Estimator

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, Inc.; Colorado; On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Year-end bonus

Medical and prescription coverage

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Wellness reimbursement

Charitable gift match program

Job summary

D.E. Shaw Renewable Investments, Inc. is looking for a talented estimator to join their EPC team. This role involves leading cost estimating for solar renewable projects, with emphasis on collaboration and cost accuracy.

Applicants should hold an undergraduate degree in engineering or construction management and have at least 5 years of estimating utility-scale solar systems. DESRI offers a range of benefits including a year-end bonus and various health coverage options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating utility-scale solar systems.
• Familiarity with standard utility-scale construction industry concepts.
• Ability to travel to sites to review conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost estimating function for solar projects.
• Prepare and review cost estimates for early-stage projects.
• Analyze quotes for accuracy and efficacy regarding project milestones.

Skills

EPC estimating experience

Utility-scale solar systems

Collaboration

Construction management

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering or construction management

Job description

DESRI (formerly D. E. Shaw Renewable Investments) is a market‑leading owner and operator of renewable energy projects throughout the United States. We have acquired or developed approximately 13 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 85 renewable energy projects in 24 states.

At DESRI, our culture is grounded in rigorous analytics and thoughtful risk‑taking, with a strong emphasis on creativity, intellectual curiosity, and continuous improvement. We operate with lean teams that prioritize efficiency and minimize unnecessary bureaucracy, enabling individuals to take ownership and move quickly. We value open, constructive dialogue and believe it leads to better outcomes. Above all, we are driven to go the extra mile and support one another, fostering a collaborative environment built on accountability, integrity, and care.

About the role

DESRI seeks a talented and highly motivated individual with EPC estimating experience in the utility‑scale solar and renewables industry to join its Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team as an estimator. This role provides the opportunity to participate in the development, acquisition, and management of renewable energy assets in an inclusive, collaborative, and engaging working environment.

What you'll do

You’ll be tasked with leading DESRI’s cost estimating function, including all balance of plant construction (DC/AC electrical and mechanical), and high voltage. You will be involved in plant design optimization—with consideration given to equipment selection, energy production, cost of work and labor productivity—to provide accurate cost estimates for solar construction projects to support our renewable energy development and construction business. You will oversee and prepare cost estimates for early‑stage projects, as well as review the optimization of EPC bids based on industry knowledge of construction means and methods, costs, and engineering and industry principles. You will have both an early‑stage focus, working with DESRI’s development teams, as well as a mid‑late‑stage focus, partnering with EPCs either in the RFP phase or once they are selected to build a project. You will also be responsible for receiving and distributing requests for quotes to EPCs, and analyzing responses for accuracy, completeness, and efficacy per request and project schedule milestones.

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in engineering or construction management with equivalent experience in the industry, and a minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating utility‑scale solar systems, is required.
• Experience with EPC and BOP estimate structure for proposal creation for utility‑scale construction projects, as well as experience with tasks and processes associated with the construction of utility grade renewable energy projects, is essential.
• Ability to travel to sites to review site conditions during the proposal phase, evaluate resources, and familiarity with standard utility‑scale construction industry concepts, means and methods is required.
• Applicants should be comfortable operating in a collaborative team environment and working with third‑party customers, developers, design engineers, construction estimators, pre‑construction managers, construction managers, and executive managers.
• At DESRI, we consider a wide range of factors to determine your compensation. We rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, location, skills, and experience. The expected annual base salary for this position is $110,000 - $160,000.
• Our compensation and benefits package includes variable compensation in the form of a year‑end bonus, guaranteed in the first year of hire, and benefits including medical and prescription drug coverage, 401(k) contribution matching, paid time off, wellness reimbursement, family building benefits, and a charitable gift match program.