O&P Risk Awareness Engineer/Specialist

The electric grid is vital to our everyday lives. It is fundamental for the health, safety, and well-being of our communities, and provides the platform for our economy and our societal and technological advances. SERC's mission is to reduce risks to the reliability and security of the electric grid (also known as the bulk power system), not only for today but also for the future.

To achieve this mission, we maintain a diverse team of experts across numerous disciplines in order to address the complex, evolving, and dynamic challenges facing the grid. Our team also partners with the best and brightest individuals from both the power industry and the federal government to understand and address the challenges facing the grid. These key partnerships make our work more informed, pragmatic, responsive, and impactful.

The Risk Awareness Engineer/Specialist O&P is responsible for managing the awareness of entity-level risk for the SERC Region. This awareness includes the development of registered entity Inherent Risk Assessments (IRA), Entity Risk Profiles (ERP), Compliance Oversight Plans (COP), and a comprehensive Entity Risk Summary to capture relevant data, trends, and analysis. This position is also responsible for effectively communicating these risks to registered entities. Additionally, this position will lead and participate in evaluation of entity's' Internal Control Programs.

Position Start Date: No sooner than January 1, 2026

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Create and refresh SERC registered entity's IRA, ERP, COP, and Entity Risk Summaries.

- Identify and analyze risks that have potential impact to the Bulk Electric System.

- Effectively communicate risk analysis results with registered entities.

- Collaborate with other key departments to support mitigation of BES risk through Monitoring engagements, Technical Committee content, Training and Outreach activities, etc.

- Review and evaluate registered entity internal control programs.

- Respond to inquiries from registered entities, other SERC staff, other regional entities and NERC.

- Provide Risk subject matter expertise to SERC's various departments, such as Training and Outreach. Compliance Monitoring, Enforcement, Standards Development, etc.

- Provide leadership and expertise among peers at ERO Enterprise collaboration groups, as requested.

- Perform other assignments as directed.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

- Four year and/or higher educational degree in Electrical or Power Engineering, or equivalent experience.

- Five years of experience in electric utility industry with background in operations, compliance, and/or regulatory activities in a related field.

- One of the following certifications is desired:

- - Professional Engineer license (PE)

- NERC Certified System Operator (NCSO)

- Working knowledge of Bulk Electric System engineering, operations, and technical issues as they apply to NERC Reliability Standards.

- Working knowledge of organizational management structures and responsibilities related to risk management and compliance.

- Excellent organizational and time management skills.

- Project management skills.

- Ability to work with and analyze data-intensive and detailed information, and to draw meaningful conclusions from that information.

- Working knowledge of NERC O&P Reliability Standards and SERC regional standards, with general knowledge of NERC CIP Reliability Standards.

- Computer skills, proficient with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint.

- Effective communication skills (face-to-face, telephone, written and email, and presentation skills).

COMMITMENT TO CULTURE:

SERC is dedicated to being a highly desirable place to work through culture and purpose. We place a strategic focus on critical elements such as InnovationCollaboration, Organizational DevelopmentTalent Management. Through this strategic focus, SERC has identified its four values we believe keep us on the path of the relentless pursuit of better.

COMPANY VALUES:

- Leader - Is trustworthy, principled, and respectful and strive to create value that reduces risk. Has a positive vision and is actively building support to execute it. A leader takes personal accountability for the outcomes of their choices and actions, acts with professionalism and adapts to change in a calm and positive manner. A leader will, when appropriate, ask questions and recommend alternative solutions to new processes or procedures.

- Collaborative - Partner and engage, both internally and externally, to drive meaningful action by leveraging skills, knowledge and tools. This would include effective written and verbal communication to ensure ideas and messages are clearly and concisely conveyed, being responsive to all stakeholders, understanding goals and objectives while exceeding key metrics and targets. Encourages dialog and candor while making it safe for others to voice their opinion to ensure all alternative viewpoints are heard, they are an active listener.

- Expert - Being credible, objective, disciplined, and sought after to help with continuous learning, improvements, and innovations. Exhibit knowledge of and ensures compliance with industry best practices and regulations. Take initiative to set priorities and convey important information in a timely and efficient manner. Employ good judgment when evaluating a problem by analyzing risk and identifying consequences while demonstrating a sense of organizational stewardship.

- Purposeful - Proactively demonstrate initiative, intentionality and resourcefulness to help anticipate and navigate current and future challenges. Committed to the quality of work and ensures work is delivered at appropriate deadlines while seeking operational efficiencies. Initiate appropriate follow-up while leveraging industry knowledge and business acumen to make appropriate decisions. Treat others with compassion and empathy and embrace the organization's mission and vision while providing meaningful contributions to organizational endeavors.

If the traits and characteristics listed in our values resonate with you, we encourage you to apply!

SALARY/BENEFITS:

The salary range for this position is DOE. We offer a generous PTO package; paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, life, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and a 401(k) plan with an organization contribution of up to 14%.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Hybrid work environment

- Option 1: Dedicated office; Report to office 3-days per week

- Option 2: Non-Dedicated Office (Hoteling); Report to office 2-days per week

- ability to travel as needed.

SERC is an Equal Opportunity Employer