Senior Renewable Studies Engineer (NERC Compliance) (63357)

We are seeking a versatile and motivated system studies engineer with a focus on NERC Compliance to join the Renewable Studies group. This role will support renewable and electric power clients in validating and modelling for NERC Compliance, with particular emphasis on inverter-based resources. The position will focus on modelling renewable generation sites and producing compliance reports.  The successful candidate will bring subject-matter expertise and contribute to the continued growth of NEI's NERC compliance practice.

Salary Range: $125,000 - $165,000 / year

The salary range above is based upon the Denver, Colorado labor market.

This opportunity is available to both local / in-office (Lakewood, CO) and full-time remote candidates.

• Lead and support NERC compliance programs for renewable and electric power clients, including development of practical processes, controls, documentation, and continuous-improvement plans.
• Serve as a technical and regulatory resource for applicable NERC Reliability Standards, including PRC, FAC, MOD, VAR, EOP, and other standards relevant to client facilities and registrations.
• Provide NERC compliance support for inverter-based resources, including registration considerations, performance requirements, modeling and validation obligations, and readiness for new or revised standards.
• Monitor evolving reliability requirements affecting large computational loads, including data centers, and translate those requirements into client-specific compliance plans and gap assessments.
• Develop and maintain internal controls, evidence-management approaches, and compliance documentation designed to support consistent audit readiness.
• Prepare and maintain compliance policies, procedures, technical reports, evidence packages, training materials, and other documentation tailored to applicable NERC requirements.
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, project management, information technology, and external partners to integrate compliance requirements into project and operating processes.
• Track changes in NERC Reliability Standards, FERC requirements, Regional Entity expectations, renewable integration requirements, and grid-reliability practices; communicate relevant impacts to clients and internal teams.
• Meet with clients virtually and in person, as needed, to understand compliance needs, explain requirements, present findings, and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
• Develop and deliver presentations, workshops, and training for internal team members, clients and industry stakeholders on NERC compliance and grid-reliability topics.
• Leverage digital tools, automation, and data analytics where appropriate to improve evidence management, compliance tracking, and reporting efficiency.
• Support and mentor engineers and other team members, promote knowledge sharing, and contribute to development of NEI standards, templates, and best practices.
• Maintain high ethical, professional, and safety standards and perform other job-related responsibilities as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or Power Systems from an accredited four-year college or university.
• Minimum of 5+ years of progressive experience in NERC compliance program management, audit readiness, power-system compliance, or a closely related role. Senior-level consideration will be based on depth of experience, technical leadership, and client responsibility.
• Proficiency in more than one of the following: PSS/E, PSLF, PSCAD, or TSAT.
• Understanding and experience in relay protection and settings development.
• Strong working knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards and their application, with demonstrated experience in areas such as PRC, FAC, MOD, VAR, CIP, TOP, EOP or related compliance obligations.
• Demonstrated experience developing or improving compliance programs, internal controls, evidence-management processes, policies, or procedures.
• Experience supporting NERC or Regional Entity audits, spot checks, self-certifications, data requests, or other regulatory interactions.
• Ability to interpret complex regulatory and technical requirements and translate them into clear, practical actions for engineering, operations, and client teams.
• Understanding of risk-based compliance methods, gap assessments, corrective-action planning, and compliance-management practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare high-quality reports, present technical topics, and communicate effectively with clients and regulatory stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate across disciplines, lead workstreams, mentor others, and build strong working relationships with clients and internal teams.
• Self-directed, organized, and motivated by continuous learning, problem-solving, and improvement in a changing regulatory environment.
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.

• Professional Engineering Licensure
• NERC-Certified System Operator, CRCM, or other relevant certification or licensure.
• Familiarity with power-system modeling and analysis tools such as PowerFactory, ETAP, or ASPEN, particularly where models support NERC compliance or validation requirements.
• Experience using compliance-management platforms, workflow automation, dashboards, or data analytics to improve tracking, reporting, or evidence management.
• Participation in industry working groups, standards development, regulatory forums, or other grid-reliability and compliance activities.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a home or office setting, and some field work may be required

Travel:

Typical: 5 – 15%

Physical Activities:

Must be able to lift 25lbs.

Serving Others. Enriching Environment. Improving Continually. Quality Results. Voted as a top workplace by the Denver Post for three straight years (2020, 2021, 2022), our values have been woven into the fabric of who we are since 1982, guiding our decision making throughout the years. As an engineering services firm, NEI’s mission is to create a great organization that serves people and solves problems.

Since NEI’s founding, we have developed a culture of collaboration and accountability, both across our teams and departments and externally with our clients across the United States. We believe in hiring great people and celebrating the diverse backgrounds and unique experiences of our team members, bringing in new perspectives that strengthen NEI as we chart our path into the future.

We are a proud equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or genetic information.