validation efforts
- Keep teams aligned and communication clear
- Identify where projects are stuck and help move them forward
- Assist in vendor coordination, procurement, and internal processes
- Support cost tracking and early business case development
You won't just track tasks-you'll help the team learn what works, what doesn't, and what's worth investing in.
What Makes This Role Different
- You'll work on projects before they're fully defined
- You'll help connect project management with product thinking
- You'll collaborate with field teams, customers, and technology partners
- You'll gain exposure to how ideas become real offerings and solutions
This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to grow into project management, product management, or innovation-focused roles.
What We're Looking For
We're not expecting you to have everything figured out-we're looking for the right mindset.
- Organized and able to manage multiple priorities
- Experience with Product Management or desire to learn
- Curious and willing to ask questions
- Comfortable working in ambiguity and changing direction
- Strong communicator (written and verbal)
- High level of ownership and follow-through
- Ability to simplify complex or unclear situations
Bonus if you have experience with:
- Project coordination or internships
- Construction, field operations, or industrial environments
- Customer or user feedback
- Process improvement or technology initiatives
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's or associate's degree in Business, Product Management, or related field preferred
- Preference towards any that currently possesses or is pursuing certification in CAPM or PMP.
- Relevant internship, project coordination, or early-career experience is helpful, but not required
Location & Travel
This position can be based out of our Omaha, NE; Sioux Falls, SD; or Sioux Center, IA offices.Travel is expected approximately 15-20%.
Interstates Describes Its Culture as Family-Like
- Caring co-workers treat each other like family
- Be treated like an individual, not just a number
- Flexible schedules support work/life balance
- Team events, lunches, and social activities
- Opportunities to give back through community involvement
Our Why
- Providing opportunities for our people
- Making a difference with our clients
- Pursuing a better way
Benefits of Working at Interstates
- 401(k) Retirement Plan Company Match
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
- Flexible Schedule
- Bonus Incentives and Merit Increases
- Career Coaching and Development
- Advancement Opportunities
Want to be a Project Manager in 2-3 years? At Interstates, we can get you there.
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 ourPrivacy 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.
Interstates is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and provides a drug free work environment. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, gender, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, religion, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Interstates complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. A copy of our AAP is available upon request during regular business hours.