Interconnection Planning - Transmission Principal Engineer/Project Manager

 
Reports to: Supervisor PD Interconnections & Planning
Location: 241 Ralph McGill, Atlanta GA (GPC HQ) or proximity to partner organizations

Travel: Up to 25% 

Relocation: Partial

NOTE: This position will be filled at salary grade level 07 Exempt 

 

JOB SUMMARY

Interconnection Planning is responsible for evaluating requests to add generation to the transmission system. 

The department identifies scope, cost and timelines to ensure compliance with Southern Company’s technical interconnection requirements.

This position determines the technical direction and requirements for this process and directs the technical development of department employees.

This position provides input and advice to executive level management regarding the technical merits of these projects for the effective use of the capital budget.

This position also provides support to the members of the Transmission Planning Working Group (TPWG) and works with the members of the Georgia Integrated Transmission System (ITS) to resolve planning issues in the joint planning process.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Educational/Certification Requirements:

Four (4) year B.S. Engineering Degree or Engineering Technology Degree required  Professional Engineer’s License preferred Electrical or Mechanical Engineering or Engineering Technology degree preferred

  

Experience:

Technical Experience Requirements

A minimum of 5 years Transmission and/or Distribution experience in planning, protection systems, engineering design, operations or maintenance of the electric transmission or distribution system is required. Extensive experience in both areas is preferred. Technical knowledge in P&C Field Services, P&C Applications, Substation Design, System Operations, Transmission Line Design, Transmission Maintenance, Project Management, Distribution Reliability or Distribution Planning is preferred. Specific experience related to generator interconnection process and implementation is desired.

 

 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Proven knowledge of the Transmission system and recognized for technical competency. Excellent analytical and technical problem-solving skills. Communicate well through written reports, well organized presentations and oral discussions. Interacting with internal and external customers on technical and political issues. Ability to deal with heavy workloads, multiple tasks and conflicting demands. Knowledge of Microsoft’s Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Teams, Outlook, Power Automate and Power-Bi programs. Knowledge of Georgia ITS process and requirements is strongly preferred. 

 

Behavioral Attributes

Demonstrate behaviors consistent with Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, Superior Performance. Forward-looking and future oriented. Creative problem solver and with the ability to balance the needs of the Company and external input. Functions effectively in a team environment with diverse disciplines and backgrounds as a leader or contributor.  Exhibits strong initiative and ability to make difficult decisions. Strong adherence to Human Performance principles. Questioning attitude. Candidate must be a relationship builder at all levels; respected for knowledge and commitment. Look for opportunities to grow and develop in knowledge and understanding. Strong emphasis on continuous improvement and promoting being a Learning Organization. Acts with agility. Results-oriented approach to responsibilities and ownership and personal responsibility for assigned accountabilities.  Takes responsibility and ownership for projects and issues. Follows through on all aspects of assignments to ensure quality completion. 

 
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Work with Interconnection Planners to develop project scope, project completion time and transmission cost estimates (planning grade and TEAMS estimates) to Transmission Planning organization on projects related to Transmission Service and Generator Interconnection requests.   Work with Interconnection Planners to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions. Train and develop new Interconnection Planners on technical requirements. Document and improve processes to gain efficiencies. Work with the Transmission Project Management Organization (PMO) to communicate and coordinate efforts. Proactively build and maintain partnerships with associates in Transmission, Distribution, Generation, ITS, Legal, Land, Environmental, and other organizations across Southern Company.  Process oversight working with the Accounting, Finance and Treasury organization to ensure proper assignment, handling and budgeting of costs associated generation interconnection upgrades. Under technical guidance of the SCS Policy & Services Implementation Project Management group, develop Interconnection Agreements and other related contracts and documentation per FERC guidelines and ensure interconnection contracts are thorough and meet the needs of the customer while meeting Georgia Power and Southern Company’s compliance guidelines.  Coordinate and participate in activities required per ITS Planning Procedure 13 (Guidelines for Interconnecting New Generation to the Georgia ITS) along with other applicable ITS Planning and Operating Guidelines and Procedures and other generation interconnection activities requested by the ITS Participants.  Participate in reviewing ITS Participant Interconnection and Transmission Service Request (TSR) requests. Maintain databases, spreadsheets, and other documentation to facilitate tracking of disposition of requests and progress of budgeted projects to ensure that service commitments are being met.  This position requires storm response, both on and occasionally off system.  This position requires a valid Georgia Driver’s License and the ability to drive company owned vehicles and/or rental vehicles to field visits. 

 

RELATIONSHIPS – Key Interfaces

Transmission Planning Transmission Policy & Services Project Management Organization Operations Project Services ITS Policy Resource Planning Retail Generation Development