Stability and Special Studies Engineer

These posting serves to fill multiple Stability and Special Studies positions within Southern Company Transmission Planning Stability and Special Studies.

Job Description 

The successful candidate will be part of a team of engineers responsible for planning the bulk transmission system for Georgia Power Company, Alabama Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company where the team primary focus is System Stability (voltage stability, rotor angle stability, frequency stability, resonance stability, and converter-driven stability). 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 position will also be responsible for presenting study results to senior leadership, management, and internal and external customers for information and support.

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 Ph.D.) due to exposure to a wide range of power system subjects, including unique emerging technologies encountered in the modern electric utility industry.

Primary Job Responsibilities 

The job will entail exposure to a wide range of power system analysis opportunities including:

Perform power system studies (transient stability, electromagnetic transient, etc.). Perform dynamic studies to determine protection system requirements for the stability of the power system.  Power system modeling to support analytical studies. Prepare engineering analyses, studies, and reports on BPS stability. Develop guidelines or other technical documents, as needed. Collaborate with peers and industry to understand stability impacts of emerging technologies and support the reliable integration of these technologies. Evaluate the impacts of increasing levels of BPS-connected IBR and other emerging technologies to power system reliability.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is required.

Advanced degree (master’s and/or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, with electric power systems emphasis is a plus.

Work Experience 

Knowledge of power systems, electrical equipment, and power system protection and controls is a plus. Knowledge of transmission planning processes, electrical equipment, power system protection and control, and BPS operations is a plus. Knowledge of design, control, and operation of the bulk power system is a plus. Experience with power system modeling and analysis tools such as PSCAD, PSS/E, MATLAB, EMTP-RV, CAPE, PowerWorld, PSLF, etc is a plus.  Experience with computer programming (MATLAB, Visual Basic, Python, etc.) related to study automation is a plus. Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., IEEE) and NERC Reliability Standards is a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

A successful candidate will have:

The ability to analyze and resolve technical problems. A drive to solve engineering problems. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal groups while tailoring communication for specific technical audiences and situations. Excellent verbal communication skills both for internal meetings and presentations and external events. Excellent written communications skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports.  The ability to work well in a team environment (both in-person and virtual).  The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, and customers. An attitude that values teamwork and works effectively across multiple business functions. A mindset that is self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative. Effective time management and organizational skills.  Strong customer focus.