NERC CIP Specialist

Critical Infrastructure Compliance Specialist

Location(s)

• Cedar Park, Texas
• Hybrid work options available

Compensation

• 90k - 125k

Position Summary

The Critical Infrastructure Compliance Specialist supports regulatory and compliance activities for electric utility operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) environments. The role focuses on maintaining compliance with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards through data review, technical verification, audit preparation, reporting, policy and procedure support, and cross-functional coordination.

Job Function

• Inspect and review data and information for accuracy to support compliance with NERC CIP Standards across OT and IT environments used to operate transmission and distribution systems.
• Analyze reporting from automated systems, IT teams, and SCADA groups to evaluate compliance with NERC CIP Reliability Standards.
• Verify operating system updates, patches, and configuration changes are completed in accordance with applicable NERC Reliability Standards.
• Verify baseline documentation is complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with NERC Reliability Standards.
• Review system diagrams and documentation related to new or modified hardware, software, and networks.
• Verify system configurations support appropriate logging requirements.
• Review backup and recovery policies and procedures, including automated and manual backups and off-site storage, for compliance with applicable requirements and industry standards.
• Participate in performance audits involving system architecture and integration among energy management system (EMS) applications and other systems.
• Verify account administration, system hardening, and vulnerability scanning activities.
• Assist with procedures for specifying and maintaining servers, storage, and special-purpose workstations.
• Support the development of requirements and verify reliability and compliance reports related to the construction, operation, and maintenance of facilities and systems.
• Analyze technical information and data, prepare reports, and respond to information and data requests.
• Assist subject matter experts with research and preparation of work plans, goals, procedures, and proposed solutions to complex reliability and compliance issues.
• Recommend revisions to reliability and compliance policies and procedures based on data and feedback from personnel performing NERC and Texas Reliability Entity activities.
• Assist in developing self-reports, mitigation plans, and other internal and external reliability and compliance documentation.
• Lead cross-functional teams to gather and verify reliability and compliance data from IT/OT system administrators, operations personnel, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain current technical knowledge of NERC and Texas Reliability Entity requirements and support updates to policies and procedures.
• Implement required policies, procedures, and configurations and recommend improvements.
• Prepare and present reliability and compliance materials to audiences that may include senior management.
• Participate in relevant industry stakeholder groups, including the CIP Working Group (CIPWG) at ERCOT.
• Review and verify information related to FERC Order No. 693 Operations and Planning Standards.
• Prepare for and participate in Texas Reliability Entity audits.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of sensitive information, stay current with advances in technology, and perform other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Three years of directly related experience, including NERC CIP, cybersecurity compliance, IT systems administration, network administration, or a related background.
• Directly related experience may substitute for education.

Qualifications

• Valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of computer systems, including hardware and software setup, data entry, configuration, and information processing.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer service.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritize and manage changing priorities.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to listen to and understand information presented verbally and in writing.
• Ability to anticipate, identify, analyze, and resolve conflicts and problems.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, which may include prolonged sitting or standing, reaching, stooping, kneeling, and lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to travel as required and work more than 40 hours per week when necessary.

Appealing Facts About Living in Cedar Park, Texas

• Located in the greater Austin area, offering convenient access to a major technology and business hub while maintaining a suburban community feel.
• Offers access to parks, trails, lakes, and year-round outdoor recreation throughout Central Texas.
• Provides convenient access to Austin-area dining, entertainment, music, cultural attractions, and major transportation routes.
• Central Texas offers a generally mild winter climate and a wide range of nearby communities and recreational destinations.

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