NERC Compliance Professional

At Associated Electric Cooperative, we're committed to providing reliable energy to the communities we serve with passion and precision. We're a tight-knit team dedicated to keeping the lights on and the energy flowing smoothly across our expansive network!

From technical to operational to professional disciplines, our team brings a wide variety of skills, talents, and expertise to the table. We believe in both dedicating ourselves to excellence and investing in your growth.

Help Keep the Electric Grid Reliable  

Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) is seeking candidates for our Reliability Compliance Specialist role (Associate, Specialist, or Senior). All experience levels are encouraged to apply. This role supports the reliable operation of the bulk electric system through compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Operations & Planning (O&P) Reliability Standards.

Depending on experience and placement, you’ll work alongside or lead efforts with technical experts across information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, generation, and system operations to develop, implement, and maintain our reliability compliance program. Responsibilities include audit preparation, evidence management, compliance risk assessments, internal control testing, and program improvements. 

Whether you are beginning your compliance career, bringing relevant utility or technical experience, or already leading NERC compliance initiatives, we encourage you to apply. The position level will be determined based on qualifications, demonstrated capabilities, and business needs. 

What You’ll Do  

• Support AECI’s NERC Reliability Compliance Program, including interpreting and coordinating implementation of new and revised CIP and O&P Reliability Standards. 

• Partner with cybersecurity, information technology, engineering, generation, system operations, and member-owner cooperatives to ensure compliance requirements are understood and implemented. 

• Coordinate and support internal assessments, self-certifications, spot checks, and external NERC compliance audits. 

• Develop and maintain compliance documentation, procedures, evidence, and reporting using compliance management systems and related tools. 

• Conduct compliance reviews, risk assessments, and internal control testing to evaluate CIP and O&P compliance processes. 

• Evaluate potential compliance issues, support root cause analysis, and assist with mitigation and corrective action planning. 

• Monitor NERC and FERC regulatory developments, industry alerts, and implementation guidance to identify compliance impacts. 

• Support compliance awareness, training, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. 

Career Opportunities & Progression 

AECI is considering applicants for any three levels below. Responsibilities build on the preceding level; candidates do not necessarily need to meet Senior-level expectations to be considered.  

Placement is based on demonstrated knowledge, experience, capabilities, and organizational needs, not a single minimum number of years in a particular title. 

Associate Reliability Compliance Specialist 

Develop foundational knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards and ability to work well under direct supervision. Complete defined tasks in compliance systems, maintain compliance documentation, assist with procedure reviews and audits, and perform introductory assessments and reporting. 

Reliability Compliance Specialist 

Apply CIP and/or O&P compliance requirements to an assigned subset of standards with limited supervision. Administer compliance management activities, review procedures, perform more complex assessments, and take a lead role for assigned standards during internal and external audits. 

Senior Reliability Compliance Specialist 

Provide advanced expertise across the CIP or O&P family of standards with minimal supervision. Lead internal audits and self-assessments, guide standards implementation and program revisions, improve compliance workflows, provide technical reviews, mentor developing staff, and maintain professional development and appropriate certification. 

What We’re Looking For  

Required Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Cybersecurity, Computer Science, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.  

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.  

• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.  

• Communicate effectively and collaborate across departments. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.  

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience in the electric utility industry, particularly in cybersecurity, information technology, system operations, generation, engineering, or regulatory compliance. 

• Familiarity with NERC CIP cybersecurity controls (such as access management, configuration management, and incident response) or O&P compliance areas (such as system operations, protection systems, and emergency preparedness). 

• Experience supporting regulatory compliance audits, internal controls, risk assessments, evidence management, or compliance activities. 

• Familiarity with compliance management systems, document management tools, or governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software. 

• Experience with project management, compliance program improvements, or corrective action planning. 

What Makes You Successful  

You’ll thrive in this position if you:  

• Enjoy learning complex technical and regulatory requirements and applying them to practical situations. 

• Take ownership of projects and manage priorities from planning through completion. 

• Build strong working relationships while maintaining professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality. 

• Look for opportunities to improve compliance processes and work more effectively. 

Travel & Work Environment   

• Hybrid work environment with office-based at AECI Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.  

• Occasional overnight travel for training, audits, or industry meetings.  

• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours when business needs require.  

Why Join AECI?  

At AECI, you’ll work alongside industry professionals dedicated to maintaining one of the nation’s most reliable electric systems. We invest in our employees through ongoing development, technical training, and opportunities for career progression while fostering a collaborative culture focused on safety, integrity, and operational excellence.  

If you’re looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on electric reliability while growing your career in compliance and the utility industry, we encourage you to apply.  

What Associated provides:

• We are committed to rewarding talent with top pay. Your efforts will be recognized with a total compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.
• Plan for your future with confidence! We offer a robust 401(k) program with a generous employer match to help you build the financial future you deserve.
• We know how important work-life integration is. Recharge with PTO and enjoy paid holidays, ensuring you have time to unwind and pursue your passions outside of work.
• Your health matters to us! Stay covered beginning on your first day of employment with our premier healthcare plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

At Associated Electric Cooperative, all of our 700+ employees across MO/AR/OK territory play a crucial role in powering our mission! Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find endless opportunities for career development here. Join us in an environment where your contribution is valued, and your career can thrive as we work together to keep the lights on!

Ready to Energize your career? Visit our website at www.aeci.org/careers to learn more about Associated and apply for a position. 

Equal Opportunity Statement:

AECI is fully committed to the concept and practice of equal opportunity in all aspects of employment. Please reference the contact information below if you require assistance in filling out an application. Individuals with disabilities should request reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act prior to an appointment.

An equal opportunity employer and provider/disability/veteran.