Engineer - Mechanical Design

Alabama Power EnergyPlus; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Company is seeking a Design Engineer - Mechanical Design in Birmingham, AL to perform mechanical engineering design on environmental and retrofit projects at generating plants. The role emphasizes safety, quality, scheduling, and customer satisfaction while leading design activities for large projects.

The position involves a mix of field and office work with ~25% travel, including potential overnight stays.

Qualifications

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from ABET-accredited university is required.
• Advanced degree and/or PE preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead mechanical design for environmental and retrofit projects at generating plants.
• Prepare high-quality design packages using CAD-based tools per design standards.
• Provide design oversight to ensure codes, QA, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

CAD software

P&IDs

Mechanical design

Project leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

BS in Mechanical Engineering

PE preferred

Tools

AutoCAD

Autodesk Plant 3D

MS Office

Job description

Design Engineer - Mechanical Design

Technical Shared Services – Mechanical Design Engineering

• This position will be located in Birmingham, AL (relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance)
• This position will require a mix of both field and office work including some travel (approximately 25%). This travel may include overnight stays.

Job Summary

This position is responsible for performing mechanical engineering design on environmental projects, new generation projects, and retrofit projects at generating plants for Southern Company Generation. This position routinely takes on the lead role for detailed design activities associated with large projects or multiple retrofit projects with an emphasis on safety, quality, scheduling, costs, and customer satisfaction.

Major Job Responsibilities Include

• Make SAFETY our number one priority using a “Safety First” mentality and leading by example.
• Must have the ability to work individually, as a leader or a team member to prepare high-quality design packages needed to construct (new or modify existing) mechanical systems and facilities using CAD-based tools, based on Southern Company design standards.
• The Design Engineer in the Mechanical Engineering Group shall perform individually, as a member of, or as the leader of a team in preparing and overseeing mechanical power system design including scope documents, schedules, budgets, P&IDs, piping isometrics, general arrangement drawings, and equipment or commodity specifications.
• Provide design oversight to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and standards, QA requirements, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Provide oversight and technical direction managing other engineers, designers, and drafters.
• Effectively communicate with other groups and disciplines to ensure maximum effectiveness.
• Coordinate work with other disciplines, clients, suppliers, and contractors.
• Interact with manufacturers, vendors, and Southern Company personnel to resolve standards and material issues.
• Review and coordinate vendor design document reviews to ensure conformance to design requirements.
• Provide support to Discipline Leads, Construction Services, Field Services, Project Management, Startup and Site Personnel and assist with system checkout and startup when necessary.
• Perform site visits for projects, including pre-construction meetings, during construction and post-construction.
• Make sound independent decisions with minimal information and consultation with management.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, setting priorities, and using effective time management and organizational skills to achieve project team goals.
• Ability to adapt to changing project requirements and customer needs.

Job Qualifications

Education

• BS in Mechanical Engineering from an ABET accredited university - Required
• Advanced degree and/or PE preferred.

Experience

• Design of mechanical systems for new construction and retrofitting power generation facilities or other similar heavy industrial facilities.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Detailed knowledge of mechanical engineering design (preferably power plant mechanical system design).
• Proficient at working independently or as a team member with plants and other disciplines.
• Proficient with applicable codes, standards, QA, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements.
• Take the lead role for detailed design activities.
• High level of initiative and the ability to effectively plan, organize, and execute work. Detailed knowledge of cost estimating and quantity takeoffs.
• Ability to lead multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to assess risk at multiple levels and understand the impacts to all stakeholders.
• Make sound independent decisions with minimal information and consultation with management.
• Proficient in problem solving, analytical, and interpersonal communications skills.

General

• Basic MS Office knowledge.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD or similar design platforms.
• Able to learn latest Autodesk Plant 3D software.
• Able to learn business unit software.
• Experience providing technical direction to prepare design details, drawings, specifications, and calculations.
• Must demonstrate excellent communication skills (oral & written) and the ability to communicate technical issues simply.
• Must work well in a team environment and have the ability to develop and build relationships at all levels. Interpersonal skills sufficient to build working relationships with peers, internal customers, and the general public.
• Must possess effective time management and organizational skills sufficient to manage multiple projects with various priorities and competing deadlines.
• Must demonstrate a customer focus with a willingness to meet the needs of our customers and solicit feedback.

BEHAVIORAL ATTRIBUTES

• Model Our Values: Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, and Total Commitment.
• Conduct all activities with a focus on providing value to our customers.
• Take personal responsibility for projects and customer issues.
• Follow through on all aspects of assignments to ensure a quality product and increased value is delivered to our customers.
• Exhibit and promote a positive, "can do" attitude.
• Committed to building and maintaining an Inclusive work environment.
• Places a strong emphasis on Operational Excellence (mistake free designs).

Benefits

• Competitive Pay
• Excellent benefits packages which includes:
• Medical and dental coverage
• Defined Pension/Cash Balance Benefit Plan
• Performance-sharing plan
• 401(k) plan with a generous company match
• Bonus opportunities
• Tuition reimbursement

About Southern Company

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.