NERC Operations Team Leader

Are you ready to be part of a company thats not just talking about the future but actively shaping it Join The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) a Fortune 500 company thats leading the charge in the global energy revolution. With operations spanning 14 countries AES is committed to shaping a future through innovation and collaboration. Our dedication to innovation has earned us recognition as one of the Top Ten Best Workplaces for Innovators by Fast Company in 2022. And with our certification as a Great Place to Work you can be confident that youre joining a company that values its people just as much as its groundbreaking ideas.

AES is proudly ranked #1 globally in renewable energy sales to corporations and with $12.7B in revenues in 2023 we have the resources and expertise to make a significant impact as we provide electricity to 25 million customers worldwide. As the world moves towards a net-zero future AES is committed to meeting the Paris Agreements goals by 2050. Our innovative solutions such as 24/7 carbon-free energy for data centers are setting the pace for rapid global decarbonization.

If youre ready to be part of a company thats not just adapting to change but driving it AES is the place for you. Were not just building a cleaner more sustainable future - were powering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader in the global energy transformation.

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 companys subject matter expert (SME) on North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) 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 AESs 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 teams structure and skills grow in step with the companys 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: Bachelors 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 employees I-9 to confirm work authorization.

The expected salary for this position at commencement of employment is between $108500 and $135575/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 06/02/2026