Lead Project Estimator-Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure

NiSource • Columbus, OH

9d • $113,500 - $170,300 • Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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
• Authorized to work in the United States without requiring sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Benefits

• 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
• Opportunity for growth
• Forbes magazine as one of America’s Best Large Employers

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior