Transmission Planning Engineer (Equipment Application Emphasis)

Southern Company - Birmingham, AL

Full-time - Mid Level

Birmingham, AL

5,001-10,000 employees

Utilities

About the position

The Transmission Planning Engineer (Equipment Application Emphasis) role is focused on leading and performing power system technical studies to support Southern Company's Transmission Planning organization. This position is ideal for individuals seeking a technical career path in the power industry, particularly in the context of the rapid growth of energy infrastructure in the Southeast. The engineer will engage in transient studies, collaborate with various teams, and present findings to senior leadership, contributing to the development of innovative solutions for the region's energy needs.

Responsibilities

• Conduct or lead transient studies (switching transient, insulation coordination, etc.).
• Analyze transient modeling and study practices and provide recommendations to address modeling and study issues.
• Represent Southern Company on applicable industry committees in a technical leadership role to provide guidance and ensure Southern Company's business needs are being met.
• Perform electromagnetic transient (EMT) power system studies using PSCAD or EMTP.
• Engage with equipment manufacturers, national laboratories, research institutions, and other industry groups.
• Prepare engineering analysis, studies, and technical reports. Develop guidelines or other technical documents as needed.
• Collaborate with peers and industry to understand impacts of emerging technologies and support the reliable integration of these technologies.
• Review, organize, and analyze study results to ensure product accuracy.
• Coordinate with others in System Planning to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.
• Participate in regional and national organizations which are shaping the technical and regulatory policies such as NERC and SERC Working Groups/Task Forces, EPRI research initiatives, IEEE Standard development efforts, etc.
• Perform other technical studies, as requested, in support of Southern Company and the Operating Companies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited institution is required.
• Experience in at least one of the following technical areas: Performing Transmission Planning stability studies, steady state studies, power quality, switchgear application, transient voltage phenomena, or other equipment application studies that required advanced power system modeling and techniques, such as electromagnetic transient (EMT) studies, applying protection and control systems, developing protective relay settings, and/or performing short-circuit analysis, or converter-based resource control design.
• General knowledge of transmission planning, electrical equipment, power system protection and control, and BPS operations.
• Understanding of electromagnetic transient phenomena in the BPS, including analysis, recognition, and mitigation.
• Understanding of modeling techniques, including positive sequence and electromagnetic modeling tools such as PSCAD or EMTP-RV, etc.
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., IEEE, etc.).

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree (master's and/or PhD.) in Electrical Engineering with electric power systems emphasis is a plus.
• Experience with modeling power system-connected equipment and components for switching transient and/or insulation coordination studies is a plus.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis to address transient and/or insulation coordination issues is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health insurance
• Retirement savings plan
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements
• Diversity and inclusion programs