NERC Operations Team Leader

About the role

AES Clean Energy is seeking a NERC Operations Team Leader to manage the execution of NERC regulatory requirements across all operations and maintenance activities for our fleet of clean energy assets. This role serves as the company's subject matter expert on NERC standards, ensuring full compliance with Reliability Standards and driving operational excellence.

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.
• Milestones and Project Management: 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.
• OATI Security Officer: 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: 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.
• 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 Meetings: 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• 401(k) eligibility
• Paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave)