Engineer, Transmission Expansion Planning

Southern Company • Atlanta, GA

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This role is within the Integrated Grid Planning organization, focusing on Transmission Expansion Planning. The team is responsible for system-wide analyses to develop the best transmission expansion plan that ensures reliability, affordability, and long-term value for customers of three electric Operating Companies (APC, GPC, and MPC). This includes informing retail load and generation siting. Key responsibilities include annual transmission expansion plans, Georgia ITS planning, retail transmission load and generation siting evaluations, NERC TPL reliability compliance studies, state regulatory and IRP transmission support, operations support, and integrated system planning for a 20-year horizon. The position can be located in Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA, with limited travel between these locations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution is preferred (pending graduates will be considered)
• Transmission planning experience, including electrical power system modeling and analysis, is preferred.
• Power system analysis with common industry tools, such as PSS/E and TARA
• 8760 nodal analysis with common industry tools, such as PowerGem Probe
• Problem solving mindset able to engage across multiple efforts effectively
• Excellent communication, organization, and coordination skills
• Effective at presenting complex topics to leadership and externally
• Ability to communicate effectively and gain consensus with diverse groups while tailoring communication for specific technical audiences and situations
• Ability to assess complex study results and provide guidance for decision making
• Clear and effective documentation skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and databases and AI technologies
• Power utility industry acumen in current issues, reliability, and regulation

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform transmission planning power flow analyses in support of annual transmission plan development, load interconnection studies, integrated system planning, etc.
• Develop system-wide power flow models and assumptions.
• Coordinate with multiple groups and internal stakeholders within Southern Company Services, the Operating Companies, and the Georgia ITS to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.
• Develop and deliver effective documentation and presentations to internal and external stakeholders to inform and gain consensus on system constraints and solution proposals.
• Participate in solution teams and other initiatives to determine transmission project feasibility, scope, and timing.
• Engage in related industry committees and initiatives.
• Research special technical issues impacting the electric power system.
• Prioritize and be proactive in training and development.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level