Director of NERC Compliance

Job Description

QE Solar is one of the nation's largest independent solar and BESS operations and maintenance providers, with over 15 years of operating experience. We manage 10 GW of solar and 7.5 GWh of BESS across 44 states, supporting asset owners with multi-hundred MW utility solar projects and large standalone BESS systems. We're pure-play O&M. That focus means our entire organization is built around one thing: keeping solar and storage assets running well. Our technicians carry broad OEM certifications, and our in-house capabilities span MV/HV electrical, vegetation management, engineering, and capital improvements, to streamline asset management for project owners.

The Director, NERC Compliance & CIP Programs is responsible for establishing and leading QE Solar's enterprise-wide NERC compliance strategy, governance framework, and regulatory risk management program. This role serves as the executive owner of the organization's NERC CIP and Operations & Planning compliance programs, ensuring regulatory adherence, operational resilience, audit readiness, and long-term program scalability across utility-scale solar, battery energy storage systems (BESS), distributed energy resources (DER), and control center operations.

The Director partners closely with executive leadership, Operations, Cybersecurity, IT, Legal, Risk Management, and external regulatory bodies to ensure QE Solar maintains industry-leading compliance standards while supporting business growth and evolving NERC requirements. This role is HYBRID.

Job Responsibilities

Enterprise Compliance Strategy & Executive Leadership - 30%

• Develop and execute QE Solar's long-term NERC compliance strategy.
• Serve as executive owner of NERC CIP, O&P, and reliability compliance programs.
• Advise senior leadership on regulatory risk, emerging compliance requirements, and strategic investments.
• Present compliance metrics, risks, and mitigation strategies to executive leadership and board-level stakeholders.
• Lead annual compliance program planning, budgeting, and resource allocation.

Regulatory Governance & Program Oversight - 25%

• Establish enterprise governance structures supporting CIP-002 through CIP-014 compliance.
• Own compliance policies, standards, procedures, and controls.
• Ensure alignment between operational, cybersecurity, and compliance objectives.
• Maintain oversight of all compliance monitoring, corrective action plans, and mitigation activities.

Audit & Regulatory Affairs Leadership - 20%

• Serve as primary executive contact for NERC, FERC, Regional Entities, and third-party auditors.
• Lead audit strategy, preparation, evidence management, and regulatory response efforts.
• Direct compliance investigations, self-reports, mitigation plans, and enforcement matters.
• Oversee enterprise audit readiness programs.

Organizational Leadership & Team Development - 15%

• Build, lead, and develop a high-performing compliance organization.
• Manage internal compliance personnel and external consultants.
• Establish performance goals, succession planning, and talent development initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, operational excellence, and regulatory awareness.

Program Innovation & Growth - 10%

• Design scalable compliance architectures supporting rapid growth in utility-scale solar, BESS, and DER operations.
• Lead compliance technology initiatives and automation efforts.
• Evaluate regulatory impacts associated with new market participation and operational expansion.

Required Experience

• 12+ years of progressive experience in NERC compliance, cybersecurity compliance, regulatory affairs, or electric utility operations. (Current version is 8-12 years.)
• 5+ years leading enterprise compliance programs and managing teams.
• Demonstrated experience serving as compliance leader during NERC/FERC audits.
• Experience managing Medium and/or High Impact CIP environments.
• Experience developing compliance strategy, budgets, and organizational roadmaps.
• Strong executive communication and stakeholder management experience.

Preferred Experience

• Director or senior leadership experience within utilities, renewable energy, ISO/RTO organizations, or registered entities.
• Experience building compliance organizations from the ground up.
• Experience supporting large-scale renewable portfolios, utility operations centers, DER aggregation, and BESS operations.

QE Solar is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Arizona Civil Rights Act (ACRA), and all applicable federal, state, and local laws. The physical and mental demands described below are representative of those required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. This role is performed in an on-site monitoring center environment. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

This position requires:

• Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation, including monitoring SCADA systems, alarms, and operational dashboards.
• Ability to view multiple monitors simultaneously and maintain an elevated level of attention to detail over extended periods.
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate computers, keyboards, radios, and communication systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, including coordinating with field technicians, dispatch, and leadership.
• Ability to remain alert, responsive, and make timely decisions in a fast-paced, potentially high-pressure environment.
• Ability to work scheduled shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Occasional standing, walking, and movement within the control center or facility.
• Ability to lift and carry items up to fifteen pounds, if necessary.

QE Solar offers incredible benefits! We enjoy:

• 100% paid employee premium on health benefits; additional dependents at low costs and great plans for Health, Dental, Vision, FSA, or HSA
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance
• Perks at Work Marketplace for discounts on gym memberships, classes, tech, vacations, tickets, and more
• Family Building and Adoption Assistance Programs
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Discounted Life & Disability Insurance

Statement to all Third-Party Agencies and Similar Organizations:

QE Solar accepts resumes only from contracted recruiting agencies with formal service agreements. Please do not send unsolicited resumes or outreach emails to our QE Solar employees, hiring managers, or team members without expressed consent or contract for services. QE Solar is not responsible for any fees or charges associated with unsolicited resumes or services.

The pay range for this role is:

115,000 - 130,000 USD per year (Scottsdale)