Southern Company

Mechanical Engineer/Specialist - Volume Procurement

Southern Company • $80K — $110K *
Birmingham, AL 35242In-Person
Manufacturing & Automotive
Less than 5 years of experience
Today
Be an Early Applicant
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of experience in mechanical systems or procurement roles.
  • 3+ years in mechanical engineering, procurement engineering, or project execution handling.
  • Strong communication skills necessary for managing supplier interactions and stakeholder updates.
  • Knowledge of mechanical equipment used in industrial applications, such as turbines and piping systems.

Responsibilities

  • Develop purchase orders for mechanical equipment and engineering services.
  • Work with design teams to create comprehensive bid packages with detailed specifications.
  • Evaluate suppliers, facilitate bid reviews, and make technical recommendations.
  • Administer and clarify supplier contracts, resolving issues as needed.
  • Track manufacturing progress and manage payment milestones based on supplier performance.
  • Conduct regular progress meetings with vendors to address issues and align on timelines.
  • Review compliance of shop drawings and technical submittals with project specifications.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on multiple new generation projects simultaneously.
  • Exposure to programmatic work environments that enhance efficiency and best practices.
  • Collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders across various engineering disciplines.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Job Title: Mechanical Engineer / Mechanical Specialist - Volume Procurement

Position Summary

The Mechanical Engineer / Specialist provides technical and execution support to the Volume Procurement group, enabling the efficient sourcing and delivery of mechanical equipment and engineering services for multiple new generation projects. This role operates in a programmatic environment, supporting multiple projects simultaneously by coordinating across engineering design teams, suppliers, procurement, quality, and project controls. The successful candidate ensures technical integrity, procurement efficiency, and alignment with project schedule, cost, and quality objectives from bid through delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Contract Execution
  • Develop and issue purchase orders for mechanical equipment and associated engineering services
  • Partner with design teams to assemble comprehensive bid packages, including technical specifications, scope of work, and evaluation criteria
  • Support supplier evaluation, bid reviews, and technical recommendations for awards
  • Administer supplier contracts, including scope clarification, issue resolution, and change management

Manufacturing & Supplier Coordination
  • Track manufacturing progress and validate milestones to support progress payments based on supplier performance
  • Conduct weekly or biweekly progress meetings with vendors to review manufacturing status, identify risks, and drive issue resolution
  • Gather detailed manufacturing schedules and key production milestones and communicate them to project scheduling teams for integration into project plans
  • Develop and deliver monthly long lead time projections and status updates to stakeholders
  • Coordinate with suppliers to ensure adherence to technical, schedule, and quality requirements

Technical Oversight & Quality Assurance
  • Review shop drawings and technical submittals for compliance with project specifications
  • Ensure Design Engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for mechanical systems and components
  • Coordinate and communicate witness points and hold points to the Quality team for inspection planning
  • Support issue resolution related to design, manufacturing, and supplier performance

Project Coordination & Delivery
  • Track and manage delivery of mechanical components to job sites, ensuring alignment with construction schedules
  • Collaborate with project leads and project controls teams on schedule, cash flow, and quality performance
  • Provide regular updates and clear communication on procurement status, risks, and mitigation strategies across multiple projects

Programmatic Support
  • Support a portfolio of projects simultaneously, applying standardized processes and best practices across all procurement activities
  • Drive consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the Volume Procurement function
  • Serve as a key interface between engineering, procurement, supply chain, quality, and project execution teams

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred
  • Other degrees may be considered with relevant experience
  • 5+ years relevant experience with technical training and hands-on experience in mechanical systems, equipment, or procurement-related functions will be considered in lieu of a degree

Experience
  • 3+ years of experience in mechanical engineering, procurement engineering, or project execution preferred
  • Previous experience in procurement processes, supplier management, and contract administration highly desired
  • Demonstrated strong communication skills, including the ability to lead supplier calls, present updates, and coordinate across diverse stakeholders preferred

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
  • Knowledge of mechanical equipment used in power generation, industrial, or infrastructure projects (e.g., turbines, pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, rotating equipment)
  • Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, shop drawings, and technical specifications
  • Experience supporting power generation or utility-scale projects
  • Knowledge of project scheduling and cost tracking concepts
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Strong verbal and written communication

Behavioral Attributes
  • Demonstrate Southern Company Values - Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Superior Performance, and Act with Integrity
  • Customer focused
  • Works effectively in a collaborative team setting


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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