Senior Systems Engineer Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

We're looking for someone who wants to help build something.

Not just manage projects. Not just maintain client relationships. Build a market.

At Interstates, we're continuing to grow our Energy business and are looking for a Senior Project Manager who wants to play a major role in shaping where it goes next. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in ownership, sees opportunities before others do, and wants to help establish the vision, relationships, and operational foundation for long-term growth.

We're looking for someone who can:

• Build strong, lasting client relationships
• Create trust through execution and accountability
• Help drive growth within the energy market
• Lead complex industrial energy projects with confidence
• Influence strategy while staying close to operations
• Help establish how Interstates shows up in the energy space for years to come

What You'll Do

As a Senior Project Manager - Energy, you'll lead complex industrial and energy-related projects from kickoff through commissioning and closeout.

You'll help:

• Lead full lifecycle project execution including planning, execution, forecasting, and turnover
• Manage projects involving power generation systems, SCADA integration, and behind-the-meter energy solutions
• Coordinate across construction, engineering, OT, and automation teams to keep projects aligned
• Drive accountability around scope, schedule, budget, and project performance
• Identify project risks early and proactively solve issues before they escalate
• Manage client communication, project reporting, and stakeholder alignment
• Support commissioning, FAT/SAT testing, and operational readiness activities
• Lead change management efforts including scope adjustments and financial impacts
• Improve project delivery standards, tools, reporting, and operational processes
• Mentor project managers and coordinators across teams

This role requires someone who can operate strategically while also staying close to execution details.

What Makes This Role Different

• You'll help shape the future direction of our Energy business
• You'll lead highly integrated projects across multiple business units
• You'll help establish processes, standards, and operational structure as the market grows
• You'll work directly with clients to build long-term partnerships and trust
• You'll have visibility across construction, engineering, OT, and operational teams
• You'll influence process improvement and project delivery standards company-wide
• You'll be trusted to solve problems, lead people, and drive outcomes

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who takes ownership, communicates clearly, and performs well in high-accountability environments.

• 7+ years of project management experience in industrial, automation, infrastructure, or energy-related environments
• Experience managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects
• Strong understanding of project financials, forecasting, scheduling, and resource management
• Ability to lead across teams and influence without direct authority
• Strong communication and client relationship skills
• Comfortable navigating ambiguity, competing priorities, and operational challenges
• Experience with ERP systems, scheduling tools, and project reporting platforms

Bonus if you have experience with:

• SCADA systems or industrial automation projects
• Power generation or behind-the-meter energy systems
• Construction and engineering coordination
• Process improvement or operational standardization initiatives
• PMP certification or equivalent project management credentials

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Business, or related field preferred
• Equivalent industry experience will also be considered
• Industrial, manufacturing, energy, automation, or EPC project experience strongly preferred

Location & Travel

This position can be based remotely, with preference toward candidates located near our offices in:

• Omaha, NE
• Sioux Center, IA
• Sioux Falls, SD
• Fort Collins, CO

Travel is expected approximately 25% of the time based on project and client needs.

Compensation

Expected compensation range for this role is approximately $135,000-$160,000+, based on experience, project background, and overall fit for the role.

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

If you're looking for a role where you can help shape a growing market, lead meaningful energy projects, and build lasting client partnerships while influencing the future direction of the business - we'd love to connect.