About the role
In this role, you will work as an embedded member of DESRI’s Preconstruction Estimating function, supporting the U.S.-based Lead Estimator across quantity takeoffs, model setup, bill of materials development, and first-cut cost estimates. You will build a deep understanding of DESRI’s estimating methodology and progressively take on a more active role, moving from groundwork tasks toward taking initial passes at estimates.
What you'll do
- Operate as an embedded member of the Estimating team, working under the direction of the U.S.-based Lead Estimator across assigned projects.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and set up the estimating model framework using project design documents, site data, and DESRI templates, providing the Lead Estimator a structured, populated starting point.
- Develop Bills of Materials (BOM) from Hyderabad engineering design output that feed directly into the estimating model, reducing duplicative effort and improving input accuracy.
- Build first-cut Balance of System (BOS) cost estimates using established unit cost databases and project-specific inputs directed by the Lead Estimator, as inputs to the Lead Estimator’s process rather than standalone deliverables.
- Maintain running logs of estimate iterations across project stages, documenting key assumption changes between versions for Lead Estimator reference.
- Compile subcontractor and vendor pricing research, market pricing data, and cost benchmarks to support estimate inputs.
- Build bid pricing levelization models that normalize EPC bids against a common scope baseline, flagging scope inclusions and exclusions that drive pricing variance.
- Support the broader Preconstruction team’s DC/AC analysis and ad-hoc optimization exercises, serving as a connection point with the Hyderabad engineering team on overbuild and equipment selection workflows.
- Progressively take initial passes at estimates as familiarity with DESRI’s templates and methodology develops, expanding into a more active role in the estimating process over time.
- Pull reference data, precedent project information, and market comparables to support general research and technical benchmarking for the Estimating Lead.
- Identify and flag opportunities for automation, standardisation, or process improvement within the estimating workflow, in coordination with the Lead Estimator.
- Help enable the Lead Estimator to focus on quality control, methodology, and final estimate ownership, rather than the labor-intensive groundwork of getting an estimate off the ground.
Qualifications
- B.E./B.Tech in Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical Engineering, or a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or related field.
- Around 2–5 years of experience in cost estimating, quantity surveying, or quantity takeoffs, ideally within infrastructure, energy, or EPC/construction environments. Renewable energy experience is preferred but not required.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills, with comfort building and maintaining detailed cost models and take-off quantities.
- Demonstrated curiosity around technology, automation, and process improvement, ideally with evidence of having built or implemented something that lasted.
- Working knowledge of estimating software and unit cost databases, and strong Excel skills; exposure to Power BI or similar tools is an advantage.
- Strong organisational and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly document assumptions and estimate logic for U.S.-based stakeholders.
- Comfort operating across multiple projects and estimate workstreams simultaneously, in an environment where scope is not always fully defined.
- A proactive and detail-oriented approach, with the judgment to flag scope gaps, pricing outliers, and inconsistencies for Lead Estimator review.
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 13 gigawatts of contracted capacity across a portfolio of over 85 renewable energy projects in 24 states. DESRI is run by a dynamic team with offices located at New York, Denver, Houston and Hyderabad (India).