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Lead 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 deliveringsafe, reliable, and sustainable energyto the communities we serve. We are seeking aLead Project Estimatorto support the development and execution ofmajor capital power and energy infrastructure projects.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring that cost estimates areaccurate, 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 reflecttechnical 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 ofClass 5 through Class 1 estimatesin 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 supportregulatory 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 supportleast-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 intechnologyselection, 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

• Leadrisk 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 enhancehistorical 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 supportcontractor 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 degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Finance, or related field (or equivalent experience)

• 10+ years of experiencein cost estimating

• Minimum5+ years supporting power generation, transmission, or energy infrastructure projects

• Proven ability to develop estimates forlarge-scale capital projects ($100M+)

• Strong understanding of:

• Engineering design development

• Construction practices and execution strategies

• Procurement and contracting approaches

• Proficiencywith estimating tools such as:

• Aspen Capital Cost Estimator

• InEightEstimate

• Cleopatra, Sage, or similar

• Advanced Excel modeling

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience within aregulated utility environment

• Experience estimating:

• CCGT or simple cycle generation

• Battery energy storage systems (BESS)

• Renewable energy and grid infrastructure

• Professional certifications such asAACE CCP, PMP, or equivalent

• Experience supportingIRP, rate cases, or regulatory filings

• Experience inEPC, EPCM, or owner's project delivery models

Key Competencies

• Commitment tosafety and operational excellence

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

• Clear and effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Ability to balancedetail-oriented analysis with strategic decision-making

• Collaboration and stakeholder alignment

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

Why Join NiSource

• Contribute tocritical infrastructure investmentsthat power and connect communities

• Support the transition to amore sustainable and resilient energy future

• Work onlarge, impactful capital projectsacross a diverse portfolio

• Collaborate with experienced professionals in asafety-first, values-driven organization

Success in This Role

In the first 12 months, you will:

• Establishconsistent estimating practicesacross assigned projects

• Improve estimate accuracy, transparency, and confidence levels

• Support successfulregulatory and investment approvals

• Build and enhancecost benchmarking tools and data

• Strengthen collaboration across development, engineering, and construction teams