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 OPEalso 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 OPEsupports 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. 

The position requires in-depth knowledge of the power system and GPC databases and tools, as well as expertise in power flow analysis, transmission switching, protective relaying, and facility ratings. The successful candidate will gain extensive knowledge of Transmission System Operations and will build strong working relationships throughout Power Delivery, other cross-functional areas, and with external stakeholders. The successful candidate will have opportunities to train and develop in several areas of System Operations including Operations Planning, Solar and Battery Integration, Real-time Operations, Transmission Switching and Storm Restoration, Floor Support, and other areas. 

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

Education & Experience Requirements:

• Engineering (Electrical) degree or comparable power system experience preferred.
• Experience in one or more Transmission areas (Operations, Planning, Construction, Protection & Control, Project Management, Maintenance, EMS/Operations Support, Substation Integration & Automation, Fault Analysis/Power Quality, Facility Ratings) is preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Desired: Knowledge of power system analysis and modeling, T&D switching and clearance practices, NERC and FERC compliance requirements, construction and maintenance practices related to clearances, customer needs related to clearances and restoration, fault analysis, and/or facility ratings.
• Desired: Experience with GPC operating tools such as STOMP, EMS, TransMap, GPC storm and system alert practices, Georgia ITS processes and procedures, Redbook, and/or Section 0 
• Desired: Skilled in Project Management with ability to coordinate high volumes of complex projects with diverse internal and external stakeholders. 

  Behavioral Attributes:

• Takes personal responsibility for the quality of technical work. Strong attention to detail.
• Works independently and conscientiously with minimal supervision.
• Shows teamwork, communicates effectively, and helps foster a team environment. 
• Demonstrates Southern Company’s Our Values. Build trusting relationships through personal integrity.
• Demonstrates personal commitment to Safety Excellence
• Demonstrate leadership in fostering an inclusive environment.

    Other Requirements:

• Pass 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: 

• Conduct system operation planning studies using Power Network Analysis (PNA) and Power System Simulator for Engineering (PSSE) 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.
• Provide daily support to the System Operator by performing contingency modeling and analysis as needed and support restoration efforts during storms, Energy Emergency Alerts, and significant system events.
• Facilitate completion of major maintenance and construction projects by working collaboratively with the generating plants, TMCs, ITS Participants, PCC, and other stakeholders.
• 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.
• 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. 
• Shape operating processes and procedures to promote design and integration of transmission facilities, solar and battery interconnections, large customer sites and other major projects.