Southern Company

Senior Engineer - DER Communications

Southern Company • $95K — $115K *
Atlanta, GA 30349In-Person
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Today
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Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, Information Systems, or a related field from an ABET-accredited institution is preferred.
  • Professional Engineer License is a plus.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in electric utility engineering or related fields is required.
  • Frequent travel across Georgia for field site work is necessary.
  • Preferred experience with field installation and troubleshooting of distribution automation and communications equipment.

Responsibilities

  • Support implementation of standard utility DER field gateways per technical and safety guidelines.
  • Conduct end-to-end deployment activities including installation checks and troubleshooting.
  • Aid in integration of DERMS and other operational technology platforms with field equipment.
  • Keep detailed records of deployments, configurations, and maintenance to enhance reliability.
  • Coordinate efforts with contractors, vendors, and internal teams for seamless installations.
  • Apply knowledge in networking and cybersecurity to field operations and problem-solving.
  • Provide feedback for improvement on gateway designs and operational practices.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work schedule when not on-site for deployment or maintenance.
  • Relocation assistance for commuting candidates.
  • Travel opportunities throughout Georgia to various DER sites.
  • Work outdoors in varied weather conditions.
Full Job Description
Job Description

Georgia Power Company is seeking an Engineer to support the installation, commissioning, testing, maintenance, and lifecycle support of utility-owned Distributed Energy Resource (DER) field gateway solutions deployed at DER sites across Georgia. This field-focused role will help enable secure, scalable, and sustainable DER communications required for real-time DER monitoring and control through a Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS). The position will work closely with the DER Communications' Principal Gateway lead, DER operations teams, field organizations, cybersecurity, telecommunications, vendors, and contractors to ensure gateways are installed and maintained safely, reliably, and consistently.

The position will be responsible for hands-on field execution, including installation and configuration of gateway hardware and communications equipment, supporting point-to-point testing, validating communications with DER assets and DERMS platforms, troubleshooting field issues, documenting as-built configurations, and supporting ongoing maintenance activities. Duties include working with low voltage power wiring, instrumentation and control wiring, and low voltage data and communication wiring.

Responsibilities

Major Responsibilities
  • Support deployment of standardized utility-owned DER field gateway solutions in accordance with technical requirements, construction specifications, cybersecurity standards, and operating procedures developed by the Principal Gateway lead and supporting SMEs.
  • Perform end-to-end field deployment activities for DER gateways, including site readiness reviews, installation checks, device configuration, commissioning, communications validation, point-to-point testing, troubleshooting, and corrective maintenance.
  • Support DERMS and enterprise Operational Technology (OT) platform integration by assisting with point list mapping, data validation, communications testing, control logic verification, and operational checkout with DER site personnel up to and including witness testing.
  • Maintain accurate field deployment records, commissioning results, as-built documentation, configuration files, maintenance history, and lessons learned to support long-term gateway reliability and continuous improvement.
  • Support integration of DER field gateways with DERMS and other enterprise OT platforms used for monitoring and controlling DER assets.
  • Coordinate with contractors, vendors, field organizations, telecommunications, cybersecurity, DER operations, and customer program teams to support safe and reliable DER field gateway installations.
  • Apply working knowledge of networking, firewalls, VLANs, NATs, cellular or utility telecommunications, and secure architecture during field deployment and troubleshooting activities.
  • Provide field input to improve DER gateway designs, installation standards, construction specifications, maintenance practices, and operating procedures.


Qualifications

Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Technology, Telecommunications, Information Systems, or a related technical discipline from an ABET-accredited institution is preferred.
  • Professional Engineer License is a plus.


Experience, Skills and Abilities
  • Minimum of 5 years of electric utility engineering, field engineering, operations, telecommunications, automation, or related technical experience is required.
  • Ability to travel frequently across Georgia to DER sites and work safely in field environments is required.
  • Field experience installing, commissioning, maintaining, or troubleshooting distribution automation, control, communications, metering, SCADA, protection, or related field equipment is highly preferred.
  • Experience working in Distribution Automation, I&C Engineering, SIA, or P&C Field Services is highly preferred.
  • Understanding of monitoring and control systems, SCADA architectures, electric utility OT environments, and secure communications networks is highly preferred.
  • Experience supporting field communications equipment for electric utility OT control systems or industrial environments is highly preferred.
  • Hands-on experience with installation, commissioning, maintenance, configuration, or operations of control, automation, networking, or communications equipment is highly preferred.
  • Strong working knowledge communication protocols such as DNP3, Modbus, IEEE 2030.5, OpenADR, OPC, and EIC 61850 are highly preferred.
  • Experience with communication protocol conversion, point mapping, telecommunications system architecture, and field diagnostics is preferred.
  • Experience with RTACs, PLCs, power plant controllers (PPCs), cellular routers, radios, network switches, gateways, inverter-based resources (IBR), renewable generation control systems, or similar intelligent field devices is preferred.
  • Working knowledge of networking, cybersecurity, firewalls, VLANs, NATs, IP addressing, and use of diagnostic tools is preferred.
  • Experience working in Transmission &/or Distribution Engineering, P&C Applications, telecommunications or system operations is a plus.
  • Experience with distributed generation (DG) interconnection, DG witness testing, renewables, DER operations, or customer-owned equipment integration is a plus.
  • Experience producing field documentation, test records, as-built drawings, configuration artifacts, maintenance records, and commissioning reports is a plus.


Behavioral Attributes
  • Demonstrates Safety First mindset in all field, engineering, and operational decisions.
  • Acts with integrity, professionalism, accountability, and strong adherence to Human Performance principles.
  • Self-directed, dependable, and comfortable working independently while traveling to DER sites and coordinating with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong communicator who can document field work clearly and build effective relationships across engineering (Renewables, Field and Protection and Controls), operations, contractors, vendors, and customer-facing teams.
  • Growth-oriented mindset with commitment to continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and learning from the Principal Engineer and other DER communications SMEs.


Work Location, Schedule & Travel
  • Based in Atlanta, GA with a hybrid work schedule when not supporting field deployment, commissioning, maintenance, or troubleshooting activities.
  • Relocation assistance is available to those not currently within a reasonable commute distance.
  • Travel up to 50%, including day trips and occasional overnight travel to DER sites across Georgia.


Other Requirements
  • Candidate must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
  • Position requires walking through rough and uneven terrain.
  • Candidate must be able to lift or move 50 lbs. of equipment and materials.
  • Prior experience using hand tools and test equipment to repair mechanical and/or electrical equipment is required.
  • Must be available to travel overnight and provide statewide support while working alone and driving to remote locations.


About the Team

Georgia Power

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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