Transmission Planning Project Manager/Principal Engineer

Transmission Planning East - Project Manager/Principal Engineer

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

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating a team of engineers in planning the bulk transmission system for Georgia Power Company and the Georgia Integrated Transmission System (ITS) participants. Plans must satisfy all user requirements, be coordinated with Operating Company budgeting and project development processes along with ensuring compliance with applicable NERC and Southern Company transmission planning criteria. This position will also direct, perform, and coordinate transmission studies related to generation plant siting, transmission service requests, operational studies, special studies, and RFP evaluations. The Project Manager/Principal Engineer will review study results and provide summary reports along with presentations for all levels of Southern Company management review.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and perform power system modeling and analysis including but not limited to:

• Steady-state load flow thermal and voltage 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)

• 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.

• Develop engineering reports, guidelines, or other technical documents.

• 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, C#, and Visual Basic.net) 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, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance).

• 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.

• 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.

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

• 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.

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