Southern Company

Staff Engineer/APM

Southern Company$90K — $120K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering; Electrical Engineering preferred.
  • 4+ years of engineering/operations experience in electric distribution/transmission systems.
  • Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; quick learner of new utility systems.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
  • Demonstrated leadership skills and customer/client focus.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license with a satisfactory driving history.

Responsibilities

  • Provide technical support for electric distribution system design and operation.
  • Perform evaluations, load studies, and system impact analyses related to service requests.
  • Consult with stakeholders about service design and operational feasibility.
  • Review and approve distribution designs and construction methods for compliance.
  • Support the development and tracking of capital and expense project plans.
  • Assist project management teams throughout the project lifecycle from design to closeout.
  • Ensure completion and compliance of major capital projects and infrastructure initiatives.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on diverse electric distribution and transmission projects.
  • Participation in emergency response efforts and solutions to complex technical issues.
  • Engagement in technical and safety briefings with industry leaders and peers.
  • Development of leadership skills through project management and coordination responsibilities.
  • Dynamic work environment combining office and field conditions.
Full Job Description
The Staff Engineer / Assistant Project Manager (APM) provides critical engineering, project co-ordination, and technical leadership support for the planning, design, and execution of electric distribution and transmission projects. This role supports both customer-driven service installa-tions (residential, commercial, and developer projects) and company-driven capital and ex-pense projects focused on system reinforcement, reliability, and modernization.
This position requires strong technical expertise in electric utility systems, the ability to coor-dinate cross-functional resources, and direct interaction with customers, contractors, consult-ing engineers, operations, and project management teams. The Staff Engineer / APM operates in both office and field environments and plays a key role in delivering projects safely, on budget, and on schedule.

Key Responsibilities
Engineering & Technical Support
• Provide technical engineering support for the design, operation, and expansion of the elec-tric distribution system, including customer-owned and utility-owned infrastructure.
• Perform engineering evaluations, load studies, system impact analyses, and economic as-sessments related to electric service requests and system operations.
• Provide technical consultation to internal stakeholders and external customers regarding service design, constructability, and operational feasibility.
• Review and approve distribution designs, material selections, and construction methods for compliance with utility standards and regulatory requirements.
Project Planning, Budgeting & Controls
• Support the development, execution, and tracking of Division Work Plans for capital and expense projects.
• Assist the Lead Supervisor and Project Management teams in managing the full project lifecycle, from scoping and design through bidding, construction, and closeout.
• Participate in the project bid cycle, including scope development, coordination with Pro-curement and T&D Project Management, contractor support, and award recommendations.
• Assist in the development of annual budgets, cost forecasts, and variance analyses for as-signed project portfolios.
• Track schedule and financial performance to ensure alignment with approved work plans and regulatory commitments.
Work Order, Design & Portfolio Oversight
• Review and approve Work Orders prepared by Planners and Designers for technical accura-cy, scope alignment, and budget compliance.
• Ensure completion of the Capital Work Plan portfolio, including:
o Major Capital Projects
o Public Works Projects
o System Conversions & Reinforcements
o Exit Feeder Projects
o Power Asset Management (PAM) Programs
o Other large infrastructure initiatives
• Provide technical guidance to internal teams and external partners for both PSEG-owned and customer-owned equipment.
Leadership, Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement
• Demonstrate the ability to lead, motivate, and technically guide team members while fos-tering collaboration across engineering, operations, construction, and external partners.
• Set technical direction for assigned projects and contribute to broader organizational engi-neering strategy.
• Participate in and represent the organization at safety meetings, technical briefings, and professional society events as directed by leadership.
• Provide expert testimony or regulatory support when required.
• Maintain a strong customer-focused mindset, ensuring high service levels while protecting system reliability and safety.
Field Support & Storm Response
• Perform field site visits to verify design conditions, support construction activities, and re-solve complex technical issues.
• Participate in storm restoration and emergency response efforts, including off-hour work, extended shifts, and field operations support as required.

Required Qualifications
• Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering or Mechanical Engineering (Electrical Engineer-ing strongly preferred).
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant engineering and/or operations experience supporting elec-tric distribution and/or transmission systems.
• Strong analytical, planning, and organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to rap-idly learn new utility systems.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills with the ability to inter-act with all organizational levels and external stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and results-oriented mindset.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, professionalism, and customer/client focus.
• Valid U.S. driver's license with a safe and satisfactory driving history.
• Willingness and ability to travel locally and regionally to attend meetings and field sites.
• Ability to respond to storm/emergency conditions, including nights, weekends, and ex-tended work schedules as required.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting regulated electric utilities in a planning, engineering, or project management capacity.
• Working knowledge of distribution automation, feeder analysis, substations, service design, and load forecasting.
• Experience with capital program management, public works coordination, and large-scale infrastructure programs.
• Familiarity with utility asset management, GIS platforms, and project management systems.

Core Competencies
• Electric Utility Engineering & Operations
• Capital Project Execution & Controls
• Budgeting, Forecasting & Cost Management
• Technical Leadership & Team Development
• Stakeholder & Customer Engagement
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance
• Field Engineering & Constructability
• Emergency & Storm Response Operations

Working Conditions
• Combination of office and active field environments.
• Exposure to energized electrical systems, construction zones, traffic, and adverse weather conditions.
• Extended hours may be required during storm restoration and emergency events.

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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