Integrated Grid Planning Engineer

Southern Company • Birmingham, AL

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

Build the Grid That Powers the Future This is a transformational time for Southern Company and the power industry—and Integrated Grid Planning is at the center of it . At Southern Company, our Integrated Grid Planning team designs and evolves the high‑voltage grid that keeps millions of customers powered today while preparing for tomorrow’s energy needs. Our Integrated Grid Planning organization encompasses all aspects of planning strategies for generation resources, transmission system infrastructure, and large load customers for our subsidiary retail electric utilities in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi over a 10-year planning horizon and beyond. As an Integrated Grid Planning Engineer – Regional Planning and Support , you’ll work on real, transmission system‑level challenges that matter: regional and interregional interfaces with neighboring utilities, long‑term planning horizons, and coordination with neighboring utilities across the Southeast. While each group within integrated grid planning has a targeted function, we foster an environment of cross-functional teamwork and collaboration and are committed to providing our employees opportunities for career growth and personal development. Position Details We currently have an engineer position available in the Integrated Grid Planning – Regional Planning and Support team. You won’t be working in a silo. You’ll collaborate with engineers, planners, legal teams, and stakeholders across operating companies, business units, and external partners—shaping how the transmission system adapts to large load growth, new generation resources, and an evolving regulatory landscape. You will gain a broad understanding of the power system including transmission system topology, generation dispatch, regional processes, transmission policy and will work with energetic and high-performing teams. In this role you will have, Meaningful impact: Your work directly supports grid reliability and future system resilience Growth‑oriented environment: Broad exposure to planning disciplines, tools, and regional coordination Flexible work options: Hybrid work available with minimal travel Strong team culture: Collaborative, technically engaged, and invested in professional development The Integrated Grid Planning - Regional Planning and Support team is responsible for numerous activities: Support regional and interregional planning efforts that influence long‑term system development (e.g., Florida, Tennessee, North and South Carolina, Louisiana, Arkansas, and beyond), partner with cross‑functional teams across Southern Company and the broader Energy industry, providing leadership and influence (e.g., NERC, FERC, SERC, EIPC, etc.), contribute to power‑flow modeling and planning studies that directly impact reliability and customer outcomes, including large loads and data centers, new generation resources, and increased interface capacity, and supporting compliance filings with FERC Order 1920 and its subsequent orders. If you’re excited by large‑scale systems, long‑term thinking, and work that truly matters, this role offers the chance to help shape the future of the grid.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required
• Strong time management and organizational skills required to balance multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to strict deadlines
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to effectively present complex topics
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and databases
• Self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative
• Analytical and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving skills
• Works well in a team environment (both in person and virtual)
• Proactive in training and onboarding in a hybrid environment
• Focus on process improvement, training, and mentoring others
• Adaptable to change
• Strong customer focus
• Exhibits Southern Company’s “Our Values” (Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance)

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree in engineering or business is a plus
• Experience in electric utility transmission or distribution is desired (e.g., Transmission Planning, Transmission Operations, Transmission Design, Distribution Planning, Distribution Operations)
• Experience in electrical power system modeling and analysis is a plus
• Prior exposure to PSS®E and computer modeling of electrical power systems is preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

• Perform power system modeling and analysis using industry standard software (e.g. PSS ® E, TARA)
• Develop and coordinate reliable, innovative, and cost-effective transmission solutions, including the use of Grid Enhancing Technologies/Alternative Transmission Technologies
• Lead and participate in solution teams and other initiatives to determine transmission project feasibility, scope, and timing
• Develop engineering reports, guidelines, or other technical documents
• Effectively present informative reports and presentations to internal and external customers at various management levels related to system constraints and required improvement projects
• Coordinate with multiple groups and internal customers within Southern Company and the Operating Companies
• Coordinate studies with neighboring transmission systems
• Provide technical expertise and leadership in industry committees and initiatives

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees