Engineer, III, Sr/Principal

Southern Company•Naperville, IL

About The Position

This role leads project engineering, project management, and technical problem-solving for natural gas processing, storage, and compressor station infrastructure supporting Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas. The position provides technical expertise across engineering, construction, equipment procurement, natural gas process design, and applicable code requirements. It may be filled at the Engineering III (Level 5), Senior Engineer (Level 6), or Principal Engineer (Level 7) level, depending on the candidate’s experience, education, and certifications. The engineer develops and reviews designs and technical requirements, coordinates engineering and construction providers and procurement, and serves as a project manager to guide work from project definition through construction and commissioning. The role also evaluates system performance, safety, costs, and engineering solutions; applies regulatory and corporate standards; participates in design and process safety reviews; and develops engineering standards and guidance. At the Principal Engineer level, the role additionally requires demonstrated success leading programs or project teams and recognition as a specialist in the area of expertise.

Requirements

Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate across all levels of the organization.
Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
Engineering III (Level 5): 5 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, project engineering, or construction management of natural gas or other pipeline facilities; 2 or more years of familiarity and experience with gas safety regulations or utility plant and/or pipeline construction practices.
Senior Engineer (Level 6): 7 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, project engineering, or construction management of natural gas or other pipeline facilities; 3 or more years of familiarity and experience with gas safety regulations or utility plant and/or pipeline construction practices.
Principal Engineer (Level 7): 10 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, project engineering, or construction management of natural gas or other pipeline facilities; 3 or more years of familiarity and experience with gas safety regulations or utility plant and/or pipeline construction practices.
Principal Engineer (Level 7): demonstrated success leading programs or project teams.
Principal Engineer (Level 7): recognition as a specialist in the area of expertise, with experience in natural gas engineering principles.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
An advanced degree or certification.

Responsibilities

Perform engineering assignments for the design and construction of natural gas processing and storage facilities and compressor station infrastructure.
Provide technical support and oversight for the design, selection, and installation of utility power connections, on-site generation, switchgear, motor control centers, motors, lighting, power wiring, and grounding.
Guide the design, selection, and installation of pipeline and plant instrumentation and control systems, including PLC-based process control and safety monitoring and shutdown systems, plant security monitoring and access control, and SCADA systems.
Move projects forward independently with little direct supervision.
Provide subject matter expertise and technical support for natural gas processing equipment, including compressors, pumps, turbines, heat exchangers, heaters, tanks, valves, and piping.
Direct, evaluate, and review technical specifications and requirements documentation.
Review engineering drawings for compliance with DOT safety regulations and corporate standards and specifications.
Develop statements of work to secure and manage engineering and construction service providers, inspectors, and other technical resources.
Manage outside engineering and construction services to meet project goals.
Develop and approve material and equipment specifications and prepare contract documents and purchase requisitions for procurement.
Help identify acceptable vendors and contractors, evaluate bids, and coordinate with other departments to maintain consistency with corporate standards.
Apply codes and standards to natural gas engineering, plant construction, and operations.
Serve as project manager; help define objectives and project designs, outline requirements, assign tasks, coordinate activities across operating units, engage appropriate staff, and oversee progress.
Maintain knowledge of relevant technologies and best practices, and ensure engineering standards, methods, and practices comply with regulatory requirements.
Develop design options and recommendations to optimize systems and assess the feasibility of engineering solutions.
Evaluate equipment and material use in gas and electric systems for operational performance, safety regulation compliance, and cost impact.
Research and complete engineering and cost studies to develop proposals and recommendations.
Stay current on industry engineering and construction trends and incorporate best practices into project plans.
Participate in design and process safety reviews for existing and new facilities.
Oversee or support construction activities, including inspection and commissioning.
Develop engineering standards, methods, and guidelines.
Train and mentor less senior engineers and provide technical direction to project team members.