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Columbus, Ohio, United States
Hybrid
Not Available
Lead Project Cost Estimator – Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure
Location: Columbus, OH / Valparaiso, IN / Project Sites / Hybrid
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Summary
At NiSource, we are committed to delivering safe, reliable, and sustainable energy to the communities we serve. We are seeking a Lead Project Estimator to support the development and execution of major capital power and energy infrastructure projects.
This role plays a critical part in ensuring that cost estimates are accurate, transparent, and aligned with regulatory expectations, supporting sound investment decisions and long-term planning. The Senior Project Estimator partners across engineering, project development, supply chain, and construction teams to develop estimates that reflect technical scope, market conditions, and execution strategy.
Projects may include:
Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) generation
Simple cycle / peaking generation
Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Renewable energy (solar, wind)
Transmission interconnections and substations
Grid improvement technologies
Key Responsibilities
Cost Estimating & Analysis
Lead development of Class 5 through Class 1 estimates in alignment with AACE principles
Prepare total installed cost (TIC) estimates including EPC, owner’s costs, contingency, and escalation
Perform quantity takeoffs from engineering drawings, specifications, and conceptual designs
Develop detailed cost estimates for labor, materials, equipment, subcontractors, and indirect costs
Clearly define estimate bases, assumptions, exclusions, and methodologies
Prepare estimate packages that are suitable for governance reviews and investment decisions, including basis of estimate documentation, assumptions, exclusions, key risks, and confidence ranges
Capital Planning & Regulatory Support
Support capital planning, integrated resource planning (IRP), and long-term investment strategies
Provide cost inputs to support regulatory filings, rate cases, and investment approvals
Develop estimate ranges and confidence levels aligned to project stage and governance requirements
Evaluate alternative project configurations and execution strategies to support least-cost, best-fit solutions
Technical Integration & Project Development
Translate engineering scope into cost drivers across major systems, including:
Gas turbines, HRSGs, steam turbines, and balance of plant
Electrical systems, substations, and grid interconnection
Energy storage systems (BESS, inverters, controls)
Participate in technology selection, site evaluations, and constructability reviews
Support project development activities from early-stage screening through execution readiness
Risk, Market Awareness & Benchmarking
Perform cost validation, benchmarking, and estimate reconciliation
Lead risk assessment and contingency development, incorporating uncertainty and market variability
Monitor and incorporate:
Labor availability and productivity trends
Commodity pricing and escalation
Equipment and supply chain constraints
Maintain and enhance historical cost databases and estimating benchmarks
Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
Work closely with engineering, project management, supply chain, finance, and regulatory teams
Present estimates, assumptions, and key cost drivers to leadership and governance teams
Develop Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and support contractor bid evaluations and negotiations
Support review of contractor change notices and validation of change orders for approval
Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and consulting partners
Support estimate refinement through project development, contract award, and execution by validating commercial changes, reconciling contractor pricing, and informing forecast updates
Continuous Improvement
Strengthen estimating tools, processes, and data governance
Promote consistency and best practices across the capital portfolio
Mentor and support development of junior estimators and staff as necessary
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)
10+ years of experience in cost estimating
Minimum 5+ years supporting power generation, transmission, or energy infrastructure projects
Proven ability to develop estimates for large-scale capital projects ($100M+)
Strong understanding of:
Engineering design development
Construction practices and execution strategies
Procurement and contracting approaches
Proficiency with estimating tools such as:
Aspen Capital Cost Estimator
InEight Estimate
Cleopatra, Sage, or similar
Advanced Excel modeling
Preferred Qualifications
Experience within a regulated utility environment
Experience estimating:
CCGT or simple cycle generation
Battery energy storage systems (BESS)
Renewable energy and grid infrastructure
Professional certifications such as AACE CCP, PMP, or equivalent
Experience supporting IRP, rate cases, or regulatory filings
Experience in EPC, EPCM, or owner’s project delivery models
Key Competencies
Commitment to safety and operational excellence
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Clear and effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
Ability to balance detail-oriented analysis with strategic decision-making
Collaboration and stakeholder alignment
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment
Why Join NiSource
Contribute to critical infrastructure investments that power and connect communities
Support the transition to a more sustainable and resilient energy future
Work on large, impactful capital projects across a diverse portfolio
Collaborate with experienced professionals in a safety-first, values-driven organization
Success in This Role
In the first 12 months, you will:
Establish consistent estimating practices across assigned projects
Improve estimate accuracy, transparency, and confidence levels
Support successful regulatory and investment approvals
Build and enhance cost benchmarking tools and data
Strengthen collaboration across development, engineering, and construction teams
As a public utility, NiSource is required to provide continuous service to customers at all times. To ensure we fulfill that obligation, employees may be required to work outside their normal work hours and perform tasks outside of their normal responsibilities in support of emergency operations.
Work Authorization
Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.
Workplace Connection
Value inclusion within your day to day responsibilities by respecting others perspectives/convictions, engaging others opinions, creating a safe environment where people, ideas, and opinions are valued within your Team/Customers and external partners.
Respect the unique lived experiences within your Team/Customers and external work partners by valuing different world views, challenges, and cultures that represents all walks of life and all backgrounds.
Treat others with respect and consideration. Actively participate in creating and contributing to a positive work environment.
Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.
By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at OneHR@nisource.com or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:
Salary Range*:
$113,500.00 - $170,300.00*The salary offered to a candidate is based on several factors including but not limited to the candidate’s skills, job-related knowledge, and relevant experience, as well as internal pay equity.
Posting Start Date:
2026-07-08Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-07-22