Reliability Compliance Specialist

Reliability Compliance Specialist

Associated Electric Cooperative, Inc. (AECI) is looking for a Reliability Compliance Specialist to help ensure the reliable operation of the bulk electric system by supporting our compliance with North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards.

In this role, you'll partner with technical experts across the organization to develop, implement, and maintain our reliability compliance program. You'll play an important role in preparing for audits, evaluating compliance risks, improving internal controls, and supporting initiatives that help keep our power system safe, reliable, and compliant.

If you enjoy solving complex problems, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and working in a highly regulated technical environment, we'd like to hear from you.

What You'll Do

• Support and maintain AECI's NERC Reliability Compliance Program.
• Interpret and implement new and revised NERC Reliability Standards.
• Partner with engineers, operations personnel, and business leaders to ensure compliance requirements are understood and implemented.
• Coordinate and support internal assessments and external compliance audits.
• Develop and maintain compliance documentation, procedures, evidence, and reporting.
• Perform compliance reviews, risk assessments, and internal control testing.
• Investigate potential compliance issues and assist with mitigation planning.
• Monitor industry developments, regulatory updates, alerts, and implementation guidance.
• Maintain compliance management systems and reporting tools.
• Assist with compliance awareness and training initiatives throughout the organization.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and member-owner cooperatives to support a culture of compliance.

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Business, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and influence without direct authority.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in the electric utility industry.
• Knowledge of NERC Reliability Standards or electric utility regulatory compliance.
• Experience in operations, engineering, maintenance, risk management, auditing, or compliance.
• Experience working with compliance management systems, document management systems, or governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software.
• Project management or audit experience is a plus.

What Makes You Successful

You'll thrive in this position if you:

• Enjoy learning complex technical and regulatory requirements.
• Take ownership of projects from planning through completion.
• Can analyze information and identify practical solutions.
• Build strong working relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Maintain professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality.
• Have a continuous improvement mindset and enjoy finding more effective and efficient ways to work.

Travel & Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment with office-based at AECI Headquarters in Springfield, Missouri.
• Occasional overnight travel for training, audits, or industry meetings.
• Flexibility to work outside normal business hours when business needs require.

Why Join AECI?

At AECI, you'll work alongside industry professionals dedicated to maintaining one of the nation's most reliable electric systems. We invest in our employees through ongoing development, technical training, and opportunities for career progression while fostering a collaborative culture focused on safety, integrity, and operational excellence.

If you're looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on electric reliability while growing your career in compliance and the utility industry, we encourage you to apply.

What Associated provides:

• We are committed to rewarding talent with top pay. Your efforts will be recognized with a total compensation package that reflects your experience and contributions.
• Plan for your future with confidence! We offer a robust 401(k) program with a generous employer match to help you build the financial future you deserve.
• We know how important work-life integration is. Recharge with PTO and enjoy paid holidays, ensuring you have time to unwind and pursue your passions outside of work.
• Your health matters to us! Stay covered beginning on your first day of employment with our premier healthcare plan that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family.

At Associated Electric Cooperative, all of our 700+ employees across MO/AR/OK territory play a crucial role in powering our mission! Whether you're an experienced professional or just starting your career, you'll find endless opportunities for career development here. Join us in an environment where your contribution is valued, and your career can thrive as we work together to keep the lights on!