Bulk Power Operations Support Engineer

The Bulk Power Operations Support Engineer position performs transmission studies on the Southern Company bulk power system, provides engineering support for the months, weeks and days leading up to real time conditions, and ensures compliance readiness for the Bulk Power Operations team. Operational studies could range from analyzing the impacts of planned transmission and generator maintenance outages to transmission service requests and assessing Southern Company’s transfer capability (interface analysis) to support requirements under the Open Access Transmission Tariff. Studies often include a high degree of coordination within Southern Company and with neighboring utilities. The BPO Operations Support engineer is expected to analyze issues, develop solutions and work with the necessary individuals (internal and external) to create favorable system conditions for the real-time operators of the Southern Company bulk power system to reliably operate the system.

 

 Education Requirements:

• BS degree or higher in Electrical or Computer Engineering
• Specialization in Power Systems desired 
• Advanced degree in Electrical Engineering a plus 

 

Experience Requirements:

• Experience with computer modeling, simulations, and data analysis a plus
• Experience with computer modeling and/or analyses of electrical power systems preferred  
• Experience with PSS/E and/or real-time power flow tools a plus 
• Experience with engineering studies that support Open Access Transmission Tariff requests a plus
• Experience with computer programming a plus
• Experience with operating a high or low voltage power system a plus
• Experience with an electrical utility a plus 

 

Job Responsibilities:

• Perform computer modeling/simulation studies including a wide range of scenarios to determine the adequacy of the Southern Company bulk power system 
• Analyze issues and develop solutions 
• Work with the necessary individuals (internal and external) and resolve the issues
• On-call duties, one week at a time every 6-7 weeks (impact outside business hours is minimal)
• Stay abreast of NERC/FERC regulatory requirements, coordinate compliance strategy and engagement, and ensure audit readiness/success for Bulk Power Operations
• Some overnight travel may be required but this would be minimal 

 

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:

• Knowledge of electrical transmission systems and relaying a plus
• Knowledge of the transmission maintenance and/or generation maintenance processes a plus
• Knowledge of NERC reliability standards a plus
• Knowledge of FERC Open Access Transmission Tariffs a plus 
• Must demonstrate effective communication skills
• Must have an aptitude and desire to perform technical analysis to help solve problems
• Must possess analytical skills as well as the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously 
• Must be able to work well in a team environment 
• Must be able to function well in a quick paced environment 

 

Behavioral Attributes

Candidates will be evaluated on the Southern Company Values - Unquestionable Trust, Total Commitment and Superior Performance. Additional emphasis is placed on adaptability, cooperation/teamwork, initiative, innovation, customer focus, personal responsibility, inclusive behavior, organization, and problem solving.

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy infrastructure company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, we are taking action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of eve