Senior Project Estimator

Essential Functions

• Leads development of Class 5-Class 1 cost estimates for gas infrastructure projects, including pipelines, facilities, regulator stations, and related assets.
• Establishes and maintains estimating standards, tools, benchmarks, and methodologies for major gas projects to ensure consistency and alignment with organizational processes.
• Partners with Engineering and Gas Operations to translate project scope (pipe diameter, materials, station design, HDD/boring, restoration, etc.) into quantifiable cost drivers .
• Integrates risk-based estimating practices , including contingency, escalation, and probabilistic analysis, reflecting gas-specific construction risks (ROW constraints, permitting, constructability, subsurface conditions).
• Supports project gating and capital planning by providing validated estimates, cost ranges, and confidence levels aligned with funding decisions.
• Coordinates with Engineering, Supply Chain, and Construction to validate labor productivity, material pricing , contractor rates, and installation assumptions.
• Performs estimate reconciliation and benchmarking against historical gas project data to identify trends, variances, and improvement opportunities.
• Develops and maintains gas-specific cost models, unit rates, and parametric tools for early-stage screening and portfolio prioritization.
• Supports procurement by preparing Independent Cost Estimates (ICEs) and participating in bid evaluations to ensure competitive pricing.
• Partners with Project Managers to transition estimates into executable project budgets , ensuring alignment with construction strategies and assumptions.
• Applies cost-control principles to support variance analysis, change management, and forecasting for gas capital projects.
• Communicates estimate basis, assumptions, risks, and confidence levels clearly to stakeholders, including leadership and governance bodies.
• Ensures all estimating activities reflect gas safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements , including constructability and compliance considerations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field; or equivalent experience (minimum 10 years) .
• 7-10 years of experience in cost estimating, cost engineering, or project controls within gas utilities or similar infrastructure sectors.
• Demonstrated experience developing multi-discipline estimates for gas capital projects (pipelines, facilities, stations).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and estimating tools, including large, complex models and datasets.
• Hands-on ability to build, manipulate, and validate detailed cost models , including formulas, data structuring, and scenario analysis.
• Ability to operate at the intersection of financial modeling and construction estimating , translating field-driven scope into structured outputs.
• Working knowledge of CBS, WBS , and gas project estimating classifications.
• Experience applying risk-adjusted estimating and contingency methodologies.
• Ability to develop defensible estimates under tight timelines , with clear documentation.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate assumptions, risks, and outputs to senior leadership.
• Comfortable presenting in formal review settings and defending estimate positions.
• Strong verbal communication skills with the ability to simplify complex estimating concepts for non-technical audiences.
• Ability to work under stringent deadlines and manage competing priorities.
• Ability to travel up to 25% for project site visits.
• Valid motor vehicle operator's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in regulated gas utility environments and large-scale capital programs.
• Professional certifications such as CCP , AACEI , or PMP .
• Experience supporting capital planning, portfolio prioritization , or regulatory filings for gas projects.
• Working knowledge of PHMSA regulations , state utility requirements, permitting, and safety standards.

Physical Demands

• Ability to work in field environments supporting gas construction and estimating validation activities.
• Must be able to work in areas of high noise, dust, extreme temperatures, confined spaces, and potential exposure to chemical hazards.
• Ability to walk project sites, including uneven terrain and active construction areas, as needed to validate estimating assumptions.
• Must be able to drive to and access multiple project locations.
• Ability to sit for extended periods while performing analytical and computer-based estimating work.

Closing Statement

• The preceding description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for the position.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity
NiSource is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in each of its companies to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, veteran status, disability, gender, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex (including pregnancy, lactation, childbirth or related medical conditions), genetic information, citizenship status, or any protected group status as defined by law. Each employee is expected to abide by this principle.

By applying, you may be considered for other job opportunities.

ADA Accommodations

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process or to perform the essential functions of the position, please contact OneHR at View email address on click.appcast.io or View phone number on click.appcast.io

Safety Statement
Promote a safe work environment by actively participating in all aspects of our employee safety program. Report any unsafe conditions and take actions to prevent personal injuries. Support our interdependent safety culture by ensuring the safety of your co-workers. Stay focused on the task at hand and promote productivity through good work habits.

E-Verify

NiSource participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's E-Verify program. As part of this process, we provide the following notices to all job applicants: These documents inform you of your rights and responsibilities under U.S. law. You can view or download them using the links below:

• E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) E-Verify Participation Poster English and Spanish
• Right to Work Poster (English and Spanish) If you have the right to work, don't let anyone take it away

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:
2026-06-01

Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-06-15 Please note that the job posting will close on the day before the posting end date.