Manager, Project Estimating-Power Generation

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

• Gridimprovement technologies

Key Responsibilities

Cost Estimating & Analysis

• Lead development of Class 5 through Class 1 estimates in alignment with AACE principles

• Preparetotal 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

• Supportcapital 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 technologyselection, 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 ofcontractorchangenoticesand validation of change orders for approval

• Interface with EPC contractors, vendors, and consulting partners

• Support estimate refinement through project development, contract award, and execution byvalidatingcommercial 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 staffas necessary

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s de