Job Description

WORK LOCATION

The preferred primary work location will be Atlanta or Columbus, GA based on proximity to the hydro sites this position will support.

Some relocation assistance may be available if the successful candidate does not already live within a reasonable commute distance.

This position is responsible for supporting the plant engineering needs for Southern Company’s hydroelectric power plants, primarily within Georgia Power but occasionally supporting hydro plants in Alabama Power.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Expected travel will be approximately 50-75%

Majority of travel will be localized within the Georgia Power Hydro Generating Fleet – Columbus, GA to North Atlanta (most plants are within a 3-hour radius)

Travel will be mostly day-trip and mileage will be covered by company (i.e. rental car, expense reimbursement, etc.)

JOB SUMMARY

This position interfaces with plant operators/hydro journeymen, superintendents, and managers to identify, troubleshoot, and solve hydro plant operations and maintenance issues. Hydro engineers will be heavily involved in the Hydro Modernization program and have primary technical responsibility for the turbine scope of work for Modernization projects.

PLEASE NOTE – We are open to considering all levels of experience, provided you meet the basic requirements outlined below.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering is required.

Mechanical Engineering degree preferred, but will also consider Electrical, Civil, or Nuclear Engineering degrees with applicable experience.

Experience:

At least 1 year of experience working in an industrial setting is required. Previous power plant experience is highly desired.

At least 1 year of experience working on project teams in various roles (design, technical support, project engineer, project manager, etc.) is required.

Experience supporting Technical Shared Services (TSS) managed projects is preferred. (TSS is Southern Company’s internal engineering, construction, and project management organization.)

Knowledge:

Basic knowledge of mechanical systems in hydroelectric power plants is desired: pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, rolling element and fluid film bearings.

Understanding of principles of machine vibration and alignment is desirable.

Knowledge of vertical shaft alignment is desirable.

Knowledge of machine design as it relates to turbine and generator assembly and disassembly is desirable.

Knowledge of hydroelectric turbines is desirable.

Knowledge of formal root cause analysis process is desirable.

Knowledge of laser tracker use and operation is desirable.

Skills:

Ability to read, review, and mark-up physical and schematic drawings is required.

Strong troubleshooting skills are required.

Ability to handle multiple projects of various priorities at once is required.

Project management skills are desirable.

Ability to build relationships across departments and organizations is required.

Strong Excel and VBA skills are desirable.

Strong written and oral communications skills are required.

Ability to write and review detailed technical specifications is desirable.

Ability to communicate with all levels of organization, from union-represented plant employees to executives is required.

Ability to work in a matrixed organization with limited direct supervision is desirable. Candidates with less experience will work under the direction of a Senior Engineer.

MAJOR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

This position has cradle to grave responsibility for small projects, working with hydro plant personnel to: identify problem, develop viable solutions, assess options and select solution, find relevant vendors, and provide technical direction for installation and commissioning. Project management duties for small projects can be the responsibility of this position. For candidates with less experience, these duties will be performed under the direction of a Senior Engineer.

For larger projects, this position will work on a multidisciplinary team serving as a Hydro Engineering Subject Matter Expert (SME). In this role, the position would be responsible for writing or reviewing specifications, providing drawings to contract partners, reviewing design drawings from internal or external groups, and providing technical support for assembly, disassembly, and commissioning. This position would also interface with, provide support for, and attend meetings scheduled by TSS for these larger projects.

Additional job duties expected of this job would be:

Review alignment data provided by vendors for adherence to industry standards.

Review operational data to identify trends.

Take field measurements when no relevant drawings are available.

Inspect hydroelectric turbines for condition assessment.

Perform factory acceptance tests.

Perform shop inspections of witness or hold points prior to equipment shipment.

Write or modify existing specifications for hydroelectric turbines, oil systems, bearings, shafts, and coolers.

Assist Hydro management with Capital and O&M budgeting process by providing budgetary estimates, project durations, and project cash flows.

Attend industry conferences and technical meetings.

Provide technical input in support of procurement organization contract negotiations.

Other Requirements:

Occasional international travel may be required for factory acceptance tests and shop inspections.

Must be comfortable working in an operating power plant, often during construction or outage related activities, occasionally in confined spaces.

BENEFITS

Competitive Pay

Excellent benefits packages which includes:

Medical and dental coverage

Defined Benefit Cash Balance Pension plan

Performance-sharing plan

401(k) plan with a generous company match

Bonus opportunities

Tuition Reimbursement

Please submit an updated resume along with your application

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial 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 infrastructure company 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 our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero 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 and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

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.