I&C (Instrumentation and Controls) Specialist/Engineer – Hydro Site Lead

TSS Technical Services - I&C Field Support

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

• This position will be based out of Birmingham, however candidates living outside of the area may be considered with the expectation that they could successfully telework and be physically present in-office and/or field location on a routine (see below) and as-needed basis.

• 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 50%) and the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment with access to internet service.

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

• Extensive travel in Alabama, and in some cases Georgia, to the various hydroelectric plants is required, including some overnight travel and some travel on short notice (afternoons or weekends)

POSITION SUMMARY

This position is responsible for supporting the plant engineering needs for Southern Company’s hydroelectric power plants, primarily within Alabama Power but occasionally supporting hydro plants in Georgia. This position interfaces with plant operators/hydro journeymen, superintendents, and managers to identify, troubleshoot, and solve hydro plant operations and maintenance issues.

This position provides on demand I&C support for the Hydro fleet. I&C engineers will be heavily involved in the Hydro Modernization program and have primary technical responsibility for the controls scope of work for Modernization projects. This position has cradle to grave responsibility for small and large projects, working with hydro plant personnel to identify problems, develop viable solutions, assess options, find relevant vendors, and provide technical direction for installation and commissioning. Project management duties for small projects can also be the responsibility of this position.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review operational data to identify trends.

• Identify missing data from drawings that are pertinent to design and document for future use.

• Inspect control systems for condition assessment.

• Perform factory acceptance tests and shop inspections.

• Write or modify existing specifications for control systems, hydroelectric turbines, oil systems, bearings, HPU, coolers, and instrumentation.

• Write or modify existing control logic and graphics (Human Machine Interfaces [HMI]) for large and small projects as well as support check-out and start-up of these systems.

• 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.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Electrical Engineering preferred. Other Engineering disciplines with power plant experience will be considered also.

• Associate degrees or extensive experience in applicable field will also be considered.

Experience:

• Experience working in an industrial setting is required. Previous power plant experience is highly desired.

• Experience working on project teams in various roles (design, technical support, project engineer, etc.).

• Over five (5) years of experience performing control system configuration and programming, system administration, specifications, installation, startup, commissioning, troubleshooting, training, and control system database development.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of control system design desired:

  • DCS Ovation

  • PLC (Allen Bradley or GE)

• Basic knowledge of networking design and troubleshooting skills. Knowledge of networking protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus Serial, DNP3, OPC, Allen Bradley (A-B) Ethernet, etc.) is required.

• Knowledge of industry cyber security best practices including physical and electronic access controls is desired.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Windows operating system management including installing system updates, patches, antivirus software, and firewall management (Server 2016, Server 2019) is desired.

• Knowledge of instrumentation design (Level, pressure, flow, vibration, speed measurement).

• Knowledge of medium voltage switchgear.

• Knowledge of DC power systems 125VDC to 24VDC.

• Basic knowledge of Generator and Excitation system operation is desired.

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

• Basic knowledge of machine design as it relates to turbine and generator assembly and disassembly is desired.

• Basic knowledge of hydroelectric turbines is desired.

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

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

• Project management skills are desired.

• Ability to build relationships across departments and organizations is required.

• Strong Excel skills are required.

• Strong written and oral communications skills are required.

• Ability to write and review detailed technical specifications is desired.

• Ability to make timely decisions.

BENEFITS:

• Competitive Pay

• Excellent benefits packages which includes:

  • Medical and dental coverage

  • Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan

  • Performance Pay Program

  • 401(k) plan with a generous company match

  • Bonus opportunities

  • Tuition Reimbursement

You must submit an updated copy of your resume to be considered for this position.

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.

Job Identification: 6899

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services