Engineer - Mechanical Design

This position will be located in Birmingham, AL (relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance). The role requires a mix of both field and office work including some travel (approximately 25%), which may include overnight stays.

About the role

This position is responsible for performing mechanical engineering design on environmental projects, new generation projects, and retrofit projects at generating plants for Southern Company Generation. The role routinely takes on the lead for detailed design activities associated with large projects or multiple retrofit projects, emphasizing safety, quality, scheduling, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Make safety the number one priority using a “Safety First” mentality and leading by example.
• Work individually, as a leader, or as a team member to prepare high-quality design packages needed to construct (new or modify existing) mechanical systems and facilities using CAD-based tools, based on Southern Company design standards.
• Prepare and oversee mechanical power system design including scope documents, schedules, budgets, P&IDs, piping isometrics, general arrangement drawings, and equipment or commodity specifications.
• Provide design oversight to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards, QA requirements, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Provide oversight and technical direction managing other engineers, designers, and drafters.
• Effectively communicate with other groups and disciplines to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Coordinate work with other disciplines, clients, suppliers, and contractors.
• Interact with manufacturers, vendors, and Southern Company personnel to resolve standards and material issues.
• Review and coordinate vendor design document reviews to ensure conformance to design requirements.
• Provide support to Discipline Leads, Construction Services, Field Services, Project Management, Startup, and Site Personnel; assist with system checkout and startup when necessary.
• Perform site visits for projects, including pre-construction meetings, during construction, and post-construction.
• Make sound independent decisions with minimal information and consultation with management.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, setting priorities and using effective time management and organizational skills to achieve project team goals.
• Adapt to changing project requirements and customer needs.

Requirements

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited university (required).
• Advanced degree and/or PE (preferred).
• Design experience of mechanical systems for new construction and retrofitting power generation facilities or other similar heavy industrial facilities.
• Detailed knowledge of mechanical engineering design (preferably power plant mechanical system design).
• Proficient at working independently or as a team member with plants and other disciplines.
• Proficient with applicable codes, standards, QA, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• High level of initiative and the ability to effectively plan, organize, and execute work.
• Detailed knowledge of cost estimating and quantity takeoffs.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to assess risk at multiple levels and understand the impacts to all stakeholders.
• Proficient in problem solving, analytical, and interpersonal communications skills.

Skills

• Basic MS Office knowledge.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar design platforms; ability to learn latest Autodesk Plant 3D software.
• Ability to learn business unit software.
• Experience providing technical direction to prepare design details, drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Excellent communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to communicate technical issues simply.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and develop relationships at all levels.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to build working relationships with peers, internal customers, and the general public.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Customer-focused with a willingness to meet the needs of customers and solicit feedback.

Behavioral Attributes

• Model Southern Company values: Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment.
• Conduct all activities with a focus on providing value to customers.
• Take personal responsibility for projects and customer issues.
• Follow through on all aspects of assignments to ensure a quality product and increased value is delivered to customers.
• Exhibit and promote a positive, "can do" attitude.
• Committed to building and maintaining an inclusive work environment.
• Strong emphasis on Operational Excellence (mistake-free designs).

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• 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.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. The company’s mission is to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with excellent service. Southern Company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services.

Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, Southern Company is taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company’s uncompromising values ensure it puts the needs of those it serves at the center of everything it does, driving sustained success. Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy, including competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees, and health, welfare, and retirement benefits.

This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s).