Transmission Planning Engineer (Electric Machines 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, fully remote work arrangements or 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 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 team is expanding its capabilities and expertise in the subject of electric machine modeling and analysis (e.g. synchronous generators and motors, induction motors, etc.) The successful candidate will provide study support and leadership in these areas and be part of a team that performs motor starting studies, dynamic voltage stability studies, and other special technical studies as required to support Southern Company and its Operating Companies. 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 successful candidate will also model and study the effects of emerging technologies such as computationally intensive, artificial intelligence (AI) data centers and cloud-based computing facilities, as well as manufacturing loads composed of mixtures of small and large motors, cooling equipment, electronics, and lighting.
Job Responsibilities
The job will entail exposure to a wide range of power system analysis opportunities including:
Performing power system studies (transient stability, voltage stability, prospective load evaluations, etc.).
Creating detailed electrical machine models, including review and verification of customer and external utility supplied machine data.
Validating existing system models using data from field located measuring equipment.
Performing motor starting studies to determine impact on voltage and other power system phenomena.
Performing studies to determine protection system requirements for the stability of the power system.
Preparing engineering analyses, studies, and reports and investigating special issues impacting the power system.
Developing guides and other technical documents.
Continually reviewing technical and industry literature to stay abreast of industry changes, technological advancements, and new areas of transmission planning business opportunity.
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 desired .
Work Experience
A successful candidate will have:
Knowledge of NEMA motor classifications, electrical characteristics, and operating behaviors.
Experience modeling steady-state and dynamic characteristics of machines in transmission systems using planning analysis software tools such as PSS/E, PowerWorld, etc.
Experience conducting dynamic stability and/or steady-state load flow analysis.
Familiarity with industry standards (e.g., IEEE, etc.).
Experience coordinating or leading teams of technical experts.
Understanding of NERC, SERC, FERC.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
A successful candidate will have:
The ability to independently analyze and resolve technical problems.
Strong analytical skills and a drive to solve complex engineering problems.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
A self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative attitude.
The ability to demonstrate strong attention to detail and motivation for high quality, accuracy, and timeliness.
Strong time management and organizational skills required to effectively prioritize work and adhere to deadlines.
The ability to exercise sound judgment to accurately complete multiple tasks with limited oversight.
Knowledge of electrical theory/electrical characteristics of network transmission systems.
The ability tocontinually review technical and industry literature to stay abreast of industry changes, technological advancements, and new areas of transmission planning business opportunity.
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: 6556
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
