Engineer, Transmission Expansion Planning

Engineer, Transmission Expansion Planning – Project Planning and Analysis

Transmission Expansion Planning Overview

This is one of the most exciting and dynamic times in recent history for the power industry as we evaluate and implement solutions to serve tremendous growth in our territories and to build the future of energy for the advancement of our customers and communities.  Our Integrated Grid Planning organization and processes are the cornerstone of our ability to provide clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to serve the growing needs of our customers. 

The Transmission Expansion Planning team is responsible for key functions of Integrated Grid Planning including systemwide analyses to continually assess and develop the best transmission expansion plan that provides reliability, affordability, and long-term value to the customers of the three electric Operating Companies (APC, GPC, and MPC) while concurrently informing retail load and generation siting. This team has multiple areas of responsibility that include the annual transmission expansion plan for each operating company, Georgia ITS planning and coordination, retail transmission load evaluations, retail generation siting evaluations, NERC TPL steady-state reliability compliance studies, state regulatory and IRP transmission support, operations support and long-term outage coordination, and integrated system planning analyses for strategic 20-year planning.

The position listed below can be primarily located in Birmingham, AL (APC HQ) OR Atlanta, GA (GPC HQ) but will require limited travel between Birmingham and Atlanta locations. 

Job Description:  Engineer, Transmission Expansion Planning – Project Planning & Analysis

The Project Planning and Analysis group consists of multiple engineers responsible for performing steady-state power flow modeling and analysis and developing the bulk transmission ten-year expansion plan across each state’s separate processes for APC, GPC/GA ITS, and MPC. This team develops effective, reliable, and economic transmission project solution proposals in close coordination with operating company project management, budgeting, and operations and includes gaining consensus and approval from upper management and review committees within each jurisdiction. This role demands collaboration with multifaceted teams and both internal and external stakeholders to formulate expansion strategies and reliability solutions that align with the requirements of APC, GPC/GA ITS, and MPC customers, transmission operations, NERC Reliability Standards, and all applicable regulatory mandates.

Primary Job Responsibilities 

• Lead and perform transmission planning power flow analyses in support of annual transmission plan development, load interconnection studies, integrated system planning, etc.
• Develop system-wide power flow models and assumptions.
• Coordinate with multiple groups and internal stakeholders within Southern Company Services, the Operating Companies, and the Georgia ITS to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions.
• Develop and deliver effective documentation and presentations to internal and external stakeholders to inform and gain consensus on system constraints and solution proposals.
• Participate in solution teams and other initiatives to determine transmission project feasibility, scope, and timing.
• Engage in related industry committees and initiatives.
• Research special technical issues impacting the electric power system.
• Prioritize and be proactive in training and development.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET accredited institution is preferred (pending graduates will be considered)
• Master’s degree in engineering or business is desirable.
• Professional Engineering License is desirable.

Work Experience

• Transmission planning experience, including electrical power system modeling and analysis, is preferred.
• Experience in generation development, procurement, and resource planning is desirable.
• Experience in bulk power operations or commercial operations is desirable.
• Experience in transmission design, maintenance, and protection and controls is desirable.
• Experience in transmission project management, estimating, and scheduling is desirable.
• Experience in transmission policy and services is desirable.
• Experience in any area of power delivery is desirable.

Skills and Knowledge

• Power system analysis with common industry tools, such as PSS/E and TARA 
• 8760 nodal analysis with common industry tools, such as PowerGem Probe
• Problem solving mindset able to engage across multiple efforts effectively
• Excellent communication, organization, and coordination skills
• Effective at presenting complex topics to leadership and externally
• Ability to communicate effectively and gain consensus with diverse groups while tailoring communication for specific technical audiences and situations
• Ability to assess complex study results and provide guidance for decision making
• Clear and effective documentation skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office applications and databases and AI technologies
• Power utility industry acumen in current issues, reliability, and regulation

Behavioral Attributes

• Self-motivated and results-oriented
• Strategic and innovative
• Collaborative and works well in a team environment with multiple stakeholders
• Adaptable to change and less established processes
• Analytical and detail-oriented
• Focus on process improvement, training, and mentoring others
• Strong customer focus
• Exhibits Southern Company’s “Our Values”