Distribution Automation Test Engineer, Engineer or Technician

Description

P&C FS Distribution Automation Test Engineer/Technician

Reports to: Allen Heape, Engineering Supervisor, Distribution Automation

Location: Any Metro Distribution Area - Candidate must live in or be willing to relocate to a commutable distance from Atlanta area (0-75 minute drive or 0-60 miles).

Job Level : Non-Exempt Level 9-10 depending on experience and qualifications.

JOB SUMMARY

This position is the technical lead for all electronic devices placed outside of the substation fence. This position provides support of Georgia Power Company’s field automation system and devices to maintain and improve the distribution system reliability and customer satisfaction. Distribution Automation devices are the foundation of Georgia Power’s Smart Grid system and are included in several Fault Detection and Isolation schemes. These schemes operate without human intervention to isolate trouble and automatically restore power to customers. Failure of these systems to operate properly directly effects public safety and our customer satisfaction. Distribution Automation is also responsible for Georgia Power’s Distribution Efficiency Program (DEP) and supports the integration of Distributed Generation on the GPC distribution system through the commissioning of point of interconnection devices and transfer trip schemes.

This position’s primary responsibility is Distribution Automation in the applicable distribution area. Occasionally this position will provide statewide support on special projects. Some overnight travel is required.

The successful candidate must ascribe to and be a champion of our Core Safety Beliefs. Safety and quality are paramount in this position. Therefore, the successful candidate will be expected to incorporate appropriate safety measures into all aspects of the job. In addition, they must plan and complete projects efficiently, on schedule, and without service interruptions.

The responsibilities of this position include commissioning, testing, repairing and maintaining distribution power line equipment, protective relays, controls, automatic cubicles, and communication equipment. The Distribution Automation Engineer will perform all work needed to program and commission any electronic SCADA device installed on the distribution system. Duties include working with and around low voltage. Engineers in this position must be able to analyze data from multiple sources to make sure the systems are operating properly. This position also serves as the lead investigator when Distribution protective equipment fails to operate properly.

Although this position is technically advanced, it will be essential for the successful candidate to build and maintain effective working relationships with reliability engineers, region engineers, supervisors, and managers. The Distribution Automation Engineer must be visible and responsive to the region and provide clear, professional advice and counsel on specific issues. They must be an exceptional communicator that can quickly build rapport with region personnel and DCC operators. The position is also responsible for developing and presenting training material concerning electronic devices to Distribution engineers and Distribution Operators.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Education Requirements

• BS/BA in Engineering or related (Math, Science, Engineering Technology) 4 year degree or Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years operations experience required in one or more of the following areas: Distribution, Transmission, P&C Field Services, P&C Applications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Candidate must make safety their top priority.

• Candidate must model all other Southern Company values - Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance and Total Commitment

• Ability to analyze data from multiple sources to independently create an individual work plan to minimize our risk to the public and maximize our reliability.

• Understanding of SCADA protocols and wireless communication design and application

• A detailed knowledge of Distribution protective devices and protection philosophies.

• Must be a self-starter and able to define priorities from multiple work assignments without daily supervision.

• Knowledge of electrical operations, distribution systems, underground and overhead construction practices is preferred.

• Knowledge of Microsoft office products and other related engineering software systems preferred.

• Knowledge of various manufacture’s relay software is preferred.

• Proven experience in writing and executing switching orders.

• Ability to prioritize and organize work.

• Excellent project management skills that lead to desired results.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines.

• Ability to work well with internal and external customers as well as other team members.

• Proactive communication skills.

• Capable of building positive relationships with other departments such as region, reliability, and system operations.

• Knowledge of the Distribution Bulletins and other relevant Company guidelines.

Other Requirements:

• Candidate must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

• Position requires walking through rough and uneven terrain.

• Candidate must be able to lift or move 25 lbs of equipment and materials.

• Prior experience using hand tools and test equipment to repair mechanical and/or electrical equipment is required.

• Must be willing to serve in the Distribution Automation on call rotation.

• Availability for emergency assistance after hours, nights, weekends and holidays is required. Supporting restoration efforts in state and out of state is required.

• Must be available to travel overnight and provide statewide support while working alone and driving to remote locations.

Disclaimer:

This information describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this job. The description is not designed to be a comprehensive inventory of duties, responsibilities and qualifications required in the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified disabled individuals for performance of essential duties and responsibilities

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 consistently recognized by J.D. Power and Associates as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.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 America's premier energy company, with 46,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million customers through its subsidiaries . The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric operating companies in four states, natural gas distribution companies in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications . Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top energy companies in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at 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 Type: Standard

Primary Location: Georgia-Metro Atlanta-Atlanta

Operating Company: Georgia Power Company

Job Type: Standard

Travel (Up to...): Yes, 25 % of the Time

Union Covered: No

Work Location(s):

Metro Atlanta Area (MetroAtlanta)

Metro Atlanta Area

Atlanta, 30308

Req ID: GPC2009597