Transmission Planning Engineer (Equipment Application Emphasis)

Southern Company - Birmingham, AL

Full-time

Remote - Birmingham, AL

Utilities

About the position

This position is one of the most exciting and dynamic opportunities in the power industry, particularly as we evaluate and implement renewable energy and emerging technologies to build the future of energy for the advancement of our customers and communities. The Transmission Planning organization at Southern Company plays a critical role in achieving this goal by continuously developing a reliable, flexible, and resilient transmission grid that meets the needs of our future. This encompasses all aspects of planning the transmission system for our subsidiary retail electric utilities in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. The role requires expertise in various areas such as steady-state and dynamic power system analysis, power quality and transient analysis, load modeling, and base case development, among others. The position is best suited for an individual desiring a technical career path responsible for leading and performing power system technical studies in support of various groups within Southern Company. The group provides an ideal environment for power system engineers to pursue advanced academic degrees due to exposure to a wide range of power system subjects, including unique emerging technologies encountered in the modern electric utility industry. The successful candidate will provide study support and leadership in the area of equipment application from a transients perspective, performing switching transient analyses, insulation coordination studies, and other special technical studies as required to support Southern Company and the Operating Companies. Collaboration is key in this role, as the successful candidate will work with multiple groups including System Planning, Transmission Control Centers, Research and Development, and Operating Company Power Delivery and Generation departments. The position will also involve presenting study results to senior leadership, management, and internal and external customers for information and support. The job will entail exposure to a wide range of power system analysis opportunities, making it a pivotal role in the organization.

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.
• Understanding of electromagnetic transient phenomena in the BPS, including analysis, recognition, and mitigation.
• Experience with modeling power system-connected equipment and components for switching transient and/or insulation coordination studies.
• Understanding of modeling techniques, including positive sequence and electromagnetic modeling tools such as PSCAD or EMTP-RV, etc.
• General knowledge of transmission planning, electrical equipment, power system protection and control, and BPS operations.
• Experience conducting root cause analysis to address transient and/or insulation coordination issues.
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., IEEE, etc.).
• Experience coordinating or leading teams of technical experts.

Nice-to-haves

• Advanced degree (Master's and/or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering with electric power systems emphasis is desired.

Benefits

• Relocation assistance and/or sign-up bonus available, if qualified.