Protection & Control Applications Engineer/Analyst (BHM)

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

• These positions will be based out of Birmingham, AL.
• Hybrid work schedule (both in-office and telecommute); currently four (4) days in-office and one (1) day telecommute.
• Relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commuting distance.
• This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment with access to internet service.

POSITION SUMMARY

The primary responsibility of this position will be to develop and maintain impedance models from equipment manufacturer data and transmission line designs using Gridscale X APA (formerly PSS®CAPE) for Southern Company's transmission system. This position will also perform system impact studies in support of transmission system interconnection requests. Additional responsibilities include performing protective relay calculations and coordination studies for substation and transmission line projects. The selected candidate will provide technical expertise and support for design, construction, planning, marketing and customers regarding protection and control of Southern Company's transmission and distribution facilities.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and maintain impedance models from equipment manufacturer data and transmission line designs using Gridscale X APA.
• Perform short-circuit studies for transmission and substation projects, including breaker duty, equipment ratings, and system strength assessments.
• Prepare detailed technical reports, study findings, and recommendations for stakeholders. Ensure all models comply with NERC standards.
• Perform interconnection studies to assess the impact of renewable energy integration (inverter-based resources) and traditional generation on short-circuit levels and provide breaker duty impacts.
• Develop protective relay settings to protect and monitor the performance of electric power system facilities (transmission lines, distribution feeders, and substation equipment). 
• Provide power system and protection engineering consulting services and technical assistance to other functional areas. 
• Some travel for site visits, meetings, conferences, storm support, and training may be required.
• Participate in an on-call rotation to provide remote support to field and operations customers in the event of abnormal/emergency system conditions

Opportunities provided by this position:

• Learning how a power system/utility operates and how substations are designed and built. 
• Attending a variety of classes to aid in professional development. Many of these classes are designed for new engineers to help them improve their skills and knowledge to be successful. 
• Working for a large electric utility that offers many opportunities for advancement.   

Selected candidate will have the chance to: 

• Develop power system models including transmission lines, transformers, inverter-based resources (IBR), and generators.
• Develop protection schemes and provide relay settings for protecting the power system from short circuits and other abnormal conditions that might cause damage or interfere with the effective operation of the system. 
• Support operations and design functions to maintain a reliable, safe, and secure power system. 
• Handle multiple projects simultaneously, requiring the ability to set priorities and use effective time management and organizational skills.   

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology is preferred 
  • Electrical emphasis/discipline is highly preferred
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License or Engineer-in-Training Certificate or ability to obtain in 12 months is highly desirable

Experience:

• Experience performing protective relay calculations and coordination studies is a plus
• Experience working with Gridscale X APA (formerly PSS®CAPE), ASPEN, EDSA, ETAP or other related power system simulation software programs is a plus
• Substation protective