NERC Operations Sr Analyst, Central

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 Senior Analyst.  Reporting to the NERC Operations Team Leader, the NERC Operations Senior Analyst supports the company’s NERC Operations & Planning (O&P) compliance program by executing day-to-day tasks that ensure all operations and maintenance activities meet North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) reliability standards. This role focuses on maintaining compliance through diligent monitoring, evidence collection, audit support, regulatory research, and cross-functional collaboration. The NERC Operations Analyst plays a critical part in upholding the reliability and security of the Bulk Electric System by working closely with the Team Leader and various teams to embed best practices in reliability and regulatory compliance across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• O&P Implementation: Support implementation of O&M compliance processes and field activities for key applicable NERC O&P standards (e.g. FAC, PRC, EOP, MOD). Maintain relationships with field operations personnel to allow consistently completing monthly compliance checklist and confirming consistent implementation of compliance. Execute 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.
• Evidence Gathering & Audit Support:Collect, organize, and provide compliance evidence (maintenance records, logs, test results, etc.) to NERC Compliance team to demonstrate adherence to NERC requirements. Assist in audit preparation and submission of supporting data requests, compiling documentation (e.g. Reliability Standard Audit Worksheets), and supporting regulatory inspections and NERC audits under the guidance of the Team Leader.
• Regulatory Updates & Analysis: Work closely with NERC Compliance team to provide input to changing NERC Reliability Standards and regional/ISO requirements. Collaborate changes to the standards with different business units to ensure AES is ready to come into compliance with the new/revised Reliability Standard. Escalate any challenges in implementation in a timely manner to ensure compliance.   
• 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.  View compliance through a solutions-based lens helping groups develop systems to achieve compliance. 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. Validate the execution of NERC Compliance standards impacting SCADA Alarm Standards and HMIs to meet NERC Guidance, Recommendations, and Standards.  Assume responsibilities of OATI User to deliver NERC GADS data submitted through OATI Portal.  Establish optimal mapping of PRC compliance requirements for PSMP sheets to SAP Maintenance Plans, FLOCs, and Equipment.
• 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.
• Issue Management & Continuous Improvement: Help investigate potential reliability risks and perform initial analysis of incidents or near-misses in collaboration with NERC Compliance Team. Identify opportunities to improve compliance processes or tools, such as enhancing evidence management systems or internal control measures, to drive efficiency and robust NERC compliance.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Management, or a related field (required).
• Experience:Mid-level professional with approximately 3–7+ years of experience in Inverter Based Resource operations, maintenance, testing. Experience in a generator owner/operator environment or renewable energy projects is a strong plus.
• NERC Standard Implementation Knowledge: Experience in designing and implementing controls related FAC-008, EOP-012, PRC -004, PRC-005, PRC-028, PRC-029, PRC-030 etc. Working knowledge related to Transmission Planning or Protection and Control.
• Analytical & Organizational Skills:Detail-oriented with strong analytical abilities for reviewing technical data and compliance evidence. Excellent organizational and time-management skills to handle multiple compliance tasks, documentation requirements, and strict deadlines. Proficiency in using office productivity tools and compliance management systems for tracking standards, evidence, and audits.
• Communication & Teamwork: Effective written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly convey compliance requirements and technical information to cross-functional teams. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative attitude, with experience working across departments (e.g. O&M, Engineering, Regulatory) to achieve common goals. A proactive, self-motivated approach with a commitment to professional integrity and continuous improvement in reliability compliance practices.

Preferred Qualifications (Optional):

• Certifications: NERC System Operator Certification (e.g., Reliability Coordinator level) or demonstrating a strong understanding of grid reliability operations. A Professional Engineer (PE) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus, reflecting advanced technical and project management skills in a compliance context.
• Additional Skills: Experience with compliance audits or regulatory inspections (NERC, Regional Entities, or FERC) is beneficial. Familiarity with Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) tools and data analytics for tracking compliance obligations is advantageous. An understanding of continuous improvement or risk management methodologies (e.g., Lean Six Sigma) in operations or compliance programs is also appreciated.