Staff Registration and Certification Engineer, CIP

WECC; United States; Remote; USD 97,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) plan

Paid personal time

Job summary

WECC is seeking a Staff Registration and Certification Engineer, CIP, to advance the reliability of the Western Interconnection. This role focuses on certifying new and existing entities in BA, RC, and TOP roles, performing risk assessments, documenting footprint changes, and supporting JRO/CFR activities.

The position is remote-eligible for the lower 48 states with travel expected at about 15% to meet business needs, and WECC offers comprehensive benefits and competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• Five years' experience in the electric utility industry.
• Experience with NERC CIP field and Registration/Certification processes.
• CIP-related certifications or program implementation experience.
• Knowledge of CMEP processes and risk assessments.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with regional entities and NERC to implement policies and procedures.
• Lead Functional Entity Certification / Certification Reviews.
• Coordinate JRO and CFR activities to ensure no gaps.
• Develop and maintain communication and reporting mechanisms for WECC senior management.
• Participate in ERO Enterprise working groups and regional committees.

Skills

CIP knowledge

Risk assessment

Report writing

Presentation

Team collaboration

Cybersecurity basics

Education

CISSP/GICSP or similar

NERC CIP certifications (PMP, CIA, PE, CRM)

Tools

SCADA

EMS

BES assets

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Be a Part of Something that Matters

At WECC, we enhance the lives of 90 million people by identifying and mitigating risks to the bulk power system in the West. We are seeking a Staff Registration and Certification Engineer, Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP), to help us further our mission and achieve our business goals.

As Staff Registration and Certification Engineer, CIP, you will serve as a subject matter expert to entities in the Western Interconnection and those registering as new entities with a main focus on certification of new and existing entities in the roles of Balancing Authority (BA), Reliability Coordinator (RC), and Transmission Operator (TOP). You will perform risk assessments to support entities in determining the application of the Bulk Electric System definition, assist entities with documenting footprint changes, and validate Joint Registration Organizations (JRO) and Coordinated Functional Registrations (CFR). You will serve as a subject matter expert to other departments within WECC, delivering presentations at workshops, webinars, and conferences about applying CIP standards to transmission facilities, generation facilities, and control center operations.

While WECC's headquarters is located in Salt Lake City, Utah, this position is remote-eligible for candidates residing in the lower 48 United States. Time spent traveling is expected to be a minimum of 15% for this role, though business needs may require additional travel on occasion.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with other regional entities and NERC to develop and implement policies, procedures, and initiatives.
• Coordinate the Functional Entity Registration and Certification process to ensure there are no gaps or overlaps in registration leading to additional risk.
• Lead Functional Entity Certification / Certification Reviews.
• Coordinate toll development for NERC and other Regional Entity staff.
• Develop and maintain communication and reporting mechanisms for WECC senior management.
• Participate in ERO Enterprise working groups and regional committees as appropriate.
• Lead certification teams for new entities applying as Reliability Coordinator, Balancing Authority, or Transmission Operator.
• Participate as a team member or a subject matter expert on operational entity certifications and certification reviews conducted by NERC or Regional Entities.
• Coordinate JRO and CFR activities to ensure there are no gaps.
• Coordinate efforts for multi-regional registered entities (MRRE). Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Five years' experience in the electric utility industry, with an in-depth understanding of the NERC CIP field and a clear understanding of the Entity Registration and Certification processes;
• Relevant industry experience in at least three of the following areas: Familiarity with the CIP Reliability Standards development process in relation to the FERC/NERC interactions; Previous role as a CIP engineer; CIP auditor with participation in audit teams; CIP program implementation; Cybersecurity certification (CISSP, GICSP, etc.); Familiarity with SCADA, EMS, and BES assets or Understanding of transmission planning, generator interconnection studies, control centers, and real-time operations
• An understanding of the CMEP processes, including risk assessments, monitoring, and enforcement processes
• Knowledge of all NERC Reliability Standards and interdependencies
• Industry certifications such as NERC certified System Operator, PMP, CIA, PE, and CRM
• An understanding of an electric utility's operational functions and familiarity with their risks and controls
• The ability to: Carry out a wide range of complex analyses, reports, and investigations concerning the operations and maintenance of the BPS; Present research, findings, and recommendations, both orally and in writing, to a diverse audience of technical and non-technical professionals; Give clear, comprehensive reports and present findings and recommendations to a diverse audience of professionals and Work effectively in a team environment
• Strong computer literacy and proficiency using PCs, including a working knowledge of common applications such as those in the Microsoft Office Suite.
• An understanding and adherence to sound principles of cybersecurity, including protecting sensitive information, using secure passwords, and following organizational cybersecurity protocols

Our Culture and Values

• Our people and our work matter.
• Everyone is invited to be a leader.
• Independence, perspective, and partnership are how we add value.
• Intellectual curiosity, empowerment, and accountability fuel meaningful results.
• Continuous improvement and innovation are essential.
• We act with intention and focused urgency in everything we do.

Benefits And Compensation

The base salary range for this full-time position is $96,700-$120,900 + discretionary pay + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role and level. The range displayed on each job posting reflects the minimum and mid-point for the position across all locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

WECC offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, health reimbursement and flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan, and generous paid personal time.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We foster an organizational culture that values the visible and invisible qualities that make individuals who they are. When individuals bring their whole selves to work, without apprehension, we, as WECC, will meet our mission now and in the future.

WECC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Be a part of something that matters!