Project Lead - Energy Reliability & Security (Remote)

Job Description

GDS Associates, Inc. has an exciting and challenging opportunity for a

in the

. This position is fully remote and based out of the Marietta (Atlanta), GA office. As related to the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Operations & Planning and/or CIP Reliability Standards, the Project Lead will assist in the coordination and execution of regulatory compliance activities for the department. This includes supporting the implementation of compliance initiatives, helping review and organize documentation, and performing basic monitoring tasks under the direction of senior staff members. The Project Lead will track compliance activities, coordinate maintaining documentation and evidence, and support Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) on compliance-related efforts.

The main responsibilities are listed below.

- Support the review and tracking of clients compliance with operational and technical requirements set by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), NERC and Regional Entities, and various Regional Transmission Organizations. Help gather and organize data for self-certifications, NERC and Regional data requests including both scheduled and unscheduled requests, and other compliance reporting.

- Assist senior staff members in maintaining documentation and evidence to support GDS clients compliance activities.

- Provide general support during internal and external audits of clients, such as organizing records, preparing materials, and tracking audit data requests.

- Collaborate with client SMEs to help compile accurate documentation and evidence of compliance.

- Help senior GDS staff members identify and log compliance concerns and assist in developing and documenting corrective actions as directed by senior staff.

- Participate in preparation efforts for mock audits of clients, helping coordinate data requests, compile evidence, and track gaps or deficiencies to be addressed following a mock audit.

- Help maintain client procedures and other required documentation, ensuring that procedures are reviewed on the required schedule (annually or every three years, typically), tracking task completion and signatures, and following up with responsible individuals to ensure timely action.

- Support efforts to document client internal controls in collaboration with senior staff and client SMEs and help track progress toward mitigation plans or corrective actions related to identified compliance risks.

- Monitor compliance-related communications (e.g., industry updates, calls, bulletins) and share relevant information with the GDS Reliability Services team and other GDS SMEs. Assist with preparing materials or logistics for internal training sessions when required.

- Work under the direction of senior staff members to support continuous improvement of GDSs NERC Compliance offerings to ensure that GDS is providing clients with best in class service and value.

Experience And Skills

- Bachelors of Science Degree from an accredited engineering school in relevant engineering discipline required, e.g. Electrical, Nuclear, Mechanical, Industrial, Civil, or Information Technology.

- Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience working in an electric utility with NERC Compliance responsibility.

- Excellent communication skills required with demonstrated ability to communicate in a collaborative, concise and professional manner.

- Independent problem-solving ability and constructive questioning.

- Technical knowledge and experience with transmission system operations, maintenance or planning.

- Previous experience working in a regulated environment, especially in the electricity sector or in other related industry.

- Project team collaboration.

- Manager timely delivery of tasks assigned to a project team.

- Up to 25% travel to Client sites and to attend industry meetings.

- In lieu of 5 years of experience, a professional engineering (PE) license or CISSP plus 3 years of experience may be substituted.

- Must pass background check before employment and again at least once every 7 years.

GDS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Please note that this position is not available for visa sponsorship.

Work Authorization: Citizens or Permanent Residents of USA or Canada. Cannot provide Visa sponsorship.

Salary is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individuals particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The typical salary range for this position is just one component of the firms total compensation package.

- Flex Benefits (Flexible Hours, Telecommuting)

- Competitive Pay

- Health Benefits (Medical, Dental & Vision, Company Paid Life, Long Term & Short-Term Disability)

- Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, Floating Holiday, Holidays)

- 401(k)

- Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

- Tuition Reimbursement

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