Southern Company

Performance Test Engineer

Southern Company$85K — $110K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required
  • Experience in power plant environments
  • Gas turbine performance testing experience preferred
  • Knowledge of ASME performance test codes
  • Strong analytical and computer skills, especially in thermodynamics

Responsibilities

  • Direct field tests of gas turbine and combined cycle performance
  • Troubleshoot heat rate/performance issues on plant equipment
  • Monitor power plant performance using remote interfaces
  • Simulate power plant performance with modeling software
  • Write technical reports and communicate findings effectively

Benefits

  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Diverse and inclusive work environment
  • Encouragement of teamwork and collaboration
  • Potential for career advancement within Southern Company
  • Supportive company culture valuing safety and performance
Full Job Description
Job Description

Performance Test Engineer

This position will be in Birmingham, AL.

Summary of Position Duties:

This position is an engineering position in Southern Company Generation / Generating Plant Performance group. This department is responsible for field performance testing and analysis of fossil fuel fired, gas turbine / combined cycle, and nuclear power plant facilities across the Southern Company fleet. This includes plant heat rate and capacity testing, remote monitoring of plant performance, acceptance testing of new plants, and troubleshooting of efficiency issues for the overall cycle as well as individual major components such as gas turbines, steam turbines, feedwater heaters, pumps, condensers, cooling towers and other systems that have a major effect on plant performance.

The position will have a variety of work assignments and a high degree of latitude in testing, evaluating, and recommending solutions for heat rate and efficiency issues on gas turbines, cooling towers, and other major equipment of the Southern Company system in Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi and North Carolina.

Responsibilities include:
  • Directing, conducting, and evaluating field tests of gas turbine and combined cycle performance (utilizing in-house test systems and instrumentation).
  • Troubleshooting of heat rate/performance related issues on gas turbine & combined cycle plant equipment and systems including analysis of test results (using in-house developed data acquisition systems and software).
  • Data trending and monitoring of power plant performance using remote plant computer interfaces.
  • Simulation of power plant performance using computer modeling software.
  • Technical report writing and effective verbal communications to personnel at various levels of the organization.

Education & Work Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering required
  • Experience in power plant environments
  • Strong preference given for gas turbine performance testing experience and working knowledge of ASME performance test codes. (particularly PTC 22, 46 and 19.1, 19.2, 19.3, 19.5, 19.6 & 19.22)

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Knowledge of power plant cycles in electric generating plants.
  • High degree of analytical skills (particularly thermodynamics) and computer skills are required (particularly Word, Excel and Power Point).
  • Experience with Excel macros, Visual Basic, computer modeling, and any other computer programming experience will be given strong preference.
  • Strong teamwork skills and ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people at different levels working toward a common objective.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Quick learner, self-starter, strong initiative, self-motivated.
  • Willingness and ability to travel frequently and work in industrial power plant environments. (25-50% travel)

Behavioral Attributes:

Demonstrate Southern Company Values - Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment.

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
Net Income
$3.1 billion
Founded
1912
5 Year Trend
+3%
Revenue
$20.3 billion

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