Manager, NERC Compliance (Lead) – CIP

The Manager NERC Compliance (Lead) CIP is responsible for designing implementing and maintaining QE Solars NERC CIP Medium Impact compliance program for the companys Control Center supporting both utility-scale and distributed energy resource (DER) sites nationwide. This role serves as the program owner for NERC CIP-002 through CIP-014 and O&P standards driving governance process maturity technical alignment and audit readiness across OT IT Security Legal and Operations teams.

Essential Job Functions & Responsibilities:

Program Governance & Compliance Leadership 40%

Establish and continuously improve QE Solars NERC CIP compliance program (CIP-002 through CIP-014).

Own CIP-related policies procedures workflows and governance structures.

Cross-Functional Coordination & Technical Alignment 25%

Serve as central liaison between OT IT Security Legal Operations and Consultants.

Ensure implementation of technical and administrative controls that meet compliance requirements.

Audit Readiness & Documentation 20%

Oversee RSAWs evidence documentation and compliance records via Jira/Confluence SharePoint or ServiceNow.

Lead NERC/Regional audits spot checks and data requests.

Program Expansion & Maturity 10%

Design scalable compliance architecture supporting DER growth and potential High Impact classification.

Support automation initiatives and process efficiencies.

Team Development & Culture 5%

Mentor compliance and cybersecurity staff and promote proactive compliance culture.

Knowledge

Deep understanding of NERC CIP standards CIP-002 through CIP-014.

Working knowledge of O&P standards and their intersection with CIP requirements.

Knowledge of DER aggregation utility-scale solar and BESS operations.

Familiarity with NIST 800-53 security controls.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Expert-level audit defense and documentation skills.

Proficiency with compliance systems (Jira Confluence SharePoint ServiceNow etc.).

Strong analytical organizational and governance-building skills.

Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in technical and operational environments.

Abilities

Ability to lead end-to-end CIP program development and sustainment.

Ability to manage multiple audits evidence requests and compliance workflows.

Ability to translate regulatory requirements into operational controls.

Ability to design scalable future-ready compliance architectures.

Ability to build trust and communicate effectively across technical and executive teams.

Physical Requirements

Ability to sit stand and work at a computer for extended periods.

Ability to travel to NJ and other locations for audits site visits and operational meetings.

Ability to safely navigate utility sites and control center environments.

Required Education

Bachelors degree in engineering Cybersecurity Information Systems or related field (or equivalent experience).

Required Experience

812 years of NERC CIP program management or audit leadership at a registered entity (GOP TOP RC BA).

Demonstrated success implementing and sustaining Low Medium or High Impact CIP programs.

Experience with Regional Entity audits (RF NPCC SERC WECC etc.) and mitigation documentation.

Strong familiarity with CIP and O&P coordination.

Preferred Experience

Experience with DER aggregation utility-scale solar BESS or Medium/High Impact Control Centers.

Experience building compliance programs in a fast-growing renewable energy environment.

Preferred Certifications Licensures Etc.

CISA Certified Information Systems Auditor

NERC certifications (preferred but not required)

Additional cybersecurity or compliance credentials

Ability to Relocate:

• Scottsdale AZ : Relocate before starting work (Required)

Workplace Type: on-site
Salary Range: $90000- $100000 Per Year
Employment Type: Full-time
Location: Scottsdale AZ USA

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