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

Openings located in Birmingham, AL. This posting is to fill multiple Physical Designer/Engineer positions within our Substation Physical Design group. The Designer/Engineer can be filled as an exempt level 3-6, based on background experience and education of the successful candidate.

Work Location, Schedule, & Travel

• Based out of Birmingham, AL; candidates living outside the area may be considered with the expectation of successful telework and routine in-office or field presence at The Energy Center.
• Hybrid work schedule: 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.
• Requires up to 25% travel (day and overnight) and ability to work remotely with internet access.

Job Summary

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.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Civil Engineering (Engineer).
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering Technology (Designer).
• Associate Degree with minimum 3 years relevant industry experience (Designer).
• No Degree with minimum 5 years relevant industry experience (Designer).

Experience

• Strong understanding of substation equipment is preferred.
• Southern Company design experience preferred.
• Ability to create Substation Physical Design drawings from a single line diagram is preferred.
• Strong understanding of IEEE Standards, National Electric Safety Code, National Electric Code, and OSHA safe operating practices is preferred.
• AutoCAD training, experience, or certification is required.
• Experience using 3D modeling software (SDS Inventor, Autodesk Inventor, Autodesk 3D or P4A) is preferred.
• Experience in Transmission &/or Distribution Substation Operations for an electric power utility company is preferred.
• Experience in Substation Engineering, Field Services, Switchboard Wiring, Power Delivery, Substation Maintenance, or Substation Construction is preferred.
• Experience with document management & estimating systems such as TEAMS, STOMP, MAXIMO, SCST Vault is preferred.
• Experience providing Quality Assurance reviews for design packages is a plus.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products is required.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality design packages needed to construct (new or modify existing) substations using CAD-based tools based on Southern Company design standards.
• Design the physical aspects of substations, including Foundation Layouts, Grounding Layouts, Conduit Layouts, Control House Layouts, Section Drawings, Electrical Bus Design, etc.
• Specify, order, and provide approval drawings for non-stock materials, as well as inventory stock materials and shop fabricated materials for substation design packages.
• Transmit drawing packages and supporting specifications into SCST Vault using the Physical Substation Transmittal Packages Manual.
• Make SAFETY the number one priority using a “Safety First” mentality and leading by example.
• Coordinate and communicate with other design disciplines associated with the Substation Physical Design project.
• Provide Quality Assurance reviews as required, technical training, and developmental feedback to internal designers/engineers.
• Interact with manufacturers, vendors, and Southern Company committee members to resolve equipment and material issues.
• Provide support to 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 will be required.
• Participate in substation design review meetings.
• Support Southern Company’s design criteria and standardization effort.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, setting priorities, and using effective time management and organizational skills to achieve project team goals.
• Serve as part of a storm restoration team when requested after storm events, predominately within the Southern Company service territory.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to communicate technical issues simply.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
• Works well in a team environment and has the ability to develop and build relationships at all levels.
• 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.
• Ability to mentor others and teach job-related skills.
• Good understanding of utility electric grid operations is preferred.
• Knowledge of basic electrical power system theory is preferred.

Behavioral Attributes

• Model Southern Company values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance.
• 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.
• Exhibit and promote a positive, "can do" attitude.
• Commitment to building and maintaining an inclusive work environment.
• Strong emphasis on Operational Excellence (mistake-free designs).
• Understand 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. For a detailed list of benefits, visit Southern Company Benefits.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond. The 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, a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services. Southern Company is committed to innovation, resilience, and sustainability, aiming for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Learn more at www.southerncompany.com.