Job Summary
The Generation & Load Optimization Lead supports the development of long-term generation and resource planning strategies to meet the utility's large load portfolio requirements. This role focuses on data analysis, data and deal governance, modeling, and scenario planning to evaluate generation portfolio options focused on supporting large load opportunities.
Essential Functions
Provide bespoke deal support and analysis for individual large load customers, ensuring input and assumption consistency with respect to Integrated Resourcing Planning (IRP). Distill ambiguity surrounding load and resource availability into future projections and analysis. Analyze system capacity, reliability, and cost impacts under various load growth and resource availability scenarios. Support studies and location decisions needed to assess the impact of new large load customers (e.g., data centers, industrial users) on the generation and transmission systems. Collaborate with transmission and gas planning teams to ensure coordinated system development and cost analysis as it relates to location-centric planning. Prepare technical reports, deal economics and presentations as it relates to the large load portfolio. Analyze complex portfolio, customer, and system planning data and present key insights, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership to support informed decision-making. Maintain accurate records of modeling assumptions, methodologies, and results at the individual deal and portfolio level. Work closely with planning, engineering, regulatory, and customer development teams to align analysis with strategic goals.
Required Qualifications For Position
Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Energy Systems, Economics, or a related field 5+ years of experience in load forecasting, utility planning, energy modeling, capacity expansion planning or data analysis. Knowledge of utility generation planning, IRP processes, and regulatory environments. Strong analytical and modeling skills to evaluate generation, capacity, reliability, and cost scenarios. Ability to support large load integration studies and location-based system impact analysis. Proficiency with energy and capacity expansion modeling tools (e.g., PLEXOS, Aurora or similar). Skill in translating complex data and assumptions into clear reports, deal economics, and presentations. Ability to collaborate cross-functionally with planning, engineering, regulatory, and customer teams. Proficient in SQL, R or python. Knowledge of NIPSCO and Columbia Gas systems.
Preferred Additional Qualifications for Position
Experience with large load integration studies or economic development support.
Physical Demands
Standing - Occasionally Walking - Occasionally Sitting - Constantly Lifting - Rarely Carrying - Rarely Pushing - Rarely Pulling - Rarely Climbing - Rarely Balancing - Rarely Stooping - Rarely Kneeling - Rarely Crouching - Rarely Crawling - Rarely Reaching - Rarely Handling - Occasionally Grasping - Occasionally Feeling - Rarely Talking - Constantly Hearing - Constantly Repetitive Motions - Frequently Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Frequently
The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required of the position.
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.
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:
2026-07-22
Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-08-03Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.