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Nerc System Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Manager NERC Compliance

Chicago, IL · On-site

$120 - $170/hr

... operated assets. This position can be based in Houston, TX, Sedalia, MO or Kansas City, MO ... Manage compliance systems, databases, workflows, and reporting tools to ensure data accuracy and ...

... system operator. The Sr Ops Support Specialist supports training drills with external stakeholders, Exelon organizations and regulatory agencies (PJM, NERC & FERC). The Sr Ops Support Specialist ...

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Nerc System Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$33

$85

How much do nerc system operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for nerc system operator in Chicago, IL is $33.67, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.05 and $39.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a NERC System Operator?

A NERC System Operator is responsible for monitoring and controlling the electrical power grid to ensure a reliable and balanced flow of electricity. They follow North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) standards to prevent outages and respond to system disturbances. Operators communicate with power plants, substations, and other entities to manage grid stability and emergency situations. They typically work in real-time control centers and must be NERC-certified to perform their duties.

What is a typical workday like for a NERC System Operator?

A typical day for a NERC System Operator involves monitoring real-time grid conditions, responding to alarms, coordinating planned and unplanned outages, and communicating with field personnel and neighboring utilities to maintain system reliability. Operators often work in a control room setting, using advanced software and monitoring equipment to oversee power flows and facilitate rapid responses to disturbances. The role requires vigilance, as operators must be ready to take swift, decisive action during emergency events or system anomalies. Shifts may cover nights, weekends, and holidays due to the 24/7 nature of grid operations, but this dynamic environment also offers opportunities to develop specialized expertise and advance into senior roles within grid management or operations planning.

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

To thrive as a NERC System Operator, you need a solid understanding of electric power systems, grid operations, and regulatory compliance, often supported by a degree in electrical engineering or a related field and the NERC certification. Familiarity with energy management systems (EMS), SCADA systems, and outage coordination tools is critical. Strong decision-making abilities, communication skills, and the capacity to perform under pressure help operators excel. These competencies ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the power grid in compliance with federal standards.

What are the most commonly searched types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Nerc System Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Nerc System Operator job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 70% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,037 per year, or $33.7 per hour.

Manager NERC Compliance

PROENERGY

Chicago, IL • On-site

$120 - $170/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago


Job description

Location: Houston, TX, 77053 ; Kansas City, KS, 66211 ; Sedalia, MO, 65301

Job Id:2334

# of Openings:1

About PROENERGY

PROENERGY is an engineering, R&D, and manufacturing powerhouse. The company addresses every need for fast-start power generation: turbine and package manufacturing, turnkey project execution, power purchase agreements, and asset lifecycle care for turbines and plants. Where others see impossible energy challenges, PROENERGY provides innovative aeroderivative solutions.

Our Footprint

PROENERGY delivers fast-start, dispatchable power solutions from worldwide centers for aeroderivative excellence. We are investing more than $1 billion through 2028 in infrastructure to serve our customers.

In Sedalia, Missouri, our 600,000 sq ft Center for Excellence in Manufacturing—a world-class investment in fast-start power and the only campus of its kind in the world is growing by 40 percent.

In Houston, Texas, our 500,000 sq ft Center for Excellence in Lifecycle Care features a Level-IV depot and aero repair facility, which executes comprehensive services for aeroderivative engines under one roof.

In Kansas City, we have an office with an Engineering team that supports our sought-after solutions for turnkey projects and contracted power.

And our worldwide service centers ensure local service expertise near our customers. Our expanding service footprint includes Phoenix, Buenos Aires, New Brunswick, and additional locations in Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia.

Our Philosophy

We take care of our people and strive to make a positive difference for the world. We offer competitive pay, excellent benefits that include Medical, Dental, Vision, and Life/Disability Insurance at minimal cost to the employee, 10 paid holidays, paid time off, and a 401K plan.

Position Summary:

The Manager North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) Compliance is responsible for implementing and continuously improving PROENERGY’s compliance program aligned with NERC Operations & Planning (693) standards and regional reliability requirements across company-owned and third-party-operated assets.

This position can be based in Houston, TX, Sedalia, MO or Kansas City, MO.PROENERGY offers relocation assistance to the successful candidate.

Reports To:

SVP Compliance Sustainability Chief Compliance Officer

Work Location:

6246 McHard Road, Houston, TX 77053 ;2001 Proenergy Blvd, Sedalia, MO 65301 ;11141 Overbrook Rd #202, Leawood, KS 66211

Position Responsibilities:
  • Lead the implementation, management, and improvement of the NERC Operations & Planning (693) program.
  • Establish governance frameworks, performance metrics (KPIs), and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance program effectiveness.
  • Oversee all compliance lifecycle activities including evidence management, task tracking, documentation control, and audit readiness.
  • Manage compliance systems, databases, workflows, and reporting tools to ensure data accuracy and traceability.
  • Prepare and submit regulatory filings including reliability reports, self-certifications, data requests, and potential non-compliance self-reports.
  • Lead investigations of compliance issues, ensuring thorough root cause analysis and timely corrective actions.
  • Conduct periodic internal audits and readiness assessments to ensure continuous compliance with NERC and regional requirements.
  • Serve as primary liaison for external audits and regulatory reviews.
  • Train and advise plant personnel and operational teams on NERC standards and compliance expectations.
  • Partner with IT, operations, and the CIP staff to ensure compliance with physical and cybersecurity requirements.
  • Engage with internal stakeholders and external industry groups to stay ahead of regulatory changes.
Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related degree,
  • 5 or more years of experience in the power generation industry, including direct working knowledge of NERC 693 standards.
  • Strong understanding of Regional Reliability Organization regulations and compliance frameworks.
  • Demonstrated ability to solve complex regulatory and operational problems independently.
  • Requires up to +20% travel.
  • Must read, write and speak fluent English.
  • U.S. work authorization is a precondition of employment. The company will not consider candidates who require sponsorship for a work-authorized Visa.
  • Successful candidate will need to satisfactorily complete the following: Pre-employment drug screen, background check, including a Motor Vehicle Record review.DISA background and drug screen requirements as indicated by a PROENERGY client
Desired Qualifications:
  • Experience in power plant engineering, operations, or protection systems.
  • Strong technical writing, analytical, and documentation skills.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

It is PROENERGY’s policy to provide equal opportunity in employment to all its employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, national origin, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, military status, or any other characteristic protected by State or Federal law.

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