Grid Stability and Special Studies Engineer (Multiple Positions)

Stability and Special Studies Engineer

Birmingham Alabama 

Job Description

The successful candidate will be part of a team of engineers responsible for planning the bulk transmission system for Georgia Power Company, Alabama Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company with a primary focus on system stability (voltage stability, rotor angle stability, frequency stability, resonance stability, and converter-driven stability). The successful candidate will collaborate with multiple groups, including other System Planning teams, Transmission Control Centers, Research and Development, Operating Company Power Delivery and Generation departments, neighboring transmission systems, and other internal and external stakeholders. This position will also be responsible for communicating and presenting study results to senior leadership, management, and internal and external customers. 

Responsibilities include performing dynamic and power quality studies in support of generator interconnection and implementation, and large computational load interconnection and implementation. Responsibilities also include transmission and generation equipment application studies, including switching transient analysis, local area stability assessments, customer application studies, and the evaluation, integration, and application of STATCOMs and other advanced grid technologies.

This position is ideal for individuals who want to combine technical problem-solving with exposure to the transmission business aspects of the electric utility industry. By leading and performing power system studies in support of Southern Company, employees develop a strong understanding of system planning, operational challenges, strategic initiatives, and emerging technologies. The role provides opportunities to build deep technical knowledge while gaining transmission business insight, leadership experience, and organizational perspective that can support a wide range of future career opportunities.

Primary Job Responsibilities 

The job will provide exposure to a wide range of power system analysis opportunities including:

• Conduct power system studies and analyses related to transmission system stability and reliability.
• Conduct special studies and technical evaluations to support transmission and generation equipment applications.
• Create and apply models used in planning and operational studies.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering evaluations, and recommendations.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on system planning and emerging technology initiatives.
• Assess the impacts of new technologies and evolving industry trends.
• Present technical findings to engineering staff, management, and other stakeholders.
• Support the development of technical standards, guidelines, processes, and best practices.
• Evaluate the impacts of increasing levels of BPS-connected inverter-based resources, emerging technologies, and data centers on power system reliability.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from an ABET-accredited institution (Other disciplines may be considered with sufficient relevant experience); or

• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering with a power systems emphasis is preferred.

Preferred Experience 

• Experience in power systems, electrical equipment, or power system protection and controls is a plus.
• Experience in transmission planning and bulk power system operations is a plus.
• Knowledge of design, control, and operation of the bulk power system is a plus.
• Experience with power system modeling and analysis tools such as PSCAD, PSS/E, EMTP-RV, CAPE, PowerWorld, or PSLF is a plus. 
• Experience with computer programming (MATLAB, Visual Basic, Python, etc.) related to study automation is a plus.
• Knowledge of industry standards (e.g., IEEE) and NERC Reliability Standards is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

A successful candidate will have:

1. The curiosity, ability, and drive to analyze and resolve technical problems.
2. The ability to communicate effectively with diverse internal groups while tailoring communication for specific technical audiences and situations.
3. Strong verbal communication skills for internal meetings, presentations, and external events.
4. Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare technical reports.
5. The ability to work well in a team environment, both in-person and virtually.
6. The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with peers, customers, and other stakeholders.
7. An attitude that values teamwork and works effectively across multiple business functions.
8. A self-motivated, results-oriented, and innovative mindset.
9. Effective time management and organizational skills. 
10. A strong customer focus.