Substation Design Power System Studies – Engineer/Analyst
Southern Company Services Technical Shared Services – Substation Engineering
This position is flexible to be located in either Birmingham, AL or Metro-Atlanta (Forest Park, GA)

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

This position will be based out of Birmingham, AL or Forest Park, GA, however, candidates living outside of the area may be considered with the expectation that they could successfully telework and be physically present in-office (The Energy Center) (The Forest Park Bldg) and/or field location on a routine (see below) and as-needed basis. If the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance, relocation assistance may be provided. This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment with access to internet service.

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position is responsible for providing Substation Grounding, Direct Stroke Shielding, Overhead Ground Wire Sizing, and other technical reports that Southern Company operating companies. The successful candidate will design, analyze, and review the grounding and lightning protection systems for Southern Company's transmission and distribution systems. Additionally, this position will also be responsible for presenting study results to senior leadership, management, and both internal and external customers for information and support.

Major Job Responsibilities Include:

Create comprehensive and optimized substation grounding designs and lightning protection studies for substations. Provide Quality Assurance reviews as required, technical training, and developmental feedback to internal designers/engineers. Provide support and manage the Substation's General Physical standards drawings/details. Ability to develop standards and processes to be used by the Substation group. Support Southern Company’s design criteria and standardization effort. Provide technical support and guidance on grounding materials to less experienced engineers/designers. Perform ground grid integrity testing and investigate lightning events Make SAFETY our number one priority using a “Safety First” mentality and leading by example. Coordinate and communicate with other design disciplines associated with Substation Grounding projects. Provide support to Substation Construction, Field Services, Project Management, Substation Maintenance, Transmission Planning and Protection & Control Applications. Interact with manufacturers, vendors, and Southern Company committee members to resolve equipment and material issues. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously, setting priorities, and using effective time management and organizational skills to achieve project team goals. Serve as part of a storm restoration team when requested after storm events, predominately, but not limited to the Southern Company service territory.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education: 

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering strongly preferred (but not required). Advanced degree (Master’s and/or PhD) in Electrical Engineering, with electric power systems emphasis is a plus. Professional Engineering (P.E.) license is a plus.

Experience: 

Strong understanding of substation design and the equipment used is preferred. Experience with Southern Company Grounding studies, Direct Stokes Shielding, and Overhead Grounding Wire studies is preferred. Strong understanding of power system analysis, fault analysis, lightning analysis, and shielding design is preferred. Extensive substation grounding experience, lighting protection, and knowledge and understanding of IEEE Standard 80 is preferred. Demonstrated experience with grounding analysis applications such as WinIGS and CAPE is a plus. Strong understanding of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Standards, National Electric Safety Code, National Electric Code, and OSHA safe operating practices is preferred. AutoCAD training, experience, or certification is required. Experience in Transmission &/or Distribution Substation Operations for an electric power utility company is preferred. Proficiency in using Microsoft Office products is required. Experience with power system modeling and analysis tools such as PSCAD, PSS/E, MATLAB, EMTP-RV, CAPE, WinIGS, PowerWorld, PSLF, etc., is a plus.  Experience with computer programming (MATLAB, Visual Basic, Python, etc.) related to study automation is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: 

Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to communicate technical issues simply. Must be a self-starter and exhibit strong problem-solving skills. Must work well in a team environment and have the ability to develop and build relationships at all levels. Ability to research difficult problems extensively and oversee complex research projects. Must possess effective time management and organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple projects with various priorities and competing deadlines. Must demonstrate a customer focus with a willingness to meet the needs of customers and solicit feedback. Ability to be an effective mentor to others and teach job-related skills. Good understanding of utility electric grid operations is preferred. Ability to analyze, resolve technical problems, and apply technical principles. Ability to drive and solve engineering problems. Knowledge of basic electrical power system theory is preferred.

Behavioral Attributes: 

Model Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance. Conduct all activities with a focus on providing value to our customers. Take personal responsibility for their projects and customer issues. Follow through on all aspects of assignments to ensure a quality product and increased value is delivered to our customers. Exhibit and promote a positive, "can do" attitude. Commitment as a team member to building and maintaining an Inclusive work environment. Must place strong emphasis on Operational Excellence (mistake free designs). Must understand and practice Human Performance Concepts.

BENEFITS

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

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