Transmission Line Design Engineer (BHM) [Multiple Positions]

About the role

This posting serves to fill multiple Engineer positions within the Transmission Line Design Engineering West group in Birmingham (Line Design Production Engineer OR Line Design Contract Support Engineer). We are open to considering all levels of experience, provided you meet the basic qualifications outlined below.

Work Location, Schedule, & Travel

Position will be based out of Birmingham, Alabama. Hybrid work schedule (both in-office and telecommute); currently four (4) days in-office/in-the-field and one (1) day telecommute (subject to future adjustment). Relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance. This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment, at times, with reliable internet service.

Job Summaries

• Line Design Production Engineer

  The successful candidate will be responsible for applying Southern Company’s engineering processes, design criteria, and software applications in the design and construction support of high-voltage transmission lines (HVTL).

• Line Design Contract Support Engineer

  The successful Line Design Contract Support Engineer candidate should demonstrate proficiency in all duties listed in the Line Design Production Engineer position. In addition, this position will provide guidance, oversight, and quality assurance reviews for Southern Company-approved contractors as they develop design solutions, cost estimates, and prepare construction packages for outsourced line design jobs.

Job Responsibilities

• Line Design Production Engineer

  Create a safe work environment through total personal commitment to putting Safety First. Provide engineering support to construction and maintenance teams during day-to-day operations as well as emergency restoration of failed equipment. Become knowledgeable of the process used at Southern Company in the planning, design, operation, construction, and maintenance of HVTL. Become knowledgeable of the functions and activities of the various internal departments that are involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of HVTL. Become proficient in the use of all software applications used in the design of HVTL. Support the development of design standards and criteria for use on the Southern Company transmission system. Serve as a damage assessment team member after major storms - this will require overnight travel within the Southern Company system. Effectively communicate with stakeholders, both in writing and orally, while developing design solutions.

• Line Design Contract Support Engineer

  Provide guidance, oversight, and technical assistance/expertise on design/standards/tools to external engineering firms. Provide Quality Assurance reviews of PLS-CADD models and job construction packages. Provide evaluations/feedback on engineering firms’ performance. Provide project status updates to our internal customers and construction team.

Job Qualifications

• Education

  BS degree or higher in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical preferred). A Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.

• Experience

  Previous transmission line design, transmission line routing, transmission line survey or transmission line maintenance experience is a plus. Previous experience with, or an understanding of structural, civil or mechanical engineering, structural analysis, applied loads and load factors, soils and foundations, mechanics of materials and material properties, electrical engineering, electrical properties such as voltage, current, and amperage is a plus. Previous distribution design experience is a plus. Previous engineering, survey, maintenance, construction or project management experience in the utility industry is a plus. Linear project design experience is a plus.

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  Knowledge of overall transmission line design, construction, and maintenance practices, with specific expertise in line design and construction materials is a plus. Technical aptitude to solve civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering problems related to HVTL design and construction is preferred. Technical ability to read, interpret, and apply design criteria and government regulations to HVTL design and construction is required. Knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code is a plus. Computer skills to be proficient with standard office software applications and to adapt quickly to HVTL application software is required. Previous experience with PLS-CADD or PLS-POLE is a plus. Previous experience with mechanical or structural analysis software is a plus. Interpersonal skills sufficient to build working relationships with peers, internal customers, and the public is required. Time management skills sufficient to manage multiple projects with various priorities, competing deadlines, and changing project demands is required. Ability to adapt to changing project demands and timelines is required. Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to satisfactorily complete project documentation, communicate with stakeholders, and function effectively in a team environment is required. Ability to work long hours during periods of power restoration after major storms is a plus.

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. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. 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 with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes 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, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here.