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 Details
We currently have an engineer position available in the TP-Regional Planning and Support team to support Transmission Planning Compliance.
The Regional Planning and Support team is responsible for numerous activities in Transmission Planning, including
- evaluating and improving the transmission interfaces with neighboring utilities (e.g., Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina),
- providing leadership and influence through a variety of industry committees,
- performing OATT delivery service studies for third-party customer requests,
- developing power-flow models of the Southern Company transmission system,
- ensuring compliance for NERC standards and FERC regulations, and
- development of transmission planning related software and scripts.
Job Responsibilities:
- Perform power system modeling and analysis using industry standard software (e.g. PSSE, TARA).
- Develop and coordinate reliable, innovative, and cost-effective transmission solutions.
- Lead and participate on solution teams and other initiatives to determine transmission project feasibility, scope, and timing.
- 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.
- Coordinate studies with neighboring transmission systems.
- Provide technical expertise and leadership in industry committees and initiatives.
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required.
- Master’s degree in engineering or business is desirable.
Work Experience
- Experience in electric utility transmission (e.g. Transmission Planning, Transmission Operations, Transmission Design) is preferred.
- Experience in electrical power system modeling and analysis is a plus.
- Experience in compliance with NERC standards is preferred.
Skills and Knowledge
- Prior exposure to PSS/E and computer modeling of electrical power systems is preferred, but not required
- 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
- NERC reliability standards acumen
Behavioral Attributes
- Self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative
- Analytical and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
- Works well in a team environment (both in person and virtual)
- Proactive in training and onboarding in a hybrid environment
- Focus on process improvement, training, and mentoring others
- Adaptable to change
- Strong customer focus
- Exhibits Southern Company’s “Our Values” (Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance).
- Safety First - We actively care about the safety and well-being of our employees, customers, and communities. Safely approaching every job, every day, always comes first.
- Intentional Inclusion – We are One Team, working to foster a culture of belonging and ensuring our diverse team feels valued. Investing in an equitable culture benefits employees, customers, communities, and shareholders.
- Act with Integrity – We act with honesty, respect, and fairness, demonstrating trustworthiness in all we do. We are true to our word and follow through on our commitments.
- Superior Performance - We keep customers at the center of everything we do, with a focus on continuous improvement. We provide exceptional service, delivering innovative solutions that benefit our customers, communities, investors, and the environment.
