Engineer – Transmission Line Design
Southern Company Services, Technical Shared Services – Transmission Line Design Engineering

This posting serves to fill an Engineer position within Southern Company’s Technical Shared Services Transmission Line Design Organization.

Available Positions:                                                   Location:            
Transmission Line Design Engineer (Production)        Birmingham, AL

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

This position will be based out of Birmingham, Alabama. However, candidates living outside of the area may be considered with the expectation that they could successfully telework and be present in the office and/or field locations four (4) days per week (subject to future adjustment).  Hybrid work schedule (both in-office and telecommute); currently four (4) days in-office/in-the-field and one (1) day telecommute (subject to future adjustment) Relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance. This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment, at times, with access to internet service. 

JOB SUMMARY 

The successful candidate will be responsible for applying Southern Company’s engineering processes, design criteria, and software applications in the design and construction support of high-voltage transmission lines (HVTL). This design process may include, but is not limited to, the following: pole/structure location and material selection, wire tension determination, pole/structure framing selection, structural analysis of poles/structures and associated hardware, foundation coordination, environmental impact mitigation, calculation of required NESC electrical clearances, and constructability and maintenance optimization based on feedback from stakeholders. Extensive on-the-job training will be provided to teach the successful candidate the necessary skills. The successful candidate will also be expected to attend and travel to formal training provided by the company. The successful candidate, under direct supervision, will follow prescribed procedures to develop design options, prepare construction specifications and drawings, and support estimate preparation for projects. These design packages will be used to construct new transmission lines and update existing transmission lines, enhancing the Southern Company grid. These enhancements could include serving new customers such as data centers, manufacturers, battery plants, etc., and/or connecting renewable generation plants (solar) to the system. This position may be filled at a grade level commensurate with the successful candidate’s experience. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

The following education levels are required for these positions: BS degree or higher in Engineering (Civil, Electrical or Mechanical preferred) A Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.

We are seeking a driven, self-starter who is interested in the technical and challenging work of designing high voltage transmission lines.  Experience and knowledge in the following categories are desirable; however, extensive and formal training will be provided to fill any gaps. 

Experience:

Previous transmission line design, transmission line routing, transmission line survey or transmission line maintenance experience is a plus. Previous experience with, or an understanding of structural, civil or mechanical engineering, structural analysis, applied loads and load factors, soils and foundations, mechanics of materials and material properties, electrical engineering, electrical properties such as voltage, current, and amperage is a plus. Previous distribution design experience is a plus.  Previous engineering, survey, maintenance, construction or project management experience in the utility industry is a plus. Linear project design experience is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge of overall transmission line design, construction, and maintenance practices, with specific expertise in line design and construction materials is a plus. Technical aptitude to solve civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering problems related to HVTL design and construction is preferred. Technical ability to read, interpret, and apply design criteria and government regulations to HVTL design and construction is required. Knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code is a plus. Computer skills to be proficient with standard office software applications and to adapt quickly to HVTL application software is required. Previous experience with PLS-CADD or PLS-POLE is a plus. Previous experience with mechanical or structural analysis software is a plus. Interpersonal skills sufficient to build working relationships with peers, internal customers, and the public is required. Time management skills sufficient to manage multiple projects with various priorities, competing deadlines, and changing project demands is required. Ability to adapt to sometimes changing project demands and timelines is required. Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to satisfactorily complete project documentation, communicate with stakeholders, and to function effectively in a team environment is required. Ability to work long hours during periods of power restoration after major storms is a plus.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Create a safe work environment through total personal commitment to putting Safety First. Become knowledgeable in the use of PLS-CADD software to model new and existing high voltage transmission lines (HVTL), in a 3D environment (identify pole/structure/guy wire locations, install conductors and shield-wires, analyze structural strengths, analyze electrical clearances of wires to ground and other objects). Provide transmission line design solutions utilizing principles of statics, structural analysis, and mechanics of materials. Learn and apply an understanding of the National Electric Safety Code, land surveying, easements, current, voltage, conductor ampacity, electrical clearances, thermal properties of electrical conductors, and other aspects of transmission line engineering. Create construction specifications, documentation, and drawings to aid line crews in the construction and maintenance of HVTL.  Update cost estimates and support material ordering for transmission line projects. Provide engineering support to construction and maintenance teams during day-to-day operations as well as emergency restoration of failed equipment. Become knowledgeable of the process used at Southern Company in the planning, design, operation, construction, and maintenance of HVTL. Become knowledgeable of the functions and activities of the various internal departments that are involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of HVTL. Become proficient in the use of all software applications used in the design of HVTL. Support the development of design standards and criteria for use on the Southern Company transmission system. Serve as a damage assessment team member after major storms - this will require overnight travel within the Southern Company system. Effectively communicate with stakeholders, both in writing and orally, while developing design solutions.

 BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

Model Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity and Superior Performance Exhibit a positive, "can do" spirit, and champion Southern Company’s work and safety procedures and guidelines Work well with diverse groups, tailoring communication methods appropriately for the target audience Incorporate customer perspective into solving business issues and treat customer satisfaction as top priority Demonstrate teamwork and encourage collaboration Take ownership of assigned projects and responsibility for related work items Follow through on all aspects of assignments to ensure a high-quality product and timely completion  Communicate through clear and concise written documentation, well-organized formal presentations, and open and effective one-on-one and group discussions Be a student of the business Promote a helpful and inclusive culture

BENEFITS

Competitive Pay Excellent benefits packages which includes:  Medical and dental coverage Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan Performance Pay Program 401(k) plan with a generous company match Tuition Reimbursement

***Please submit an updated resume with your application***