Manager, Project Estimating-Power Generation & Energy Infrastructure

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 tra