Protection & Control Technician

Job Summary

The P&C System Control Technician provides support for Remote Terminal Units (RTUs) used for real-time transmission operations using standard SCADA protocols as well as intra-substation OT device communication using standard industrial control system (ICS) protocols.  This role also provides comprehensive support for Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM) equipment and sensors to ensure accurate monitoring and diagnostics of critical substation assets.

This position will be responsible for installing, troubleshooting & repairing 1) RTU's & other SCADA equipment, 2) substation ICS-based communications systems (DNP and MODBUS) and 3) substation condition-based monitors and sensors.  Major consumers of the real-time data provided by System Protection & Control include the MPC Transmission Control Center, the MPC Distribution Operations Center, the Power Coordination Center and the Condition-Based Maintenance & Diagnostics Center.

 Job Requirements

Education Requirements

• An Associate’s Degree in Electronic Technology or equivalent is desired.
• Equivalent work experience will be considered.

Experience Requirements

• Previous experience with RTU's, condition-based equipment and sensors, microprocessor based protective relays, ICS protocols, or SCADA systems is highly recommended
• Previous field experience is desired.
• Basic understanding of electric utility control circuitry is desired.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• A good understanding of SCADA systems; RTU functionality; communication equipment; ICS protocols (DNP, MODBUS)
• Excellent computer skills, including the ability to learn and operate specialized vendor-specific software beyond standard Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to configure and troubleshoot IP-connected devices, including network settings and hardware integration
• Proven troubleshooting skills with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to perform communication protocol analysis 
• Must be customer focused; self-directed and highly motivated; able to contribute in a team environment as well as work alone
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks in an ever changing environment and meet deadlines
• Some overnight travel and extended work days are required
• Electrical blueprint/schematic reading
• Oral & written communications

Job Responsibilities

• Install, configure, troubleshoot, repair, and maintain transmission line RTUs, substation communication equipment, Digital Fault Recorders, and Condition-Based Maintenance devices such as Dissolved Gas Analyzers, Bushing Monitors, SF6 Monitors, Transformer Temperature Monitors, and Battery Monitoring Systems.
• Understand ICS communications protocols and have the ability to analyze
• Understand electric utility control circuitry and have the ability to troubleshoot
• Participate in the department's call-out program as required.

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to more than 192,000 customers and communities in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. For over 100 years, Mississippi Power is a leader in customer service, workforce development and education, environmental stewardship, and employee volunteerism. The company is an industry leader when it comes to working safely, providing around-the-clock reliable service and its expert storm response. Mississippi Power has been at the forefront of innovation in the state through strategic partnerships in electric transportation and solar energy. The company has worked with the Coast Transit Authority to put the state’s first electric public transportation bus in operation and with Forrest County Agriculture High School on the state’s first electric school bus. It also partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new electric train and worked with the country’s largest Domino’s franchise to electrify its delivery fleet. Also, a leader in renewable energy, Mississippi Power partnered with the Naval Construction Battalion Center to install the first microgrid at a Navy facility. The company was among the first to introduce utility scale solar in the state with nearly 160 MW of renewable energy produced, enough to power 23,000 homes for a year. Mississippi Power’s mission is to provide world-class value to our customers and communities every day.
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family