Engineer, III, Sr/Principal

Southern Company • Naperville, IL

2d • $77,258 - $160,527

About The Position

This role leads project engineering, project management, and technical problem-solving for natural gas infrastructure supporting customer demand. The position provides technical guidance for assets serving gas peaking and storage needs and applies expertise in natural gas process design and code requirements. It may be filled at Engineering III (Level 5), Senior Engineer (Level 6), or Principal Engineer (Level 7), depending on the candidate’s experience, education, and certifications.

The engineer works on the design and construction of natural gas processing and storage facilities and compressor station infrastructure at Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas. The role oversees or supports electrical power systems, instrumentation and control systems, natural gas processing equipment, project partners, procurement, construction, commissioning, regulatory compliance, and engineering standards. It also includes project leadership, system performance analysis, participation in process safety reviews, and mentoring less senior engineers.

Requirements

• A BA/BS in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited university.
• 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.
• Engineering III (Level 5): 2+ 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.
• Senior Engineer (Level 6): 3+ 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.
• Principal Engineer (Level 7): 3+ 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 an 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 at Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas.
• 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 or shutdown systems, 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 and manage engineering and construction service providers, inspectors, and other technical resources.
• 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 design, outline requirements, assign tasks, coordinate activities across operating units, engage appropriate staff, and oversee progress.
• Maintain working 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.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary.
• Annual incentive awards for eligible employees.
• Health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being.
• May be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, subject to the applicable plan terms and conditions.

What This Job Offers

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