Transmission Planning - Generation & Strategic Engineer

Department 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.

Position Details

We currently have multiple positions available as an Engineer in the TP-Generation & Strategic team.

TP-Generation & Strategic is responsible for leading and performing transmission planning studies related to any generation changes on the Southern Company transmission system including new siting options, designations, unit retirement evaluations, integrated resource plan support, renewable and capacity RFP generation procurements, and OATT generator interconnection studies. This team works closely with resource planning, operating company transmission and project management, and external generation developers.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and perform power system modeling and analysis including:

  • Steady-state load flow thermal and voltage analysis in support of:

    • Generator interconnection studies

    • Generator siting studies

    • Transmission delivery service studies in support of native load

  • Production Cost (8760) modeling

• Develop system-wide power flow models and assumptions.

• Coordinate study assumptions and results with multiple groups and internal customers within Southern Company and the Operating Companies.

• Develop and coordinate reliable, innovative, and cost-effective transmission solutions including multiple alternatives.

• Effectively present informative reports and presentations to internal and external customers at various management levels related to system constraints and required improvement projects.

• Lead and participate on solution teams and other initiatives to determine transmission project feasibility, scope, and timing.

• Provide technical expertise and leadership in industry committees and initiatives.

• Research special technical issues impacting the electric power system.

• Provide limited automation and programming development and support for analysis tools.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required (Electrical Engineering preferred).

• Master's degree in engineering or business is desirable.

• Professional Engineering License is desirable.

Work Experience

• Experience in transmission planning and operations is preferred.

• Experience in transmission design, maintenance, and protection and controls is desirable.

• Experience in transmission project management, estimating, and scheduling is desirable.

• Experience in generation/resource planning is desirable.

• Experience in electrical power system modeling and analysis is desirable.

• Experience in generator (IBR and/or conventional) operations, control system modeling and analysis is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Power system analysis experience and/or the aptitude to learn and utilize common industry accepted tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, CAPE, ASPEN, EMTP, PSCAD, TARA, VSAT, PowerWorld, SINCAL, PSCAD, etc.

• Strong time management and organizational skills required to balance multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to deadlines.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Ability to effectively present complex topics

• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and databases

• Interest in learning about NERC reliability standards and/or FERC transmission policy and regulation

• Working knowledge of programming languages (Python, C#, and Visual Basic. net) and data visualization tools

The successful candidate will be located at APC Corporate Headquarters in Birmingham, AL and will work a hybrid schedule.

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 southerncompany. com .

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employe.