NERC CIP Specialist - Cedar Park, TX

Mission Hires is seeking a NERC CIP Specialist on behalf of a company supporting critical electric transmission and distribution infrastructure. This role helps maintain compliance with NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) Reliability Standards across operational technology, IT, SCADA, and energy management system environments. The specialist will review technical evidence, validate controls and documentation, support audit readiness, and collaborate with IT, OT, Operations, and compliance stakeholders.

Hybrid work options are available. Responsibilities:

• Inspect and review data, records, and technical information for accuracy and compliance with NERC CIP Standards across IT and operational technology environments.
• Analyze reporting from automated systems, IT teams, SCADA teams, and other operational groups to assess compliance with NERC CIP Reliability Standards.
• Verify that operating system updates, patches, configuration changes, baseline documentation, system diagrams, and network documentation are completed in accordance with applicable standards.
• Review system configurations to confirm proper logging, account administration, system hardening, and vulnerability scanning practices.
• Verify backup, recovery, automated and manual backup routines, offsite storage, and recovery procedures for regulatory and industry-standard compliance.
• Participate in performance audits of system architecture, system integrations, energy management system applications, and interfaces with other business systems.
• Assist with procedures and requirements for servers, storage, and special-purpose workstations.
• Analyze technical information and prepare reliability and compliance reports, data requests, work plans, procedures, and proposed solutions.
• Support the preparation of Self-Reports, Mitigation Plans, and other internal and external reliability and compliance documentation.
• Lead cross-functional efforts to collect and validate compliance evidence from IT/OT system administrators, Operations, and other stakeholders.
• Recommend updates to reliability and compliance policies and procedures based on findings, regulatory changes, and stakeholder feedback.
• Maintain current knowledge of NERC and Texas Reliability Entity requirements and help implement required policies, procedures, and configurations.
• Prepare and present compliance-related materials to technical teams and senior management.
• Participate in industry stakeholder groups, including CIP working groups, and support preparation for and participation in Texas RE audits.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of sensitive information and perform other related duties as assigned.

• Bachelor's degree in a related field, or an equivalent combination of directly related experience and education.
• At least three years of directly related experience in NERC, CIP, cybersecurity compliance, IT systems administration, network administration, or a related discipline.
• Working knowledge of NERC CIP Reliability Standards and compliance practices in utility IT and operational technology environments.
• Experience reviewing or supporting controls related to system patching, configuration management, baselines, logging, backups, recovery, access administration, system hardening, and vulnerability management.
• Ability to interpret technical information, analyze data, prepare reports, and respond to information requests.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders, including IT, OT, SCADA, Operations, and compliance personnel.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present compliance information to varied audiences.
• Strong organizational, prioritization, time-management, problem-solving, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive infrastructure and compliance information responsibly.
• Proficiency using computer systems and Microsoft Office applications.
• Valid driver's license.

• Hybrid work options available.
• Opportunity to support cybersecurity and regulatory compliance for critical electric utility infrastructure.
• Cross-functional collaboration with IT, OT, SCADA, Operations, and regulatory compliance teams.
• Professional involvement in industry stakeholder groups and regulatory audit preparation.