Engineering Associate

Southern Company•Atlanta, GA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Distributed Generation (“DG”) Engineer manages the interconnection of statewide renewable projects to the GPC distribution system. The position is responsible for the engineering, design, construction, scheduling, and testing of GPC equipment used to interconnect DG solar generation facilities, which are owned by third parties and typically up to 6 MW in size. The position will partner primarily with the DG project management team to administer DG programs & contracts and will also have responsibilities for engineering and technical support of other functions pertaining to Renewable Development including Qualifying Facilities (QF), and Company-owned distributed energy resource (DER) projects. This position works with large and diverse teams across various departments within Southern Company and externally to successfully implement DG projects from initial customer or installer contact through interconnection and billing to achieve energization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering preferred OR 2-year accredited Technical Degree OR EUT Certificate OR Power Delivery related experience with a utility company
Strong technical engineering experience and knowledge of electrical system operations, distribution systems, underground and overhead construction practices
Must have valid driver’s license
Role model of Our Values and Safety Excellence; must follow safe work practices and incorporate into interconnection design

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience utilizing MS Office Suite, JETS, DistView, Designer/GIS, CSS/C2M, Socket, ARMS/OFS, TCMS/NMS Web, NJUNS, EDEN, PowerClerk and OUA highly preferred
Knowledge of the Distribution Bulletins, Engineering Handbook/Specifications, Distribution Operating Procedures, NESC, and Metering Blue Book preferred

Responsibilities

Serve as a technical point of contact for generators who have the ability export onto the distribution system, including all interconnection activities throughout the application, engineering and construction process
Review Planning and Reliability studies to assist in designing Interconnection estimates
Ensure engineering of new projects follows all requirements of GPC Power Delivery standards, NESC, and Distribution Bulletins
Utilize JETS to estimate and track projects, including billing and reconciliation of project budget
SOCKET for pole loading, fault current calculations, etc
Produce clear prints and one-lines using GIS or related product to be used for construction, easements, permitting, and Interconnection Agreements
Use JUMS to submit make ready requests associated with installation of direct-transfer-trip (DTT) fiber.
Manage projects successfully through cross-functional coordination and communication with partners such as makeready, fiber, permitting, environmental, construction teams, planning, region partners (DA, reliability, area engineers), and developers.
Coordinate with the generator to ensure their facilities properly interconnect to the GPC distribution system
Work with region project controls analyst and field personnel to schedule jobs for construction, switching, witness testing, and/or outages in OFS
Ensure design is vetted and approved by all parties prior to project approval
Present projects to Corporate Review Team(s) for design and financial approval
In partnership with the DG Project Coordinators, administer DG program documents and legal contracts as they apply to the interconnection study, construction and operation of generation projects
Properly record all design, construction, and testing documentation to ensure compliance with DG programs
Job will require attendance at out-of-town project site meetings (within Georgia) and occasional industry conferences/meetings, etc.
Identify and implement process improvements utilizing developer and internal partner feedback
Foster and maintain strong working relationships and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Support after-hours storm restoration efforts as needed