Reliability Engineer/Engineer Associate

About the Role

This posting will fill three Reliability Engineer positions, each supporting a different region: Northwest, Northeast, and Coastal. The successful candidate will report to an Operating Headquarters within their assigned region and must live within a reasonable commuting distance. Relocation assistance is available for qualified candidates if needed.

This exempt position (Job Level 5 or 6) focuses on supporting distribution reliability needs in assigned areas and corporate reliability initiatives statewide. The role requires a strong commitment to safety, attention to detail, and the ability to manage projects efficiently without service interruptions.

Responsibilities

• Perform field investigations, analyze outage management system data, SCADA data, and metering data to determine root causes impacting distribution reliability and engineer solutions to optimize system performance.
• Conduct circuit studies within assigned areas and other regions based on corporate reliability objectives, ensuring thorough evaluation for maximized effectiveness.
• Work with the Distribution Automation team on commissioning, testing, and maintaining distribution automation equipment, protective relays, controls, and communication equipment.
• Program and commission electronic devices installed on the distribution system in conjunction with the Distribution Automation group.
• Serve as the subject matter expert on protection and coordination in assigned areas, providing technical expertise, breaker relay settings, and protective device relay settings to various work groups.
• Ensure proper implementation of company reliability strategies and coordination of protective schemes, including sizing protective equipment for continuous load carrying capacity and fault interrupting capability during system upgrades.
• Provide guidance on customer-related inquiries and distributed generation interconnection evaluations.
• Review outage data regularly for quality assurance, monitor performance trends, and investigate device operations to ensure proper coordination, taking corrective action as needed.
• Maintain visibility, communicate effectively, respond promptly to concerns, and provide SERP & Supervisor On-Call support for assigned areas.
• Build rapport and establish professional working relationships with all GPC stakeholders.
• Demonstrate skills obtained in GPC Level II Distribution Certification courses and act as a technical resource.
• Work with low voltage systems and hand tools/test equipment for repairs.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a related field (e.g., Mathematics, Science); 4-year ABET-accredited degree required.
• Engineer in Training (EIT) certification is a plus; Professional Engineer (PE) license is preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of operations experience in one or more of the following areas: Electric Power Distribution Operations, Electric Power Transmission Operations, Protection & Control (P&C) Field Services, P&C Applications.

Skills

• Knowledge of Section 0 and demonstrated commitment to Safety Excellence.
• Adherence to company values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
• Knowledge of Southern Company engineering and construction best practices, as well as distribution operating procedures.
• Self-starter capable of working independently and prioritizing multiple work assignments.
• Preferred knowledge of electric utility distribution system operations, overhead/underground distribution design, distribution automation, and coordination of protective devices.
• Ability to produce designs that enhance system reliability performance.
• Working knowledge of the NESC and ability to create quality distribution work orders, estimates, and construction prints.
• Preferred knowledge of Microsoft Office products, CymTCC, and CymDist.
• Proven experience in writing and executing switching orders.
• Effective project management, organizational skills, and ability to meet strict deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work well with internal/external customers and cross-functional teams (e.g., Sales, Customer Service, Area & Distribution Planning, Renewables).
• Preferred knowledge of Georgia Power Company Distribution Bulletins, the Engineering Handbook, and other relevant company guidelines.
• Ability to meet the Official Transmission and Distribution Switching & Clearance List criteria.

Other Requirements

• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and navigate rough/uneven terrain.
• Capable of lifting or moving approximately 25 pounds of equipment and materials.
• Familiarity with hand tools and test equipment for repairing mechanical/electrical equipment is desired.
• Willingness to serve in the supervisor on-call rotation at the assigned work location.
• Availability for local area emergency assistance after hours, nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Ability to support restoration efforts in-state and out-of-state, including overnight travel and working alone in remote locations.
• Valid Driver’s License required.

Behavioral Attributes

• Commitment to Safety Excellence as a core value.
• Demonstrates company values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
• Maintains a “Questioning Attitude,” seeking opportunities for improvement.
• Genuine interest in understanding and respecting different perspectives.
• Supports continual learning and Human Performance principles.
• Takes full ownership and proactively resolves issues in a timely manner.
• Ability to function and contribute in an inclusive team environment.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Looks for opportunities to develop themselves and others.

Benefits

Southern Company offers a comprehensive total rewards strategy, including competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees, and health, welfare, and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program. Specific details about total compensation and benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

A summary of benefits can be found here.