Job DescriptionThis posting serves to fill multiple Engineer positions within the Transmission Line Design Engineering West group in Birmingham (Line Design Production Engineer OR Line Design Contract Support Engineer). We are open to considering all levels of experience, provided you meet the basic qualifications outlined below.
WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL• This position will be based out of Birmingham, Alabama.
• Hybrid work schedule (both in-office and telecommute); currently four (4) days in-office/in-the-field and one (1) day telecommute (subject to future adjustment)
• Relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance.
• This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment, at times, with reliable internet service.
JOB SUMMARIES FOR EACH POSITION ARE AS FOLLOWS: Line Design Production Engineer
The successful candidate will be responsible for applying Southern Company's engineering processes, design criteria, and software applications in the design and construction support of high-voltage transmission lines (HVTL). This design process encompasses structure location, material selection, wire tension determination, structure framing selection, structural analysis, foundation coordination, environmental impact mitigation, calculation of required NESC electrical clearances, and optimization of constructability and maintenance based on stakeholder feedback. Extensive on-the-job training will be provided to teach the successful candidate the necessary skills. The successful candidate will also be expected to attend and travel to formal training provided by the company. The successful candidate will follow prescribed procedures to develop design options, prepare construction specifications and drawings, and support project estimate preparation. These design packages support the construction of new transmission lines and upgrades to existing lines, strengthening the Southern Company grid. Enhancements may include serving new customers, such as data centers, manufacturers, and battery plants, and interconnecting renewable generation, including solar. This position may be filled at a grade level commensurate with the successful candidate's experience.
Line Design Contract Support Engineer
The successful Line Design Contract Support Engineer candidate should demonstrate proficiency in all duties listed in the Line Design Production Engineer position. In addition, this position will provide guidance, oversight, and quality assurance reviews for Southern Company-approved contractors as they develop design solutions, cost estimates, and prepare construction packages for outsourced line design jobs. The successful candidate will serve as a liaison among internal customers, construction, and contractors to facilitate effective communication and ensure projects are completed on schedule. They will act as a project leader and coordinate with other area leads to develop best practices and ensure project documents are consistent between the Production and Contracts teams. This position may be filled at a grade level commensurate with the successful candidate's experience.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES FOR BOTH POSITIONS:• Create a safe work environment through total personal commitment to putting Safety First.
• Provide engineering support to construction and maintenance teams during day-to-day operations as well as emergency restoration of failed equipment.
• Become knowledgeable of the process used at Southern Company in the planning, design, operation, construction, and maintenance of HVTL.
• Become knowledgeable of the functions and activities of the various internal departments that are involved in the design, construction, and maintenance of HVTL.
• Become proficient in the use of all software applications used in the design of HVTL.
• Support the development of design standards and criteria for use on the Southern Company transmission system.
• Serve as a damage assessment team member after major storms - this will require overnight travel within the Southern Company system.
• Effectively communicate with stakeholders, both in writing and orally, while developing design solutions.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES FOR EACH POSITION ARE AS FOLLOWS:Line Design Production Engineer
• Become knowledgeable in the use of PLS-CADD software to model new and existing high voltage transmission lines (HVTL) in a 3D environment.
• Provide transmission line design solutions utilizing principles of statics, structural analysis, and mechanics of materials.
• Learn and apply an understanding of the National Electric Safety Code, land surveying, easements, current, voltage, conductor ampacity, electrical clearances, thermal properties of electrical conductors, and other aspects of transmission line engineering.
• Create construction specifications, documentation, and drawings to aid line crews in the construction and maintenance of HVTL.
• Update cost estimates and support material ordering for transmission line projects.
Line Design Contract Support Engineer
• Provide guidance, oversight, and technical assistance/expertise on design/standards/tools to external engineering firms.
• Provide Quality Assurance reviews of PLS-CADD models and job construction packages.
• Provide evaluations/feedback on engineering firms' performance.
• Provide project status updates to our internal customers and construction team.
JOB QUALIFICATIONSEducation
• BS degree or higher in Engineering from an ABET accredited institution is required (Civil, Electrical, or Mechanical preferred).
• A Professional Engineer (PE) license is a plus.
We are seeking a driven, self-starter who is interested in the technical and challenging work of designing high voltage transmission lines. Experience and knowledge in the following categories are desirable; however, extensive and formal training will be provided to fill any gaps.
Experience:
• Previous transmission line design, transmission line routing, transmission line survey or transmission line maintenance experience is a plus.
• Previous experience with, or an understanding of structural, civil or mechanical engineering, structural analysis, applied loads and load factors, soils and foundations, mechanics of materials and material properties, electrical engineering, electrical properties such as voltage, current, and amperage is a plus.
• Previous distribution design experience is a plus.
• Previous engineering, survey, maintenance, construction or project management experience in the utility industry is a plus.
• Linear project design experience is a plus.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:• Knowledge of overall transmission line design, construction, and maintenance practices, with specific expertise in line design and construction materials is a plus.
• Technical aptitude to solve civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering problems related to HVTL design and construction is preferred.
• Technical ability to read, interpret, and apply design criteria and government regulations to HVTL design and construction is required. Knowledge of the National Electric Safety Code is a plus.
• Computer skills to be proficient with standard office software applications and to adapt quickly to HVTL application software is required. Previous experience with PLS-CADD or PLS-POLE is a plus. Previous experience with mechanical or structural analysis software is a plus.
• Interpersonal skills sufficient to build working relationships with peers, internal customers, and the public is required.
• Time management skills sufficient to manage multiple projects with various priorities, competing deadlines, and changing project demands is required.
• Ability to adapt to changing project demands and timelines is required.
• Written and verbal communication skills sufficient to satisfactorily complete project documentation, communicate with stakeholders, and function effectively in a team environment is required.
• Ability to work long hours during periods of power restoration after major storms is a plus.
Behavioral Attributes:- Must consistently demonstrate the behavior of Our Values - Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance
- Safety First: Prioritize the safety and well-being of employees, customers, and communities.
- Intentional Inclusion: Foster a culture of belonging and value diversity within the team.
- Act with Integrity: Conduct business with honesty, respect, and fairness.
- Superior Performance: Focus on continuous improvement and exceptional service delivery.
- People Priority: Commit to developing yourself and those around you.
- Growth Mindset: Take Lessons Learned opportunities to grow skills, learn from prior efforts, and foster collaboration.
- Proactivity: Take personal ownership and responsibility for work.
For a list of our comprehensive benefits, please review this link.
About the TeamSouthern Company Services
