Integrated Grid Planning Engineer

Integrated Grid Planning Engineer – Generator Interconnection

Department Overview 

This is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in recent history for the power industry as we evaluate and implement renewable energy and emerging technologies to build the future of energy for the advancement of our customers and communities. Integrated Grid Planning plays a critical role in Southern Company’s success in achieving this goal by continuously developing a reliable, flexible, and resilient transmission grid that meets the needs of our future. 

At Southern Company, our integrated grid planning organization encompasses all aspects of planning the transmission system for our subsidiary retail electric utilities in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi.  This includes expertise in numerous areas such as steady-state and dynamic power system analysis, power quality and transient analysis, load modeling and base case development, annual transmission expansion plan development, reliability standards compliance, economic development transmission service evaluations, OATT transmission service requests, generator interconnection and designation studies, generation RFP procurements, outage coordination, unit retirement and new build evaluations, regional planning and coordination with external utilities, interface analysis, GMD and EMP analysis, transmission policy and regulatory, industry committee leadership, and tools and technology innovation. While each group within integrated grid planning has a targeted function, we foster an environment of cross-functional teamwork and collaboration and are committed to working with our employees on career and personal development in multiple areas of their interest.  As a vertically integrated utility, we also have the unique opportunity to work closely with teams from across our organization in all the major business sectors. 

 Position Details 

We currently have an engineer position available on the following specific team: Integrated Grid Planning –Generator Interconnection. This position is located in Birmingham, AL.

This team is responsible for leading and performing integrated grid planning studies related to generation changes on the Southern Company transmission system, specifically OATT generator interconnection studies.  This team works closely with generation planning, resource planning, operating company transmission and project management, and external generation developers. 

Job Responsibilities 

• Ensure all OATT and state jurisdictional generator interconnection studies are completed accurately and per the required timeline. Numerous studies are performed in parallel which requires significant coordination and project management.

• Perform Generator Interconnection OATT studies for new generation through Annual Cluster studies or serial affected system studies.

• Coordinate study assumptions and results with multiple groups and internal customers within Southern Company and the Operating Companies. 

• Effectively present informative reports and presentations to internal and external customers at various management levels related to system constraints and required improvement projects. 

• Provide technical expertise and leadership in industry committees and initiatives. 

• Research special technical issues impacting the electric power system. 

• Provide limited automation and programming development and support for analysis tools. 

  Work Experience 

• Experience in transmission planning or operations is preferred. 

• Experience in transmission design, maintenance, distribution and protection and controls is desirable. 

• Experience in transmission project management, estimating, and scheduling is desirable. 

• Experience in generation/resource planning is desirable. 

• Experience in transmission policy and services is desirable.

• Experience in electrical power system modeling and analysis is desirable. 

• Experience in generator (IBR and/or conventional) operations, control system modeling and analysis is desirable. 

 Skills and Knowledge 

• Power system analysis experience and/or the aptitude to learn and utilize common industry accepted tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, CAPE, ASPEN, EMTP, PSCAD, TARA, VSAT, PowerWorld, SINCAL, PSCAD, etc. 

• 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 

• Interest in learning about NERC reliability standards and/or FERC transmission policy and regulation  

• Working knowledge of programming languages (Python, C#, and Visual Basic.net) and data visualization tools 

Education 

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required.

• Master’s degree in engineering or business is desirable.  

• Professional Engineering License is desirable.

 Behavioral Attributes 

• Proactive, self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative 

• Analytical and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills 

• Works well in a team environment

• Adaptable to change with a 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. 

About Company

Southern Company Services

Company

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million 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 solutions provider 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 customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas 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 has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

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.