Estimator

DESRI; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and prescription drug coverage

401(k) contribution matching

Paid time off

Wellness reimbursement

Family building benefits

Charitable gift match program

Job summary

DESRI is seeking a highly motivated estimator to join its Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) team in Houston, Texas. The role focuses on leading cost estimating for utility-scale solar construction projects and requires a minimum of 5 years of EPC estimating experience. Responsibilities include preparing cost estimates, optimizing EPC bids, and collaborating with various stakeholders. The expected annual salary ranges from $110,000 to $160,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package including bonuses, medical coverage, and paid time off.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in estimating utility-scale solar systems.
• Experience with EPC and BOP estimate structure required.
• Comfortable operating in a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead DESRI’s cost estimating function for solar construction projects.
• Oversee and prepare cost estimates for early-stage projects.
• Analyze responses from EPCs for accuracy and completeness.

Skills

EPC estimating

Utility-scale solar experience

Collaborative teamwork

Travel for site reviews

Education

Undergraduate degree in engineering or construction management

Job description

About DESRI

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 11 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 70 renewable energy projects in 24 states.

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.
• 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.