Transmission Planning - Generation & Strategic Engineer at Southern Company in Birmingham, AL

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.