NERC Operations Team Leader

AES Corporation; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 108,500 - 135,575; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) eligibility

Paid time off

Job summary

AES Corporation is seeking a NERC Operations Team Leader in Indianapolis, IN, who will manage NERC regulatory compliance across all operational sites. You will serve as the subject matter expert on compliance standards and lead cross-functional teams to implement and adhere to NERC requirements effectively.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Energy Management, alongside 5+ years in the electric power industry. The position also offers a competitive salary with annual bonuses and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in the electric power industry with a focus on NERC compliance.
• Strong knowledge of compliance standards like PRC-005 and FAC-008.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee NERC compliance execution for all AES Clean Energy operational sites.
• Act as SME for NERC Compliance Standards.
• Lead and mentor the NERC Operations team.

Skills

NERC Compliance

Project Management

Leadership

Analytical Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Energy Management

Tools

SCADA

Lean Six Sigma

Job description

AES Overview

AES is a Fortune 500 company focused on renewable energy solutions worldwide.

Position Overview

AES Clean Energy is seeking a NERC Operations Team Leader to serve as the company’s subject matter expert on North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards. The role manages the execution of NERC regulatory requirements across all operations and maintenance activities for the fleet of clean energy assets, ensuring full compliance with applicable Reliability Standards and driving operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee day‑to‑day NERC compliance execution for all AES Clean Energy operational sites.
• Act as an Operations Standard SME for NERC Compliance Standards such as Facility Ratings, Protection and Control, Emergency Operations and Voltage regulation.
• Partner with Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Protection and Control, Asset Management and NERC Compliance teams to translate regulatory requirements into executable processes, technical controls, maintenance programs, and audit‑ready evidence.
• Document and ensure adherence to all AES NERC Compliance procedures relevant to NERC O&P standards (FAC, PRC, EOP, VAR) and applicable FERC, regional and ISO requirements.
• Manage milestones and project‑manage timelines for execution of compliance standards, and support data submission from AES Tools/SCADA to regulatory entities.
• Validate execution of NERC Compliance standards impacting SCADA Alarm Standards and HMIs to meet guidance and recommendations.
• Assume responsibilities of OATI Security Officer and manage submission of NERC GADS data through the OATI Portal.
• Serve as SME in all NERC compliance audits, self‑certifications, spot checks and investigations, collaborating with the NERC Compliance team to prepare comprehensive evidence and documentation.
• Develop internal controls to mitigate reliability risks and conduct procedure training and implementation across operational departments.
• Coordinate cross‑functional teams to integrate compliance into all stages of the asset life cycle and support quality control and management of change processes.
• Lead and mentor the NERC Operations team, managing personnel performance, goal setting, and continuous improvement.
• Contribute to long‑term compliance strategy and planning, working with senior leaders to align objectives with corporate goals.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Energy Management or a related technical field (or equivalent experience); advanced degree a plus.
• 5+ years in the electric power industry with focus on power generation operations, maintenance or NERC compliance (8+ years preferred).
• Strong technical knowledge of implementing compliance for NERC Reliability standards such as PRC‑005, FAC‑008, EOP‑012, PRC‑004, PRC‑028, PRC‑029 and PRC‑030.
• Familiarity with the Bulk Electric System and power plant equipment, protection systems, SCADA, and inverter‑based resources.
• Ability to interpret engineering documents (one‑line diagrams, protection schemes, planning studies) and understand compliance implications.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with a track record of building high‑performance teams and cross‑functional partnerships.
• Strong organizational and project‑management skills to prioritize tasks, manage multiple compliance activities and meet deadlines.
• Self‑motivated, proactive, with high attention to detail and analytical problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Experience & Certifications

• Renewable energy generation experience (solar, wind, battery storage) and understanding of NERC compliance for inverter‑based resources.
• Familiarity with the end‑to‑end project life cycle of generation assets.
• Professional certifications such as NERC System Operator Certification, Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Experience with continuous improvement processes, compliance software, or Lean Six Sigma.
• Active engagement in industry groups related to NERC/FERC compliance.

Equal Employment Opportunity

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 employee's I‑9 to confirm work authorization.

Compensation and Benefits

Base salary: $108,500–$135,575peryear (varies by location, experience, and qualifications). The total compensation package includes an annual bonus. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (vacation, sick leave, parental leave). Final details will be provided upon offer.