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Internship Nerc System Operator Jobs in Virginia

Senior Controls Engineer

Arlington, VA ยท On-site +1

$111K - $147K/yr

Support NERC MOD-026 and MOD-027 submissions and respond to ISO/RTO model review comments alongside ... General awareness of UL 9540 / UL 9540A for BESS systems. Preferred Qualifications * HIL testing ...

Press Brake Operator

Daleville, VA ยท On-site

$16.50 - $21.25/hr

Climate control systems often account for a large percentage of energy consumption in many of our ... We pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where interns are valued ...

... of non-internship professional software development experience - 1+ years of designing or ... operating systems and hands-on systems engineering experience - Experience programming with at ...

Internship: product development

Lovettsville, VA ยท On-site

$16.75 - $21.75/hr

This Position reports to: R&D Team Lead Internship: Your Role and Responsibilities In this role ... operating systems, databases, and software applications. - Knowledge of the concept of a company ...

Systems Engineer

Fairfax, VA ยท On-site

$61K - $113K/yr

Our three operating units: Space Electronic Systems (SES), Integrated C4ISR Systems (ICS) and ... internship, co-op, or professional experience. * Understanding of systems engineering principles ...

... operator training, historian and engineering workstations, and related Electric Operations systems ... NERC CIP standards. - Effective written and verbal communication skills. - Ability to work with ...

Systems Technician II

Richmond, VA ยท On-site

$50K - $55K/yr

... interns and staff. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS The successful candidate must have a high school degree or ... Experience operating within a secure domain. Thorough experience with PC and related software in a ...

Showing results 21-40

Internship Nerc System Operator information

What are some common challenges faced by interns in a NERC System Operator role, and how can they best prepare for them?

Interns in a NERC System Operator role often face the challenge of quickly learning complex reliability standards and real-time grid operations. The fast-paced environment requires strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to respond calmly under pressure. To prepare, candidates should familiarize themselves with NERC standards, develop basic understanding of power systems, and seek mentorship from experienced operators. Proactively asking questions and participating in training sessions can help interns build confidence and adapt smoothly to the demands of the role.

What is the difference between Internship Nerc System Operator vs Nerc System Operator?

AspectInternship Nerc System OperatorNerc System Operator
CredentialsTypically pursuing or recent graduate, no certification requiredRequires NERC certification and relevant experience
Work EnvironmentTraining environment, supervised, temporaryFull-time, operational control center
Employer & IndustryUtilities, energy companies, training programsRegional reliability organizations, utilities

The Internship Nerc System Operator is a temporary, training-focused role for students or recent graduates, whereas the Nerc System Operator is a full-time professional responsible for real-time grid reliability and control. The internship provides hands-on experience, while the full role requires certification and operational expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship NERC System Operator?

To excel as an Internship NERC System Operator, you need a background in electrical engineering or a related field, strong analytical skills, and foundational knowledge of power systems. Familiarity with SCADA systems, energy management software, and understanding of NERC reliability standards are typically required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe, reliable grid operations and compliance with industry regulations in real-time environments.

What is an internship NERC System Operator?

An Internship NERC System Operator is a trainee position designed to provide hands-on experience in the operation of electrical power systems under the guidelines of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC). Interns assist certified system operators in monitoring and controlling the transmission and distribution of electricity, ensuring grid reliability and compliance with NERC standards. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates interested in learning about grid operations, emergency response procedures, and industry regulations. Interns may work in control centers, participate in simulations, and receive mentorship to prepare for future certification as a NERC System Operator.
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Senior Controls Engineer

IPL (Indiana)

Arlington, VA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$111K - $147K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Are you ready to be part of a companythat'snot just talking about the future, but actively shaping it? Join The AES Corporation, the largest US-based global power company witha teamof 8,300employees across 12 countries.
AES has beenranked #1 byBloombergNEFin renewable energy sales to corporations in the US and Americas for five consecutive years, providing electricityformillions of peopleworldwide.
We are proud to foster a strong workplace culture, earning prominent positions in Great Place to Work rankings across the markets where weoperate. AES was also named one of the World's Most Ethical Companies for the 13th consecutive year in 2026, highlighting our dedication to integrity, transparency, and responsible business practices.

Our spirit of innovation continues to earn industry recognition. AES is the only seven-time winner of the Edison Electric Institute's Edison Awards in the twenty-first century, a distinction honoringglobal leadership in advancing the electric power industry.
Ifyou'reready to be part of a companythat'snot just adapting to change, but driving it, AES is the place for you.We'renot just building a more sustainable future,we'repowering it. Apply now and energize your career with a true leader inglobalenergy.


Position Summary

The Senior Controls Engineer will lead the design, testing, commissioning, and continuous improvement of plant-level control systems for utility-scale solar and battery energy storage projects.

This role provides technical leadership for Power Plant Controller (PPC), Energy Management System (EMS), and supervisory control solutions that support safe, reliable, and compliant plant operations. The position partners closely with internal teams, OEMs, EPCs, and operations stakeholders to define control strategies, evaluate designs, and support successful project execution from design through commercial operation.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience with renewable energy controls, technical problem solving, and cross-functional collaboration in a fast-paced project environment.

We are open to considering U.S. remote-based candidates, preferably located in the Pacific (PST) time zone.

Key Responsibilities

Control Strategy Development and Implementation

  • Design, develop, andmaintainplant-level control logic for utility-scale solar PV and BESS facilities, including PPC, EMS, and supervisory control systems.

  • Develop control strategies for active power control (APC), reactive power control (RPC), frequency response, voltage regulation, ramp rate limiting, and state-of-charge (SOC) management for hybrid solar and storage facilities, ensuring performance under expected grid operating conditions.

  • Develop control logic in IEC-61131-3 environments such asCodesys,AcSELerator, BeckhoffTwinCAT, or equivalent platforms.

  • Review OEM and EPC-supplied control strategies and design documentation,identifygaps and risks, and provide recommendations that support successful commissioning and long-term operational performance.

  • Define and support control interfaces for inverter OEMs and BESS vendors, including protocols such as Modbus, DNP3, and IEC 61850.

Controller Modeling and Validation

  • Develop and review dynamic controller models in PSS/E to support interconnection andcontrolsvalidation activities.

  • Support EMT modeling and validation activities in PSCAD/EMTDC toidentifyand resolve control design issues before field implementation.

  • Support NERC MOD-026 and MOD-027 submissions and respond to ISO/RTO model review comments alongside the power systems team.

Testing, Commissioning, and Issue Resolution

  • Develop structured test plans for new control features and product releases, with clear acceptance criteria and documented pass/fail expectations.

  • Support HIL testing environments (RTDS, OPAL-RT, or equivalent) for controller validation before hardware ever touches a real plant.

  • Lead or support factory and site acceptance testing (FAT/SAT), including setpoint verification, alarm and trip logic validation, and SCADA communications checkout, while escalating issues and driving resolution as needed.

  • Support root cause analysis and corrective action development for post-commercial-operation issues, ensuring lessons learned are incorporated into future designs and processes.

Technical Standards and Documentation

  • Ensure control designscomply withapplicable standards, including IEEE 1547, IEEE 2800, relevant NERC requirements, and project interconnection obligations.

  • Develop clear and complete documentation, including functional specifications, logic descriptions, I/O lists, test procedures, and commissioning reports that support consistency, maintainability, and knowledge transfer.

  • Stay current on evolving inverter-based resource grid code requirements and apply those insights to engineering standards and project delivery.

Cross-Functional Collaboration and Technical Leadership

  • Partner with project development, engineering, and construction teams to support equipment selection, vendor evaluation, and early identification ofcontrols-related risks.

  • Collaborate with SCADA, commissioning, and operations teams to support reliable plant performance through startup and ongoing operations.

  • Providetechnical guidance to less-experienced engineers through knowledge sharing, design review, and coaching to support team capability and quality outcomes.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Controls Engineering, or a closely related fieldrequired.

  • Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be consideredin accordance withcompany policy and business needs.

Experience

  • 5+ years ofcontrolsengineering experience, including work with utility-scale solar PV and/or BESS facilities.

  • Experience developing control strategies for grid-connected renewable energy assets.

  • Experience reviewing OEM or EPC control submissions and functional designdocuments, andproviding substantive technical feedback.

  • Working knowledge of PSS/E or PSCAD for controller-level modeling and validation.

  • Hands-on experience with PPC or EMS commissioning and acceptance testing for utility-scale renewable projects.

Technical Skills

  • IEC-61131-3 control logic development inCodesys,AcSELerator, BeckhoffTwinCAT, or equivalent PLC-based environments.

  • Strong troubleshooting and root cause analysis skills, with the ability to trace issues through software,controlsinterfaces, and system behavior.

  • Working knowledge of PSS/E and/or PSCAD at the controller level.

  • Communication protocols: Modbus TCP/RTU, DNP3, IEC 61850 (GOOSE/MMS),SunSpec.

  • SCADA/historian familiarity: PI Historian, OSIsoft, or equivalent.

  • Python or MATLAB/Simulink for control analysis, test automation, or data evaluation.

Standards Knowledge

  • IEEE 1547-2018 and IEEE 2800-2022 interconnection requirements for inverter-based resources.

  • NERC MOD-026, MOD-027, and PRC-024 familiarity.

  • General awareness of UL 9540 / UL 9540A for BESS systems.

Preferred Qualifications

  • HIL testing experience with RTDS/RSCAD, OPAL-RT, orSpeedgoat

  • MATLAB/Simulink for control modeling or algorithm prototyping

  • BESS dispatch optimization, degradation-aware SOC management, or demand response control strategies

  • Experience with Emerson Ovation, ABB Ability, or Schweitzer SEL platforms in renewable energy applications

  • Working knowledge of interconnection processes at ERCOT, CAISO, MISO, PJM, or WECC as they relate to controls and model submissions

  • Familiarity with OT/ICS cybersecurity frameworks (IEC 62443, NERC CIP basics)

  • Professional Engineer (PE) license

AES is an Equal Opportunity Employer who is committed to building strength and delivering long-term sustainability through diversity and inclusion. Respecting all backgrounds, differences and perspectives enables us to improve the lives of our people, customers, suppliers, contractors, and the communities in which we live and work. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and/or expression, race, national origin, ethnicity, age, religion, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. E-Verify Notice: AES will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) with information from each new employee's I-9 to confirm work authorization.The expected salary for this position, at commencement of employment, is between $113,000 and $141,525/year; however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including market location, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position also includes annual bonus. The benefits offered for this position are: medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, 401(k) eligibility, and paid time off (including vacation, sick leave time, and parental leave). Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if a candidate receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an "at-will position" and the Company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, Company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.Apply by clicking the application link below and submitting your information. The deadline to apply for this role is 08/14/2026