Lead Project Cost Estimator - Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure

Location: Columbus, OH / Valparaiso, IN / Project Sites / Hybrid

Job Type: Full-Time

Job Summary

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

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.

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:
2026-07-08

Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-07-22Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.