- Salary
- $97k – $145k
- Location
- Valparaiso Eastport Center, United States of America
- Type
- Full-time
- Department
- Construction
- Experience
- 4+ years
- Visa
- Not sponsored
- Closing date
- Jun 24, 2026
- Source
- Workday
Description
Project Cost Analyst/Sr. Project Cost Analyst – Power Generation (Data Centers)
Location: Valparaiso, Indiana, Field Locations (Northwest Indiana)
Overview
We are seeking a Project Cost Analyst to support power generation projects for large-scale data centers in Northwest Indiana. This role will be leveled based on experience and is critical to ensuring accurate cost planning, tracking, and performance across complex capital projects ranging in budget.
You will play a key role in driving cost discipline across the full project lifecycle, partnering closely with project managers, finance, engineering, and contractors.
Key Responsibilities
Project Cost Management
Lead cost management activities across the full project lifecycle (estimate → baseline → forecast → closeout)
Develop and maintain project estimates, budgets, and cost performance baselines
Track, analyze, and report cost performance, including earned value metrics and forecasting
Maintain Estimate at Completion (EAC) and recommend corrective and preventative actions
Planning, Estimating & Budgeting
Build detailed cost estimates, resource plans, and budgets aligned with project scope and schedule
Validate contractor estimates and manage Basis of Estimate (BOE)
Integrate cost with schedule (CPM) and scope for accurate project forecasting
Apply risk-based cost estimating and quantify cost impacts of project risks
Cost Controls & Reporting
Monitor cost performance, variance analysis, and trend forecasting
Develop and deliver clear, actionable cost reports to project stakeholders
Ensure cost data integrity across systems and reporting tools
Support accruals, invoice coding, and financial tracking processes
Project Controls Integration
Partner across project controls (cost, schedule, scope) to drive project outcomes
Apply WBS structures to support accurate budgeting and performance tracking
Analyze schedule impacts on cost and support schedule-driven forecasting
Stakeholder & Contract Support
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align on cost expectations and performance
Support contract commercial activities including payment reviews and performance analysis
Communicate cost insights effectively to project leadership and stakeholders
Continuous Improvement
Apply and promote best practices aligned with AACE, PMI, and industry standards
Enhance cost tools, processes, and reporting capabilities
Contribute to improving project cost management maturity
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent experience)
4–6+ years of experience in project cost analysis, controls, or financial management
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data analysis, modeling, reporting)
Experience with:
Cost estimating & budgeting
Earned Value Management (EVM)
Project scheduling integration
Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills
Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively across teams
Valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting large capital or industrial projects
Background in energy, utilities, or infrastructure projects
Familiarity with project controls tools and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project)
What You’ll Bring
A strong understanding of cost, schedule, and scope integration
Ability to translate complex data into clear insights and recommendations
A proactive mindset with a focus on cost optimization and risk mitigation
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Additional Information
This role follows industry best practices and aligns with NiSource Project Management Guidelines and Standards. Responsibilities may evolve based on project needs.
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 [email protected] or 1-888-640-3320
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*:
$96,600.00 - $144,900.00*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:
2026-06-09Posting End Date (if applicable):
2026-06-24