Transmission Operations Planning Engineer (I-Sr)

Transmission Operations Planning Engineer

JOB SUMMARY:

Operations Planning Engineers (OPE) are a part of the Operations Planning Team in the Transmission Control Center (TCC) and work to ensure safe and reliable operation of the Integrated Transmission System by providing efficient analysis and coordination of clearance requests throughout Georgia. The OPE supports the Work Request process by evaluating transmission system clearances for system impact and conducting the associated transmission studies to ensure Bulk Electric System reliability. The OPE also supports Project Management, Transmission Maintenance & Support and Construction by developing operational workarounds for major projects while assisting in the coordination of multiple clearances. In addition, the OPE supports the System Operator daily by performing contingency modeling as needed during peak conditions or significant system events.

Operations Planners also work with a wide range of stakeholders to shape the design and integration of transmission facilities, solar and battery interconnections, large customer sites, and other major projects. Operations Planning function is critical to providing safe operating conditions for field personnel by ensuring sound scheduling and analytical practices for work requests are followed. This is accomplished by proactively implementing solutions to manage grid congestion, analyzing data sets, driving continuous process improvements, and creating automated solutions.

The successful candidate will have an opportunity to: 

• Grow your career by developing technical and functional acumen in Transmission Operations through engagement in interesting and challenging assignments.
• Expand / develop in-depth knowledge of the Transmission power system and power flow analysis.
• Work in a highly collaborative and cross-functional environment thereby developing strong relationships internally within the organization and enterprise/industry wide.
• Acquire strong technical acumen by overseeing complex studies, projects and develop strong leadership skills through informal decision-making opportunities, assisting with job shadows and mentoring newer team members.
• Showcase Ops Planning impact to the company’s overall mission by conducting demos/round table discussions for various stakeholders.
• Share your unique background with this diverse and inclusive team in the Transmission Control Center 

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS: (Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills)

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Engineering Technology is required (Electrical is preferred) OR minimum of 3 years of utility experience (relative examples below). 
• Electric Utility experience in one or more Transmission areas is preferred (Ex. Operations, Planning, Renewables Integration, Protection & Control Field Services, Project Management, Transmission Maintenance & Support, Operations Support (EMS/SCADA), Substation Integration & Automation, Fault Analysis/Power Quality, Facility Ratings, Smart Grid, etc.) 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of the operation, protection, and power flow of transmission networks 
• Strong data analysis and problem-solving skills 
• Experience with modeling/simulation software is preferred. Familiarity with GPC operating tools (STOMP, EMS, PSS/E, TransMap, etc.) is a plus.
• Skills in multi-tasking, organization, and verbal/written communications  

Behavioral Attributes:

• Takes personal responsibility for the quality of technical work. 
• Works independently and conscientiously with minimal supervision.
• Shows initiative, embraces teamwork, communicates effectively, and helps foster a team environment.
• Demonstrates Southern Company’s Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, Superior Performance

   Other Requirements:

• Ability to meet and maintain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Insider Threat Program (ITP) security clearance requirements. 
• Adhere to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) Standards of Conduct and Separation Protocol.
• Role is responsible for storm support which may include working shift during severe weather events.
• This role involves occasional travel (<10%), typically not requiring overnight stays

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Operational Assessments: Conduct system operation planning studies (load flow & contingency analyses) to evaluate near-term, one-month-out, and long-term clearances associated with maintenance and construction projects. Work closely with the Prearrange team in the Work Request review process.
• Extreme Events Support: Provide daily support to the System Operator by performing contingency modeling and analysis as needed and in support of restoration efforts during storms, Energy Emergency Alerts, and significant system events. Represent the team on operational drills/exercises such as System Restoration, NERC Grid Ex etc.
• Project Coordination: Facilitate completion of major maintenance and construction projects by working collaboratively with the generating plants, TMCs, ITS Participants, PCC, and other stakeholders.
• Technical Support: Provide Engineering Support through reviewing outages, providing storm support during high volume events, developing subject matter expertise on various tools and NERC standards, engaging ongoing and periodic projects that enhance operations. Serve as Subject Matter Expert for any assigned procedures/guidelines.
• Safety & Efficiency: Assist project leads with scheduling of multiple clearances on major projects. Attend pre-engineering and pre-construction meetings throughout the state of Georgia as requested to ensure that operational issues are addressed. 

• Future Planning: Shape operating processes and procedures to promote design and integration of transmission facilities, solar and battery interconnections, large customer sites, and other major projects.

   

   

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the Company's promise to 2.6 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy at rates below the national average, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the Company is recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeogiaPower.com and connect with the Company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy solutions provider with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers' and communities' needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com. 

Southern Company invests in the well-being of its employees and their families through a comprehensive total rewards strategy that includes competitive base salary, annual incentive awards for eligible employees and health, welfare and retirement benefits designed to support physical, financial, and emotional/social well-being. This position may also be eligible for additional compensation, such as an incentive program, with the amount of any bonus/awards subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable incentive plan(s). A summary of the benefits offered for this position can be found here https://seo.nlx.org/southernco/pdf/SOCO-Benefits.pdf. Additional and specific details about total compensation and benefits will also be provided during the hiring process.

Southern Company is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant's qualifications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis prohibited by law.