Engineer, Load & Generation Siting – Transmission Expansion Planning

Southern Company•Birmingham, AL

About The Position

The Engineer, Load & Generation Siting works on Southern Company’s Transmission Expansion Planning team, which develops transmission plans and analyses to support reliable, affordable, and long-term electric service across APC, GPC, and MPC. The role conducts systemwide transmission studies to support company-owned generation development and retail load interconnections, primarily using steady-state power flow analysis. The work helps assess transmission impacts from large customer loads, generation sites, industrial developments, data centers, and emerging customer needs; identify system constraints and infrastructure requirements; estimate project costs; and develop expansion alternatives that support timely service while maintaining reliability and considering costs and impacts. The engineer collaborates with teams across Integrated Grid Planning, Resource Planning, Generation Development, Business Development, Project Management, and Transmission Operations, as well as external customers. They communicate technical findings and recommendations to technical and executive audiences and help develop practical solutions that balance customer needs, operational requirements, regulatory obligations, and long-term value. The position can be based primarily in Birmingham, Alabama, or Atlanta, Georgia, and requires limited travel between those locations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution; pending graduates will be considered.
Power system analysis skills using common industry tools.
8760 nodal analysis skills using common industry tools.
Problem-solving ability and capacity to engage effectively across multiple efforts.
Excellent communication, organization, and coordination skills.
Ability to evaluate complex study results, communicate technical information to diverse audiences, and build consensus to guide informed decisions.
Clear and effective documentation skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and databases, and AI technologies.
Power utility industry knowledge, including current issues, reliability, and regulation.
Self-motivated and results-oriented.
Strategic and innovative approach.
Collaborative approach and ability to work in a team environment with multiple stakeholders.
Adaptability to change and less-established processes.
Analytical and detail-oriented approach.
Focus on process improvement, training, and mentoring others.
Strong customer focus.
Exhibits Southern Company’s “Our Values.”

Nice To Haves

Electrical Engineering degree preferred.
Master’s degree in engineering or business is desirable.
Professional Engineering License is desirable.
Transmission planning experience, including electrical power system modeling and analysis, is preferred.
Experience in generation development, procurement, and resource planning is desirable.
Experience in bulk power operations or commercial operations is desirable.
Experience in transmission design, maintenance, and protection and controls is desirable.
Experience in transmission project management, estimating, and scheduling is desirable.
Experience in transmission policy and services is desirable.
Experience in any area of power delivery is desirable.
Experience with PSS/E and TARA for power system analysis.
Experience with PowerGem Probe for 8760 nodal analysis.

Responsibilities

Conduct transmission evaluations for large customer load interconnections, economic development projects, data centers, industrial facilities, and other customer growth opportunities.
Perform transmission planning studies for new company-owned retail generation siting opportunities, including solar, battery energy storage, thermal generation, and nuclear.
Develop transmission solution alternatives and estimate associated infrastructure requirements, costs, and implementation timelines.
Coordinate with internal planning groups, project development teams, operations teams, and business development teams.
Support Integrated Grid Planning, Generation Procurement activities, and strategic growth initiatives through transmission analysis and technical guidance.
Communicate study assumptions, methodologies, results, and recommendations to technical and executive audiences.
Maintain compliance with applicable planning criteria, reliability standards, and company processes while ensuring recommended solutions provide long-term value to customers.
Engage in related industry committees and initiatives.
Prioritize and be proactive in training and development.