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Position Overview:
AES Clean Energy, a leading independent power producer with one of the largest renewable energy portfolios in the U.S., is seeking a NERC Operations Team Leader to serve as the company’s subject matter expert (SME) on North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. In this key role, you will manage the execution of NERC regulatory requirements across all operations and maintenance (O&M) activities for our fleet of clean energy assets, ensuring full compliance with applicable Reliability Standards and driving operational excellence. Reporting to the Senior Director of Operations and Performance Management, you will act as the primary SME contact and to internal teams (O&M, Engineering, etc.), guiding them in interpreting and adhering to NERC O&P (Operations & Planning) standards and instilling a culture of reliability and compliance across the organization. This position offers the opportunity to support AES’s rapidly growing renewable portfolio – including utility-scale solar, wind, battery storage, and other clean energy projects – and to play a pivotal role in maintaining the reliability and security of the Bulk Electric System while upholding industry-leading best practices. You will also lead a team of NERC Operations SME professionals and collaborate cross-functionally to support NERC compliance in day-to-day operations.
Key Responsibilities:
- NERC Operations Program Leadership: Oversee day-to-day NERC compliance execution for all AES Clean Energy Operational sites. Act as an Operations Standard SME for NERC Compliance Standards like Facility Ratings, Protection and Control, Emergency Operations and Voltage regulation.
- Regulatory Compliance Execution: Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Protection and Control, Asset Management and NERC Compliance Teams to translate NERC regulatory requirements into executable processes, technical controls, maintenance programs and audit ready evidence. Document and ensure rigorous adherence to all AES NERC Compliance procedures relevant NERC O&P standards (e.g. FAC, PRC, EOP, VAR standards) in the operation and maintenance of generation assets, as well as compliance with any applicable Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), regional entity (e.g., MRO, WECC, SERC) and ISO requirements. Oversee the Milestones and Project Manage the Timelines for Execution of Ops Compliance standards. Directly support the submission of data needed from AES Tools/SCADA to deliver to Regulatory Entities. Validate the Execution of NERC Compliance standards impacting SCADA Alarm Standards and HMIs to meet NERC Guidance, Recommendations, and Standards. Assume responsibilities of OATI Security Officer to oversee NERC GADS data submitted through OATI Portal. Manage Analyst for submission of NERC GADS data through OATI Portal. Establish optimal mapping of PRC compliance requirements for PSMP sheets to SAP Maintenance Plans, FLOCs, and Equipment.
- Audit & Evidence Management: Serve as SME in all NERC compliance audits, self-certifications, spot checks, and investigations, both internal and external. Collaborate with NERC Compliance team in the preparation and submission of comprehensive compliance evidence and documentation, including Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets (RSAWs), procedures, one-line diagrams, maintenance records, and operating logs. Ensure an organized evidence repository and robust record-keeping practices for all compliance obligations.
- Internal Controls & Risk Management: Assess reliability risk associated with implementation of existing NERC Compliance Standard specific procedures and develop internal controls to mitigate reliability risks.
- Procedure Training & Implementation: Work with the internal operational departments to ensure the agreed procedure for NERC Compliance Standards is appropriately understood by all members of the team and ensure consistent implementation of the procedure. Identify needs for consistent evidence development and work with NERC Compliance team to ensure templates for relevant NERC Compliance standards are developed and implemented.
- Cross-Functional Coordination: Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams – Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Project Development, Regulatory Affairs, IT/OT Security, NERC Compliance etc. – to integrate NERC compliance seamlessly into all stages of the asset life cycle. Ensure appropriate transition of compliance evidence for new projects from execution team to operations team. Ensure appropriate QC is performed and work with NERC Compliance team in developing future periodic tasks for future compliance. Ensure that changes in plant configuration or operational control follow a robust Management of Change process that addresses NERC compliance impacts. Facilitate regular cross-departmental meetings or working groups to review compliance status, address gaps, and share best practices, thereby fostering an enterprise-wide commitment to compliance. View compliance with a solutions-based mindset focused not only providing the requirements, but assisting cross functional teams develop practical and efficient systems to comply with them.
- Leadership & Team Management: Lead and mentor the NERC Operations team, setting clear goals and providing ongoing coaching and development opportunities. Manage personnel performance, establish role clarity and accountability, and cultivate an environment of continuous improvement and collaboration. As a people leader, provide direction and support for direct reports in their day-to-day activities and career growth, and ensure that the team’s structure and skills grow in step with the company’s expanding portfolio and evolving regulatory landscape.
- Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement: Contribute to long-term compliance strategy and planning for AES Clean Energy. Work with the Director of NERC Compliance and other leaders to set compliance objectives that align with corporate goals and industry developments.
Required Qualifications:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Management, or a related technical field (B.S. or equivalent experience required). An advanced degree (M.S., MBA) in a relevant field is a plus but not required.
- Experience: 5+ years of experience in the electric power industry, with a focus on power generation operations, maintenance, or NERC compliance (8+ years preferred).
- Technical Knowledge: Strong technical knowledge in implementing compliance for NERC Reliability standards like PRC-005, FAC-008, EOP-012, PRC-004, PRC-028, PRC-029 and PRC-030. Familiarity with the Bulk Electric System and power plant operations (generation plant equipment, protection systems, relays, SCADA systems, inverter-based resources, etc.) is essential. Ability to interpret engineering documents (one-line diagrams, protection schemes, planning studies, etc.) and understand their compliance implications is expected.
- Leadership & Communication: Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of building high-performance teams and cross-functional partnerships. Ability to effectively communicate complex technical and regulatory information to diverse audiences – from field technicians to executives – in a clear, concise manner. Strong organizational and project management skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple compliance activities, and meet firm deadlines. Self-motivated and proactive in identifying what needs to be done, with the drive to see tasks through to completion without significant guidance. High attention to detail and analytical skills for problem-solving and process improvement in a compliance context.
Preferred Experience & Certifications:
- Renewables & Broad Power Industry Experience: Experience working with renewable energy generation (solar, wind, battery storage) and understanding the unique NERC compliance considerations for inverter-based resources and hybrid projects. Familiarity with the end-to-end project life cycle of generation assets – from design and grid interconnection through operations – as it relates to NERC compliance is highly valued.
- Professional Certifications: NERC System Operator Certification (e.g., Reliability Coordinator level) or prior experience as a grid/control center operator is a strong plus, signaling depth of knowledge in real-time operations. A Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in a relevant discipline and/or a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification are also preferred, reflecting advanced technical and project management expertise.
- Strategic & Continuous Improvement Skills: Proven ability to drive continuous improvement processes. Experience with compliance program maturation, use of technology (compliance software, automation) in program management, or familiarity with Lean Six Sigma or other process improvement methodologies is a plus. Active engagement in industry groups or committees related to NERC/FERC compliance – e.g., NERC working groups, trade associations, standards development teams – is highly desirable as evidence of passion for the field and up-to-date knowledge of industry best practices.
AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $108,500 and $135,575/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an “at-will position” and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.Apply by clicking the application link below and submitting your information. The deadline to apply for this role is