Research Engineer - Distribution

Job Summary

Join Southern Company’s Research and Development team and help shape the next generation of grid-edge technology. The Research Engineer will lead innovative research addressing power-flow flexibility, power conditioning, system imbalance, and other challenges facing the evolving distribution grid. Working within a small, agile team, this role will help move promising technologies from concept to real-world application.

As a Research Engineer, you will lead first-of-a-kind demonstrations and advance a portfolio of innovative smart grid technologies. Your work will include evaluating advanced monitoring and diagnostics technology for power quality analytics, next-generation power-flow controllers, inverters, converters, and other power-conversion solutions with the potential to transform grid performance. This role offers the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, solve complex technical challenges, and help shape the future of the electric grid.

As a Research Engineer, you will collaborate with leading researchers and organizations across Southern Company and the electric power industry, including EPRI, DOE national laboratories, universities, and technology providers. You will also have the autonomy to lead the development and demonstration of emerging grid technologies. This role offers a unique combination of technical ownership, industry collaboration, and access to resources that can help move innovative solutions toward real-world application.

Travel is required – up to 25%. Job location is in Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA and must be able to drive to corporate headquarter offices weekly.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Include but are not limited to: 

• Lead pioneering research in power electronics grid applications, optimizing integration into the grid infrastructure to enhance efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and sustainability.

• Build a strategic research program around grid-edge technology development and deployment in order to meet Southern Companies operational goals.

• Manage projects, including planning, resource allocation, and tracking, to ensure successful outcomes and timely delivery of innovative solutions.

• Envisioning the future of power 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.

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

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering is required, and an advanced degree (M.S., PhD) is strongly preferred. 
• 3+ years of experience in Power Delivery required, Distribution related experience preferred
• Understanding of power quality phenomena such as flicker, harmonics, and voltage sags.
• Experience in project management, enabling effective collaboration and seamless execution.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations, ensuring compliance and driving best practices, gained through experience in the electric utility industry.
• Outstanding oral/written communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Committed to safety and helping others work safely
• Entrepreneurial mindset, challenges status quo and having a questioning attitude
• Innovator; skilled in research processes; self-assured, self-starter
• Proven leadership, mentor and teambuilding skills, with the ability to build and foster relationships
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills combined with high personal drive and energy.
• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with company culture including Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act With Integrity, & Superior Performance

            Behavioral Attributes:

• Committed to safety and helping others work safely
• Entrepreneurial mindset, challenges status quo and having a questioning attitude
• Innovator; skilled in research processes; self-assured, self-starter
• Proven leadership, mentor and teambuilding skills, with the ability to build and foster relationships
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills combined with high personal drive and energy.
• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with company culture including Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act With Integrity, & Superior Performance

Research is Empowering the Future Grid