Physical Intern (Summer 2027)

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.

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 talented, intellectually curious, and highly motivated students to join our Summer 2027 internship program. The internship is a 10-week program that runs from June through August, depending on academic calendars.

The Physical Team Internship serves DESRI’s Asset Management, Construction, Engineering, Development, Preconstruction, Project Management, and Project Delivery teams and offers interns exposure to the development, design, construction, delivery, and operation of renewable energy assets.

Interns will work alongside experienced professionals on solar, battery storage, and wind projects across different stages of the project lifecycle. Throughout the summer, interns will work closely with mentors and project managers who will support their professional development. Interns will also have opportunities to collaborate across DESRI, participate in learning and intern events, visit an operating renewable energy asset, and present their work to colleagues at the end of the summer.

What you'll do

Depending on project needs, interests, and background, you may contribute to projects across one or more of the following areas:

• Asset Management: Support the operational and commercial management of DESRI’s operating renewable energy portfolio, including performance analysis, reporting, contract administration, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders.
• Construction: Support the execution of projects under construction, including analysis and coordination related to project schedules, budgets, contractors, equipment, field activities, and project risks.
• Engineering: Assist with technical analyses across electrical, civil, geotechnical, structural, or related engineering scopes and help evaluate project designs as assets progress from development through construction.
• Development: Support the advancement of renewable energy projects by helping evaluate commercial, technical, permitting, interconnection, land, environmental, and other development considerations.
• Preconstruction: Help evaluate project constructability, cost, schedule, contracting strategies, and other considerations that prepare projects for successful construction.
• Project Management: Support cross-functional planning, coordination, analysis, and execution across projects at various stages of their lifecycle.
• Project Delivery: Help advance projects from development through financing, construction, and commercial operation by coordinating across technical, commercial, legal, financial, and external stakeholder workstreams.

Assignments may span multiple teams and stages of the project lifecycle, providing interns with an opportunity to understand how DESRI transforms renewable energy opportunities into operating assets.

Qualifications

• We’re interested in analytical, accomplished students with a demonstrated interest in renewable energy, infrastructure, engineering, construction, project development, asset management, or related fields.
• Intellectually curious individuals with strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and well-developed written and verbal communication abilities will excel in this role.
• A record of academic and/or professional achievement is required.
• The ability to collaborate effectively within small, cross-functional teams, manage multiple priorities, and learn quickly is vital to this role.
• Candidates pursuing engineering, technical, quantitative, business, finance, environmental, or other relevant degrees are encouraged to apply; specific academic backgrounds may be particularly relevant for certain project assignments.
• An interest in understanding the technical and commercial considerations involved in developing, constructing, and operating renewable energy projects is strongly preferred.
• Preference will be given to undergraduate or graduate students who are in their final year of full-time study following the internship.
• Undergraduate interns will be paid $6,000 per month with a $5,000 housing stipend. Graduate interns will be paid $10,000 per month with a $5,000 housing stipend.