Protection and Controls Test Engineer

Field Engineer – Distribution System Protection & Control

JOB SUMMARY:

This position is responsible for the configuration, technical support, and troubleshooting of all distribution feeder sectionalizing, auto-transfer, and regulating equipment as well as the communications related to the supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) on these devices. This includes programing, installation oversight, and fault analysis related to the equipment and controls of such equipment. This position will also be responsible for the configuration and event analysis of distribution automation and protection schemes such as Self-Healing Networks and High-Density Coordination feeders.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

Education Requirements

- A bachelor’s degree in engineering is required

- A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering is preferred but applicants of another engineering discipline with extensive experience in power systems engineering may be considered

- Professional Engineer license is a plus

Experience

- Previous experience in transmission or distribution power system protection is preferred

- Previous experience with microprocessor-based protective relays and/or control schemes preferred

- Previous field experience is desired

- A knowledge of communications and networking is a plus

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

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

- Ability to provide on-site project direction and responsibility for workgroups reporting to others

- Knowledge of fault calculations, fault analysis, coordination, and use of fault analysis software to aid in analysis of system problems.

- Understanding of SCADA communication protocols.

- Knowledge of distribution operations to solve reliability and power quality problems related to the utility system.

- A high level of technical skills related to the configuration and communications of intelligent electronic devices.

- A good understanding of reliability and power quality on distribution systems.

- Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work with, direct, and motivate the efforts of diverse groups to accomplish objectives.

- Ability to provide technical support and training to engineering and marketing personnel.

- Must be able to manage multiple high-priority activities concurrently

- Must be able to manage multiple tasks in an ever-changing environment

Behavioral Attributes

- Must work well in a team environment but be equally comfortable working alone

- Must exhibit good oral & written communication skills

- Must be customer focused

- Must be highly motivated and self-directed

Additional Information

- Must be able to meet deadlines

- The position requires the individual to be available for emergency assistance and/or to assist with service restoration activities after hours, nights, weekends and holidays.

- Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions.

- Requires the ability to walk through rough and uneven terrain.

- Must be able to lift or move 25 lbs of equipment and materials.

Job Responsibilities

- Commission new distribution feeder protective and automation schemes and associated equipment

- Perform analysis and troubleshooting of protective relaying controls & schemes

- Analyze, modify, and create protection logic to improve functionality of protection relays and automation schemes

- Configure Self-Healing Network and High-Density Coordination schemes

- Assist other departments in troubleshooting & repairing recloser, regulator & capacitor controls as well as auto-transfer schemes

- Analyze protective/automation scheme operations and provide an concise summary of events along with solutions if issues are discovered.

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

Additional Information

The successful candidate:

- Must be available to spend a significant amount of time in the field with overnight travel possible.

- Project work may require extended time away from home office.

Mississippi Power , a subsidiary of Southern Company, provides clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy to more than 192,000 customers and communities in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. For over 100 years, Mississippi Power is a leader in customer service, workforce development and education, environmental stewardship, and employee volunteerism. The company is an industry leader when it comes to working safely, providing around-the-clock reliable service and its expert storm response. Mississippi Power has been at the forefront of innovation in the state through strategic partnerships in electric transportation and solar energy. The company has worked with the Coast Transit Authority to put the state’s first electric public transportation bus in operation and with Forrest County Agriculture High School on the state’s first electric school bus. It also partnered with the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new electric train and worked with the country’s largest Domino’s franchise to electrify its delivery fleet. Also, a leader in renewable energy, Mississippi Power partnered with the Naval Construction Battalion Center to install the first microgrid at a Navy facility. The company was among the first to introduce utility scale solar in the state with nearly 160 MW of renewable energy produced, enough to power 23,000 homes for a year. Mississippi Power’s mission is to provide world-class value to our customers and communities every day.

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.

Job Identification: 15271

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Mississippi Power