Job Information
Southern Company Transmission Planning – Modeling & Support Engineer in Birmingham, Alabama
Department Overview
This a transformational time for Southern Company and the power industry as we plan for the future of energy for the benefit of our customers and communities. Transmission planning plays a critical role in Southern Company’s success by continuously developing a reliable, strategic, 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. While each group within transmission planning has a targeted function, we foster an environment of cross-functional teamwork and collaboration and are committed to providing our employees opportunities for career growth and personal development. In Transmission Planning, we work closely with teams from across the company in all the major business sectors, as well as external utilities and industry committees.
Position Overview
The Modeling and Support team is responsible for power flow model development, technology innovation, system support studies and departmental training. This position will assist with coordinating the modeling efforts of the Transmission Planning department and developing the base cases, which are the basis for all work within Transmission Planning. The team manages the efforts for ensuring that generation, topology, loads and external interfaces are modeled correctly in the base cases and develops models at local, regional and national levels.
The team is also responsible for the development of all internal departmental software and works very closely with the Technology Organization. The team manages training efforts for the organization and assists with compliance efforts related to NERC, SERC, and Southern Company transmission planning criteria. The engineer will have the opportunity to work on a variety of study types and processes that are relevant to current industry activities and impactful to future business decisions being made by Southern Company and the Operating Companies.
The successful candidate must be able work closely with multiple groups (e.g., other Transmission Planning teams, the Technology Organization, Bulk Power Operations, Resource Planning, Operating Company Transmission and Generation departments, etc.) to meet common objectives.
Job Responsibilities
Coordinate development of power-flow models which are the starting point for all Transmission Planning work.
Perform power system analysis using industry standard software (e.g. PSSE, TARA).
Assist in the development of innovative, and cost-effective software solutions.
Develop engineering reports, guidelines, or other technical documents.
Effectively present informative reports and presentations to internal and external customers at various management levels related to system constraints and required improvement projects.
Coordinate with multiple groups and internal customers within Southern Company and the Operating Companies.
Participate in industry committees and initiatives.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in computer science or engineering is required.
Work Experience
Experience in electric utility transmission (e.g., Transmission Planning, Transmission Operations, Transmission Design) is desired.
Experience in computer modeling and analysis is a plus.
Experience in software development is a plus.
Skills and Knowledge
Prior exposure to PSS/E and computer modeling of electrical power systems is preferred, but not required
Working knowledge of programming languages (e.g., Python, C#) and/or visualization tools (e.g., PowerBI)
Ability to identify process improvements strongly preferred
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
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.
Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.
Job Identification: 5336
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services