Substation Physical Design – Designer/Engineer (Birmingham, AL)

Multiple positions available for Substation Physical Designer/Engineer roles, filled at exempt levels 3-6 based on experience and education.

About the role

This position is responsible for the design of Southern Company’s Transmission and Distribution Substations. The Designer/Engineer will produce engineering drawings, specifications, and material requirements for substation projects with emphasis on safety, quality, scheduling, and costs.

Work Location, Schedule & Travel

• Based in Birmingham, AL; hybrid work schedule with four days in-office/in-the-field and one day telecommute (subject to future adjustment).
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates outside a reasonable commute distance.
• Up to 25% travel (day and overnight) required, including ability to work remotely with internet access.
• Routine in-office (The Energy Center) and/or field presence required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality design packages for constructing or modifying substations using CAD-based tools and Southern Company design standards.
• Design physical aspects of substations, including foundation layouts, grounding layouts, conduit layouts, control house layouts, section drawings, and electrical bus design.
• Specify, order, and approve drawings for non-stock materials; inventory stock and shop-fabricated materials for substation design packages.
• Transmit drawing packages and supporting specifications into SCST Vault using the Physical Substation Transmittal Packages Manual.
• Prioritize safety using a “Safety First” mentality and lead by example.
• Coordinate and communicate with other design disciplines on Substation Physical Design projects.
• Provide Quality Assurance reviews, technical training, and developmental feedback to internal designers/engineers.
• Interact with manufacturers, vendors, and Southern Company committee members to resolve equipment and material issues.
• Support Substation Construction, Field Services, Project Management, and Substation Maintenance.
• Perform site visits for projects, including pre-construction meetings, during construction, and post-construction (some overnight travel required).
• Participate in substation design review meetings.
• Support Southern Company’s design criteria and standardization efforts.
• Manage multiple tasks, set priorities, and use effective time management to achieve project team goals.
• Serve as part of a storm restoration team when requested, primarily within the Southern Company service territory.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (for Engineer role).
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology, Associate Degree with minimum 3 years relevant industry experience, or no degree with minimum 5 years relevant industry experience (for Designer role).
• Strong understanding of substation equipment preferred.
• Southern Company design experience preferred.
• Ability to create Substation Physical Design drawings from a single line diagram preferred.
• Strong understanding of IEEE Standards, National Electric Safety Code, National Electric Code, and OSHA safe operating practices preferred.
• AutoCAD training, experience, or certification required.
• Experience using 3D modeling software (SDS Inventor, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk 3D, or P4A) preferred.
• Experience in Transmission &/or Distribution Substation Operations for an electric power utility company preferred.
• Experience in Substation Engineering, Field Services, Switchboard Wiring, Power Delivery, Substation Maintenance, or Substation Construction preferred.
• Experience with document management & estimating systems (TEAMS, STOMP, MAXIMO, SCST Vault) preferred.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products required.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (oral & written) with the ability to simplify technical issues.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well in a team and develop relationships at all levels.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Customer-focused with a willingness to meet needs and solicit feedback.
• Ability to mentor others and teach job-related skills.
• Good understanding of utility electric grid operations preferred.
• Knowledge of basic electrical power system theory preferred.

Behavioral Attributes

• Model Southern Company values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
• Focus on providing value to customers and take personal responsibility for projects and issues.
• Follow through on assignments to ensure quality and increased value for customers.
• Exhibit a positive, “can do” attitude and promote an inclusive work environment.
• Emphasize Operational Excellence (mistake-free designs) and practice Human Performance Concepts.

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. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation such as an incentive program. For a detailed summary of benefits, visit Southern Company Benefits.