Electrical Engineer – Protection & Arc Flash Engineer
Southern Company Services – Technical Services, Electrical Systems Group
This position will be located at The Energy Center in Birmingham, AL

**PLEASE NOTE** We are open to considering all levels of experience, provided you meet the basic qualifications as outlined below.

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

This position will be based out of Birmingham, AL. Hybrid work schedule (both in-office and telecommute); currently three (3) days in-office and two (2) days telecommute (subject to adjustment). Relocation assistance is available if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance. This position will require minimal travel.

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is best suited for an individual desiring a technical career path responsible for leading and performing power system technical studies in support of various groups within Southern Company. The successful candidate will expand capabilities and expertise in the area of equipment protection, arc flash analyses and mitigation strategies. This position will provide study support and leadership in this area and be part of a team that performs plant protection analysis, relay setting determinations, arc flash analyses, and other special technical studies as required to support Southern Company and the Operating Companies.

The successful candidate will collaborate with multiple groups including teams within Technical Shared Services, Electrical Field Services, Operating Company Power Delivery and Generation departments, SPC, etc. The position will also be responsible for presenting study results to various customers including plant management, and internal and external customers for information and support.

Primary Responsibilities:

Conduct plant protection analysis, relay settings determinations, arc flash analyses and mitigation recommendations.  Design protective schemes and relay logic. Analyze and solve electrical equipment failures using, sequence of events and fault data curves.  Prepare engineering analysis, studies, and technical reports. Develop guidelines or other technical documents as needed. Conduct analyses and making determination on the on/offline status of a unit after a fault or system incident from the relay operations.  Calculate the settings for a regulator/exciter system and coordinate those settings with unit protection schemes.  Analyze OIS data, fault recorders, digital relays as needed for the purpose of arc flash studies.  Analyze the electrical interface between generating stations and the transmission system including compliance concerns.  This position is located in the Birmingham Colonnade office and serves the needs of the entire Southern Company system.  Limited overnight travel may be required.  Overtime work will be periodically required to support project and customer schedules.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Electrical or Computer Engineering degree from an ABET accredited college/university is required.  Advanced Electrical Engineering degree preferred. PE License preferred.

Experience:

Experience in performing electrical short circuit and arc flash analysis is highly desirable. Experience in protection and control system applications, settings, design preferred. Computer skills and experience with the following: ETAP (Electrical Transient Analyses Program) or equivalent  PSCAD transient analysis program is a plus Familiarity with the design and operation of electrical power generating plants preferred. Knowledge of power system analysis, relay schemes, short circuit and arc flash analysis preferred. Knowledge of the plants work environment and plant electrical equipment preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Ability to independently analyze and resolve technical problems. The ability to tailor technical communications for diverse audiences including workgroups, partners, and customers. Ability to achieve results through effective interpersonal, analytical, communication, teamwork, negotiation, and presentation skills. Ability to make educated decisions in normal and emergency situations. Time management skills sufficient to help manage projects with various priorities and competing deadlines. Knowledge of protection systems, PRC Compliance, OSHA, NFPA requirements preferred Highly motivated, able to work with the group and with minimal supervision. 

Behavioral Attributes:

Demonstrate Southern Company Values – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Superior Performance, and Act with Integrity  Values teamwork and works effectively in a team environment across multiple business functions, including a hybrid work environment Demonstrates strong attention to detail and motivation for quality, accuracy and timeliness Displays a high degree of self-direction with strong initiative Uses discretion concerning confidential and sensitive issues/information

BENEFITS

Competitive Pay Excellent benefits packages which include:  Medical and dental coverage Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan Performance-sharing plan 401(k) plan with a generous company match Bonus opportunities Tuition Reimbursement

***Please submit an updated resume with your application***