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
Additional Information
***This position is designed to be filled at the Project Estimator level; however, candidates with advanced experience in power-related estimating, demonstrated leadership in developing complex estimates, and a strong track record of managing large-scale projects may be considered for hire at the Senior Project Estimator level***
Project Estimator/ Sr. Project Cost Estimator - 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 Senior 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
Nisource · Columbus OH - Arena District