Manager, Project Cost Estimating – 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 provides essential services to customers 24/7. Emergency needs can arise at various times throughout the year, including during storm season. Employees may be required to support emergency response efforts, which could include working outside normal hours or assisting with tasks outside of typical responsibilities.
Work Authorization
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States and must not require employer sponsorship now or in the future.
Workplace Connection
We value a workplace where everyone feels respected, included, and able to do their best work. We encourage open dialogue, value different perspectives, and work collaboratively with employees, customers, and partners.
We recognize and respect the unique experiences people bring, including different backgrounds, cultures, and viewpoints. We treat others with professionalism and care, and we each play a part in creating a positive work environment.
Veteran Hiring & Inclusion
NiSource is proud to support veterans, transitioning service members, and military spouses. We value the leadership, teamwork, and mission-focused experience the military community brings, and we are committed to providing an inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional growth and development.
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 also be considered for other roles that match your skills and experience.
ADA Accommodations
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any stage of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320
Safety Statement
Safety is a core value at NiSource. Employees are expected to follow safety requirements, report hazards, and help maintain a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers.
E-Verify
NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. Please review the following notices regarding your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law.
- E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish)
- Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish)
Salary Range*:
$133,400.00 - $200,100.00*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:
2026-08-11Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-09-01Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.Skills Required
- 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, 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
- Legal authorization to work in the United States without employer sponsorship
- Ability to perform quantity takeoffs and prepare basis-of-estimate documentation for governance and regulatory reviews
- Experience developing TIC estimates including EPC, owner costs, contingency, and escalation
- Experience monitoring market factors (labor, commodities, supply chain) and maintaining cost databases
- Experience supporting capital planning, IRP, regulatory filings, and rate cases
- Experience within a regulated utility environment
- Experience estimating CCGT, simple cycle, BESS, renewable energy, transmission/substations
- Professional certifications such as AACE CCP or PMP
- Experience with EPC, EPCM, or owner's project delivery models
What We Do
NiSource (NYSE: NI) helps energize the lives of its nearly 4 million natural gas and electric customers across six states. Our local utilities – Columbia Gas and NIPSCO – ensure that customers receive safe, reliable and affordable natural gas and electric service each and every day. Our business plan is focused on proactively investing in our energy infrastructure – approximately $1.4 billion a year – to ensure we meet and improve upon our customer commitments for the next 100 years. We employ more than 7,000 of our neighbors who are actively engaged in the communities we’re privileged to serve, making them great places to live and call home. NiSource is headquartered in Merrillville, Indiana – about 35 miles from Chicago – and we maintain a significant corporate presence in Columbus, Ohio. Our utility operations also span Kentucky, Maryland, Pennsylvania and Virginia
