Research Engineer

Research Engineer- Industrial Decarbonization and Energy End Use

Job Summary

Join our Research and Development team as a next generation energy end use, industrial decarbonization technology expert at our leading electric utility. Our team needs engineers to help the industry develop novel energy end use and industrial decarbonization technologies to shape the future of the electric industry and propel the world towards a sustainable and efficient energy revolution. As a key member of the Energy Storage and End Use (ES&U) R&D team, this position will provide leadership and direction for the development of energy end use technologies. The Research Engineer will be entrusted to spearhead the implementation of a cutting-edge R&D strategy to assist commercial and industrial customers meet their energy goals through the implementation of energy end use technologies to decarbonize and modernize their commercial/industrial processes.

The role will encompass not only executing first of a kind technology demonstration but also overseeing a diverse portfolio of energy end use, energy storage, and decarbonization projects that push the boundaries of innovation. The Research Engineer will be at the forefront and leading groundbreaking projects, including the development and evaluation of electrification technologies that further commercial and industrial customer decarbonization goals. The position requires proven capability leading and developing energy related projects and managing and implementing field demonstrations. Additionally, the engineer will be responsible for effectively transferring research results to the business units, provide effective and timely communications to all participants on research program activity and accomplishments and facilitate the adoption of new technology into business practice. This opportunity offers a rewarding journey of discovery and valuable contributions to the forefront of technological advancements.

This Research Engineer will have the unique opportunity to engage and cooperate with various internal and external stakeholders, including the research team members, industry research consortiums like EPRI, DOE national labs, universities, industry experts, marketing and sales personnel, colleagues, and vendors. While collaborating closely with these individuals, they will also have the freedom to work independently, focusing on the development and demonstration of relevant technologies and procedures. This role offers a balanced blend of teamwork and autonomy, enabling the Research Engineer to make meaningful contributions to the field while benefiting from valuable partnerships and resources.

Travel is required – approximately 25% -50%. Job location is in Birmingham, AL.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Include but are not limited to:

• Lead pioneering research in energy end use and industrial decarbonization applications, optimizing integration into industrial and commercial infrastructure to enable customers to meet sustainability goals while enabling electrification.
• Build a strategic research program around energy end use and industrial decarbonization technology development and deployment in order to meet Southern Companies goals.
• Manage projects, including planning, resource allocation, and tracking, to ensure successful outcomes and timely delivery of innovative solutions.
• Envisioning the future of energy by exploring and evaluating emerging technologies and identifying transformative opportunities for groundbreaking advancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute strategic research projects, combining technical expertise and visionary thinking to deliver game-changing solutions.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends and standards, playing an integral role in shaping the future of energy end use and decarbonization applications.
• Provide technical guidance in energy end use and decarbonization, shaping the implementation of cutting-edge technologies.
• Safety First: perform and maintain every job, every day, safely.
• Act with Integrity: Behave honestly, respectfully, fairly and ethically. Keep your promises.
• Intentional Inclusion: Fully embrace, respect, and value differences and diversity.
• Superior Performance: Develop innovative solutions, improve how the business, and be committed to environmental stewardship .

JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

Applicant may possess a combination of equivalent education and work experience.

Education, Certifications/Licenses:

• Bachelor degree in Mechanical, Chemical, Industrial, or Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited school is required.
• Advanced degree (M.S., PhD) preferred

Related Work Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in industrial, mechanical, chemical, or electrical engineering required

Specific Skills & Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of industrial and commercial business sectors energy use and decarbonization and electrification pathways.
• Demonstrated technical leadership in energy end use, electrification, and industrial processes subject matter areas. Proven independent technical expert with consulting experience. Proven industrial process experience.
• Strong technology and business acumen with a working knowledge and understanding of energy business operations and drivers.
• Ability to conduct techno/economic analysis for presentation to senior leadership.
• Ability to develop relationships and positively persuade others throughout the organization at all levels.
• Creativity in solving unconventional problems, entrepreneurial drive to learn new skills and technologies
• Excellent oral/written communication skills along with excellent presentation capabilities
• Solid computer and data analysis skills.
• Reflect Southern Company values:

Research is Empowering the Future Grid

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers' and communities' needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit

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.

Job Identification: 6231

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services