Manager, NERC Compliance (Lead) – CIP

QE Solar; Scottsdale (AZ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A renewable energy company is seeking a Manager, NERC Compliance to lead their compliance program for their Control Center. The successful candidate will oversee program governance, manage NERC CIP standards, and ensure audit readiness. Applicants should have substantial experience in compliance management and a relevant bachelor's degree. This full-time position is on-site in Scottsdale, AZ, with a salary range of $90,000–$100,000 annually.

Qualifications

• 8–12+ years of NERC CIP program management or audit leadership at a registered entity.
• Demonstrated success in implementing and sustaining Low, Medium, or High Impact CIP programs.
• Experience with Regional Entity audits and mitigation documentation.

Responsibilities

• Establish and continuously improve QE Solar’s NERC CIP compliance program.
• Serve as central liaison between OT, IT, Security, Legal, Operations, and Consultants.
• Oversee audits, spot checks, and data requests.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Expert-level audit defense and documentation skills

Proficiency with compliance systems (Jira, Confluence, SharePoint, ServiceNow)

Strong analytical, organizational, and governance-building skills

Ability to collaborate cross-functionally in technical and operational environments

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field

Tools

Jira

Confluence

SharePoint

ServiceNow

Job description

The Manager, NERC Compliance (Lead) – CIP is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining QE Solar’s NERC CIP Medium Impact compliance program for the company’s 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.

Program Governance & Compliance Leadership – 40%

• Establish and continuously improve QE Solar’s 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

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Cybersecurity, Information Systems, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Required Experience

• 8–12+ 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: $90,000–$100,000 Per Year

Employment Type: Full‑time

Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA

Statement To All Third‑Party Agencies And Similar Organizations

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