Engineer - Transmission Planning

Description

Engineer – Transmission Planning

Travel and Work Location

· Alabama Power Corporate HQ (Birmingham, AL)

· Minimal travel required (less than 25%).

· Flexible work schedule and remote work are available.

Department Overview

This is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in recent history for the power industry as we evaluate and implement renewable energy and emerging technologies to build the future of energy for the advancement of our customers and communities. Transmission planning plays a critical role in Southern Company’s success in achieving this goal by continuously developing a reliable, flexible, and resilient transmission grid that meets the needs of our future.

At Southern Company, our transmission planning organization encompasses all aspects of planning the transmission system for our subsidiary retail electric utilities in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. This includes expertise in numerous areas such as steady-state and dynamic power system analysis, power quality and transient analysis, load modeling and base case development, annual transmission expansion plan development, reliability standards compliance, economic development transmission service evaluations, OATT transmission service requests, generator interconnection and designation studies, generation RFP procurements, unit retirement and new build evaluations, regional planning and coordination with external utilities, interface analysis, GMD and EMP analysis, transmission policy and regulatory, industry committee leadership, and tools and technology innovation. While each group within transmission planning has a targeted function, we foster an environment of cross-functional teamwork and collaboration and are committed to working with our employees on career and personal development in multiple areas of their interest. As a vertically integrated utility, we also have the unique opportunity to work closely with teams from across our organization in all the major business sectors.

Position Details

We currently have positions available on the following specific teams: TP-Stability & Special Studies, TP-West and TP-Generation and Strategic.

Each position will have the opportunity to coordinate and collaborate with all the transmission planning teams described below.

· TP-East – This team is responsible for leading and performing transmission planning studies for Georgia Power (GPC) and the Georgia Integrated Transmission System (ITS) in order to develop the annual transmission expansion plans, evaluate economic development transmission service requests, meet NERC compliance requirements, and provide support to transmission operations. Each engineer is responsible for leading a specific region(s) and coordinating on all associated transmission planning efforts within their area. They also have the opportunity to lead solution teams and develop transmission project proposals as well as participate in the justification, approval, and budget prioritization of their proposed projects. This team works closely with GPC Power Delivery clients and external ITS planning contacts.

· TP-West – This team is responsible for leading and performing transmission planning studies for Alabama Power (APC) and Mississippi Power (MPC) in order to develop the annual transmission expansion plans, evaluate economic development transmission service requests, meet NERC compliance requirements, and provide support to transmission operations. Each engineer is responsible for leading a specific region(s) and coordinating on all associated transmission planning efforts within their area. They also have the opportunity to lead solution teams and develop transmission project proposals as well as participate in the justification, approval, and budget prioritization of their proposed projects. This team works closely with operating company transmission and project management, design, economic development, and transmission operations.

· TP-Stability & Special Studies – This team provides technical expertise and study support to numerous teams both internal to planning and across Southern Company and the operating companies. This includes leading and performing power system dynamic technical studies such as voltage stability, transient stability, frequency stability, FIDVR, and out-of-step protection. This team also performs a wide range of additional technical studies including: switching transient studies (e.g., capacitor bank energization, transformer/line energization, breaker TRV); insulation coordination studies; transmission power quality studies (e.g., harmonic filter bank design, flicker evaluations, motor starting); unbalanced power flow studies; post event (root cause) analysis, studies evaluating the effects of geomagnetic disturbance (GMD) and Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) events, and other special technical studies as required. They also provide significant study support (stability and special studies) for generator interconnections, transmission service requests, regional planning with neighboring transmission systems, and generator retirements and additions.

· TP-Regional Planning & Support – This team is responsible for ensuring reliable transmission interconnections with neighboring utilities (e.g., Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina) and as such, is highly engaged in providing leadership and influence through a variety of industry committees. It is also responsible for performing OATT delivery service studies for third-party customer requests. The team provides support to the entire department and electric operating companies through policy coordination, the creation of power systems models, development of industry-leading engineering applications, training, and ensuring compliance with all required standards.

· TP-Generation & Strategic – This team is responsible for leading and performing transmission planning studies related to any generation changes on the Southern Company transmission system including new siting options, designations, unit retirement evaluations, integrated resource plan support, renewable and capacity RFP generation procurements, and OATT generator interconnection studies. This team works closely with resource planning, operating company transmission and project management, and external generation developers.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and perform power system modeling and analysis including:

• Steady-state load flow thermal and voltage analysis

• Interface transfer analysis

• Generator interconnection studies

• Transmission service studies

• Economic development studies

• Stability studies (e.g., transient stability, voltage stability, frequency Stability, FIDVR, closing angle)

• Power Quality studies (e.g., motor start, flicker, harmonic, filter design, ferroresonance, torsional)

• Switching transient studies (e.g., breaker TRV, energization or de-energization of reactors, capacitor banks, transformers, and transmission lines)

• GMD analysis

• Studies that require modeling of inverter-based resources using both phasor-domain and time-domain methods.

• Develop system-wide power flow models and assumptions.

• Coordinate with multiple groups and internal customers within Southern Company and the Operating Companies.

• Coordinate studies with neighboring transmission systems.

• Develop and coordinate reliable, innovative, and cost-effective transmission solutions including multiple alternatives.

• Effectively present informative reports and presentations to internal and external customers at various management levels related to system constraints and required improvement projects.

• Lead and participate on solution teams and other initiatives to determine transmission project feasibility, scope, and timing.

• Provide technical expertise and leadership in industry committees and initiatives.

• Research special technical issues impacting the electric power system.

• Provide automation and programming development and support for analysis tools.

Education

• ·Bachelor’s degree in engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required (Electrical Engineering preferred). Pending graduates will be considered.

• ·Master’s degree in engineering or business is desirable.

• ·Professional Engineering License is desirable.

Work Experience

• ·Experience in transmission planning and operations is preferred.

• ·Experience in transmission design, maintenance, and protection and controls is desirable.

• ·Experience in transmission project management, estimating, and scheduling is desirable.

• ·Experience in electrical power system modeling and analysis is desirable.

• ·Experience in generator (IBR and/or conventional) operations, control system modeling and analysis is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

• ·Power system analysis with common industry accepted tools such as PSS/E, PSLF, CAPE, ASPEN, EMTP, PSCAD, TARA, VSAT, PowerWorld, SINCAL, PSCAD, etc.

• ·Strong time management and organizational skills required to balance multiple projects simultaneously and adhere to deadlines

• ·Excellent oral and written communication skills

• ·Ability to effectively present complex topics

• ·Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and databases

• ·NERC reliability standards acumen

• ·FERC transmission policy and regulation acumen

• ·Working knowledge of programming languages (Python, Visual Basic.net, etc.) and data visualization tools

Behavioral Attributes

• ·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 or virtual environment

• ·Focus on process improvement, training, and mentoring others

• ·Adaptable to change

• ·Strong customer focus

• ·Exhibits Southern Company’s “Our Values” (Safety First, Act With Integrity, Superior Performance, and Intentional Inclusion).

o Safety First – We actively care about the safety and well-being of our employees, customers and communities. Safely approaching every job, every day, always comes first.

o Act With Integrity – We act with honesty, respect and fairness, demonstrating trustworthiness in all we do. We are true to our word and follow through on our commitments.

o Superior Performance – We keep customers at the center of everything we do, with a focus on continuous improvement. We provide exceptional service, delivering innovative solutions that benefit our customers, communities, investors and the environment.

o Intentional Inclusion – We are One Team, working to foster a culture of belonging and ensuring our diverse team feels valued. Investing in an equitable culture benefits employees, customers, communities and shareholders.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy company serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries as of Jan. 1, 2019. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services . Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices below the national average. For more than a century, we have been building the future of energy and developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, advanced carbon capture technologies, natural gas, renewables, energy efficiency and storage technology. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation and a low-carbon future, Southern Company and its subsidiaries develop the customized energy solutions our customers and communities require to drive growth and prosperity. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and govern our business to the benefit of our world. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have been recognized nationally by the U.S. Department of Defense, G.I. Jobs magazine, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, Forbes and the Women's Choice Award. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law. #LI

Job Field: Engineering

Job Type: Standard

Primary Location: Alabama-Metro Birmingham/Eastern AL-Birmingham

Operating Company: Southern Company Services

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to...): Yes, 25 % of the Time

Work Location(s):

APC Corporate Headquarters - 600 North 18th Street (600BIRMINGHAM)

600 North 18th Street

Birmingham, 35203

Req ID: SCS2011658