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

Openings located in Birmingham, AL for multiple Physical Designer/Engineer positions within the Substation Physical Design group. Positions may be filled at an exempt level 3-6, based on candidate experience and education.

Work Location, Schedule, & Travel

• Based in Birmingham, AL; remote candidates may be considered with expectation of routine in-office or field presence.
• Hybrid work schedule: four days in-office/in-the-field and one day telecommute (subject to adjustment).
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates outside a reasonable commute distance.
• Up to 25% travel (day and overnight) required.
• Ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment with internet access.

Job Summary

Responsible for the design of Southern Company’s Transmission and Distribution Substations. Produces 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 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 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.
• Experience providing Quality Assurance reviews for design packages is a plus.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office products 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 simultaneously, set priorities, and use effective time management to achieve project goals.
• Serve as part of a storm restoration team when requested, primarily within the Southern Company service territory.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (oral & written) with ability to simplify technical issues.
• Self-starter with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well in a team environment and build relationships at all levels.
• Effective time management and organizational skills to manage multiple projects with competing deadlines.
• Customer-focused with 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.
• Conduct all activities with a focus on providing value to customers.
• Take personal responsibility for projects and customer issues.
• Follow through on assignments to ensure quality and increased value for customers.
• 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 summary 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 is committed to providing clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy with a focus on innovation, resilience, and sustainability. Southern Company is transforming energy into economic, environmental, and social progress while advancing its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The company’s culture reflects its values and dedication to service, earning numerous awards and recognitions.