Principal, Grid Interoperability & Security Job Listing at NRECA in United States of America (Job ID R2024-571)

Description

Job Description

Position Summary:

NRECA is a unique national trade association providing advocacy, financial services and business support services to over 900 consumer owned electric cooperatives across the country.  NRECA employees are united by our mission, inclusive culture, collaborative workplace and commitment to service excellence.  As a “best place to work” employer, we operate with integrity, transparency and a spirit of innovation.

Provides leadership in the identification, development and field support of new and more efficient approaches to grid hardware and software interoperability, IT/OT cybersecurity, and secure/interoperable technology deployment for cooperative distribution systems. Leads and coordinates project teams to identify solutions to technical interoperability and security challenges that may prevent co-ops' timely adoption of innovative new and more efficient distribution technologies, control systems and operating practices as they become viable to help co-ops improve their systems performance and increase the power quality and reliability of their systems. Contributes to NRECA strategic priorities development by direct member engagement and fostering and facilitating cross-network collaboration within the Department and across the Association.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Acts as the primary lead in identifying, defining and communicating to co-op member T&D engineers on grid interoperability methods and technologies, operating concepts and applications. 
• Identifies issues and needs of member systems in IT/OT security, interoperability, and smart grid through problem analysis and deficiency identification, and leads development of tools, appropriate standards, and specifications for solving those problems.
• Enables creation of “data lakes” at electric cooperatives by providing assistance and expertise in acquiring data in real-time or close to real-time from utility systems. Identifies and leads development of strategies to promote increased interoperability on co-op systems and the technologies they deploy. Contributes to the continuing promotion and use of the MultiSpeak standard between systems and in the advancement of improved and seamless distribution operating practices.
• Leads and coordinates on projects related to the continuing development of the “smart grid,” and applications of utility systems to help co-ops determine how to best apply and operate these technologies.
• Represents NRECA and co-ops in key industry standards groups such as IEEE and the SGIP to help maximize the benefits of these standards to co-ops and protect their investments in these areas.
• Supports cybersecurity projects, solutions, research and demonstration projects to solve current and future challenges facing electric co-ops with cybersecurity issues.
• Anticipates potential regulatory challenges and issues that may hinder co-ops' in their adoption of new technologies and operating practices and identify and promote potential solutions. And, monitor for upcoming changes that need to be updated in standards and other technical documents. Inform and coordinate with NRECA regulatory staff on these issues as appropriate.
• Contributes, identifies gaps in research and leads research analysis on grid interoperability and IT/OT security.
• Guides, consults and advises on technical matters to other BTS functional groups in the areas of grid interoperability and grid security.
• Works with NRECA's subject matter experts (SME) on renewable energy, distributed generation, energy storage and microgrids.
• Leads member engagement in specific areas and partners with NRECA associate members and the industry for support and endorsements.
• Communicates cybersecurity best practices and opportunities to membership and other industry stakeholders through both oral and written communications. 
• Uses technical information to advise on trends for the technical direction of the industry with key stakeholders; helps with defining NRECA research and position on technical issues; and represents co-op interests. 
• Assists in writing proposals for grant research funding opportunities and works with a team to implement.
• Leads provision of technical content on distribution optimization to support NRECA's Education and Training, Communications, Government Relations, Touchstone Energy Cooperative and Associate Member efforts. 

Direct Reports to this Position:

N/A

Formal Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering or equivalent required.

Experience and Certifications Required:

• Fifteen years of experience in the field of grid interoperability, data acquisition and grid security in the IT and OT domains, distribution grid operations support, at a vendor, electric utility or engineering consulting firm.
• Five years of progressive experience working with distribution grid automation, data analytics, interoperability and security vendors, products and services desired.
• Ten years of progressive experience working directly with electric cooperatives desired.
• Demonstrable knowledge and experience with the latest smart grid, grid security, and interoperability technologies, and their specific high-value applications on the electric grid required.

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required (as demonstrated by prior work experience):

• Ability to effectively coordinate the efforts of large committees, teams and their volunteers and bring them to consensus on complicated and controversial issues.
• Ability to be persuasive, negotiate, and collaborate with individuals at all levels throughout organization.
• Interpersonal skills, member service orientation and ability to work in a team environment.  Must be energetic, goal oriented and innovative.
• Ability to lead highly visible multidisciplinary project/program teams or initiatives and provide leadership as the authority in a specialized field.
• Ability to communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a diverse membership, employees and/or vendors in a clear and precise manner.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, Outlook, Power Point) and to operate various office equipment such as personal computer, copier, printer, fax machine or other job-related equipment.
• Ability to provide service excellence by building relationships, being resourceful, responsive and respectful.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and multiple projects at various stages of development using effective organization skills and attention to detail.

Essential Physical Requirements:

• The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal and extensive reading.
• Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.

Disclaimer Statement: The preceding job description has been written to reflect management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Additional Requirement:

The preceding job description has been written to reflect management's assignment of essential functions. It does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.

NRECA is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please e-mail humanresources@nreca.coop or call: 703-907-5992 - NRECA Arlington Human Resources. Please call 402-483-9275 - NRECA Lincoln Human Resources, for Lincoln, NE employment opportunities. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released the 'Know Your Rights' poster, which updates and replaces the previous "EEO is the Law" poster and "EEO Is the Law Poster Supplement". 

Pay Transparency Non-Discrimination. NRECA will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay. Please see the Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Provision for more information.

E-Verify. As a Federal Contractor, NRECA is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. For information please click on the following link: E-Verify.

For more information about life at NRECA please visit www.Electric.coop.