Transmission Planning Engineer (Entry level Emphasis)
Overview
This is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in recent history for the power industry as we evaluate and implement renewable energy and emerging technologies to build the future of energy for the advancement of our customers and communities. Transmission planning plays a critical role in Southern Company's success in achieving this goal by continuously developing a reliable, flexible, and resilient transmission grid that meets the needs of our future.
At Southern Company, our Transmission Planning organization encompasses all aspects of planning the transmission system for our subsidiary retail electric utilities in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. This includes expertise in numerous areas such as steady-state and dynamic power system analysis, power quality and transient analysis, load modeling and base case development, annual transmission expansion plan development, reliability standards compliance, economic development transmission service evaluations, OATT transmission service requests, generator interconnection and designation studies, generation RFP procurements, unit retirement and new build evaluations, regional planning and coordination with external utilities, interface analysis, GMD and EMP analysis, transmission policy and regulatory, industry committee leadership, and tools and technology innovation. While each group within Transmission Planning has a targeted function, we foster an environment of cross-functional teamwork and collaboration and are committed to working with our employees on career and personal development in multiple areas of their interest. As a vertically integrated utility, we also have the unique opportunity to work closely with teams from across our organization in all the major business sectors.
The position listed below is in Birmingham, Alabama; however, hybrid work arrangements will be considered dependent upon the qualifications, skills, and experience of the successful candidate. Relocation assistance and/or sign-up bonus available, if qualified.
Job Description
This is an entry-level position that does not require electric utility industry experience. This position is best suited for an individual desiring a technical career path responsible for leading and performing power system technical studies in support of various groups within Southern Company. The group provides the ideal environment for power system engineers to pursue advanced academic degrees (e.g., master's and/or PhD.) due to exposure to a wide range of power system subjects, including unique emerging technologies encountered in the modern electric utility industry.
The successful candidate will be part of a team of engineers responsible for planning the bulk transmission system for Georgia Power Company, Alabama Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company; where the Team primary focus is System Stability (voltage stability, rotor angle stability, frequency stability, resonance stability, and converter-driven stability). The successful candidate will collaborate with multiple groups including other teams within System Planning, Transmission Control Centers, Research and Development, Operating Company Power Delivery and Generation departments, neighboring transmission systems, etc. The position will also be responsible for presenting study results to senior leadership, management, and internal and external customers for information and support.
Primary Job Responsibilities
The job will entail exposure to a wide range of power system analysis opportunities including:
Perform power system studies, with primary focus on system stability (near- and long-term horizon).
Power system modeling to support analytical studies.
Represent Southern Company on applicable industry committees.
Prepare engineering analysis, studies, and reports.
Develop guidelines or other technical documents, as needed.
Review, organize, and analyze study results to ensure product accuracy.
Coordinate with others in System Planning to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.
Perform other technical studies, as requested, in support of Southern Company and the Operating Companies.
Education and Professional Affiliation
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required.
Advanced degree (Master's and/or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, with electric power systems emphasis is a plus.
Work Experience
While not required for this entry-level position:
General knowledge of power systems, electrical equipment, power system protection and controls, is a plus.
General knowledge of design, control and operation of the bulk power system is a plus.
Experience in power system modeling and analysis, such as undergraduate or graduate coursework, is a plus.
Broad general knowledge of power plant systems is a plus.
General knowledge of power electronics modeling, control system modeling and analysis is a plus.
Experience with computer programming (MATLAB, Visual Basic, Python, etc.) is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
A successful candidate will have:
Ability to analyze and resolve technical problems.
A drive to solve engineering problems.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Communicate effectively with diverse internal groups while tailoring communication for specific technical audiences and situations.
Excellent verbal communication skills both for internal meetings and presentations, and for external events.
Excellent written communications skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports.
Works well in a team environment (both in-person and virtual).
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, and customers.
Values teamwork and works effectively in a team environment across multiple business functions.
Self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Strong customer focus.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers' and communities' needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 6574
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
