Southern Company

Generation OT Network Engineer (BHM or ATL)

Southern Company • $88K — $105K *
Atlanta, GA 30349In-Person
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Networking, or a related field preferred; associates degree or certifications may be considered.
  • 3-5 years of network engineering or administration experience, ideally in OT and industrial control settings.
  • Hands-on experience with Cisco platforms and firewalls is a must.
  • Familiarity with OSPF, BGP, TCP/IP, and packet analysis tools like Wireshark required.
  • Preferred experience with network automation and scripting for configuration or reporting.
  • Relevant Cisco, Palo Alto, networking, or cybersecurity certifications are a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Design OT network architectures for a variety of operational technology systems.
  • Engineer secure routing, switching, firewalls, and redundancy measures for network infrastructure.
  • Configure and test network devices at generation sites including routers and switches.
  • Support factory and site acceptance tests, as well as equipment cutovers and replacement.
  • Troubleshoot network outages using comprehensive protocol and traffic analysis.
  • Coordinate changes through rigorous planning, validation, and documentation processes.
  • Maintain project and network records, including diagrams, reports, and lifecycle plans.

Benefits

  • Potential for relocation assistance for those not currently residing close to Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA.
  • Work-life balance with a requirement of onsite work at least four days a week.
  • Opportunities for professional growth in a critical infrastructure environment with a focus on renewable energy.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Generation OT Network Engineer designs, implements, commissions, and supports secure, reliable operational technology network infrastructure across Southern Company Generation facilities. The role supports new generation, renewable, battery storage, repower, and lifecycle projects while sustaining connectivity for existing plant operations.

General Job Responsibilities:
  • Design standardized OT network architectures for control systems, SCADA, DCS, historians, relays, remote operations, and vendor systems.
  • Engineer routing, switching, segmentation, firewalls, redundancy, secure remote access, and controlled data flows.
  • Configure, install, test, and commission switches, routers, firewalls, and related equipment at generation sites.
  • Support factory and site acceptance testing, cutovers, outages, equipment replacements, and project turnover.
  • Troubleshoot outages and degraded communications using end-to-end packet, traffic, routing, switching, firewall, and protocol analysis.
  • Execute changes through required planning, risk review, validation, rollback, documentation, and closure processes.
  • Apply Generation cybersecurity requirements and applicable NERC CIP controls to OT network work.
  • Maintain diagrams, IP records, firewall documentation, configurations, backups, inventories, reports, and lifecycle plans.
  • Partner with plant personnel, project teams, cybersecurity, Technology Organization groups, engineering firms, OEMs, and vendors.
  • Provide escalation support and participate in an after-hours or on-call rotation as assigned.

Job Requirements:
  • Working knowledge of Ethernet, TCP/IP, subnetting, DNS, DHCP, VLANs, LAN/WAN design, routing, switching, VPNs, redundancy, and network security.
  • Hands-on experience configuring and troubleshooting Cisco routing and switching platforms and enterprise or industrial firewalls.
  • Experience with OSPF, BGP, and packet-analysis tools such as Wireshark.
  • Ability to troubleshoot complete communication paths across network devices, servers, control systems, and secure data-transfer boundaries.
  • Ability to read and develop network diagrams, rack layouts, and technical implementation documentation.
  • Strong planning, analytical, documentation, communication, and customer-service skills.
  • Ability to manage concurrent field, operational, and project priorities.

Competencies:
  • Network architecture design and implementation.
  • End-to-end network troubleshooting and protocol analysis.
  • Change planning, risk review, validation, rollback, documentation, and closure.
  • Technical documentation and configuration management.
  • Cross-functional collaboration with plant personnel, project teams, cybersecurity groups, engineering firms, OEMs, and vendors.
  • Customer service, communication, analytical thinking, and management of concurrent priorities.

Education & Experience:
  • A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, Networking, or a related technical field is preferred. An associate degree, relevant certifications, and directly applicable experience may be considered.
  • Typically 3-5 years of progressively responsible network engineering or administration experience with switches, routers, and firewalls.
  • Experience in OT, industrial control, SCADA, utility, power-generation, or critical-infrastructure environments is preferred.
  • Experience with Palo Alto firewalls; DNP3, Modbus, OPC, ICCP, historian connectivity, data diodes, relays, or RTAC communications is preferred.
  • Network automation or scripting experience for configuration, backup, validation, or reporting is preferred.
  • Relevant Cisco, Palo Alto, networking, or cybersecurity certifications are preferred.

Additional Requirements:
  • The successful candidate will reside in either Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA. Some relocation assistance may be available if you do not already live within a reasonable commute distance
  • The successful candidate must be able to travel up to 25%, including overnight travel, and will be expected to work onsite a minimum of four days per week at their assigned work location.
  • The successful candidate must provide escalation support and participate in an after-hours and on-call support rotation as needed.


About the Team

Southern Company Services

About Southern Company

With 4.4 million customers and more than 42,000 megawatts of generating capacity, Atlanta-based Southern Company is the premier energy company serving the Southeast. A leading U.S. producer of electricity, Southern Company owns electric utilities in four states and a growing competitive generation company, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and retail electric prices that are significantly below the national average. Southern Company has been listed the top ranking U.S. electric service provider in customer satisfaction for nine consecutive years by the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

Southern Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Southern Company, a leader in energy innovation and a champion of sustainable practices. As one of the most respected companies in the energy sector, Southern Company offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise not only professional growth but also a commitment to diversity and leadership development.

Work You’ll Do

At Southern Company, we are not just about power generation; we are about empowering our team to innovate and lead the industry. By joining our team, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the field, using your skills to solve complex problems and drive meaningful change.

Explore a World of Opportunities

Whether you are looking for a full-time position, an internship, or a leadership role, Southern Company has a place for you. Our wide range of employment options ensures that every team member can find a path that best suits their career ambitions and skills.

Innovate and Lead

Southern Company is at the forefront of technological innovation in the energy sector. Our team members are encouraged to lead projects and initiatives that push the boundaries of what is possible in energy production and management.

Grow and Develop

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees through targeted diversity training, leadership workshops, and continuous professional development. Career growth at Southern Company is not just a possibility—it is an expectation.

Be Part of Our Culture

Southern Company’s culture is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and inclusion. We celebrate diversity and believe that it drives innovation. Our team is our family, and we support each other in achieving personal and professional goals.

Benefits That Go Beyond

Choosing a career at Southern Company means enjoying a range of benefits designed to enrich your life and support your lifestyle. From health and wellness programs to retirement plans, we ensure our team members are taken care of.

Join Our Team

Ready to power up your career? Explore the job opportunities at Southern Company today. We are actively hiring and looking for passionate, curious, and solution-driven individuals. Enhance your skills, join a community of innovators, and work towards a sustainable future.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Southern Company by following our careers blog. Gain insider perspectives, industry-leading insights, and practical tips to advance your career.

Networking and Career Advancement

At Southern Company, networking and internal mobility are key components of career advancement. Connect with leaders, engage in cross-departmental projects, and take your professional journey to new heights.

Prepare for Your Interview

Make your mark from the first interview. Visit our career site for tips on crafting your resume, preparing for interviews, and making a lasting impression.

Join Southern Company—where careers glow brighter!

SEARCH SOUTHERN COMPANY JOBS Stay ahead of the curve in your career with Southern Company, where innovation meets tradition and every employee is empowered to excel.
Learn more about Southern Company
Size
27,000 employees
Market Cap
$77.6 billion
Industry
Energy & Utilities
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion
* Ladders Estimates

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