Instrumentation & Controls Engineer – New Generation Projects (BHM or ATL)

Southern Co.; Atlanta (GA); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Southern Company in Atlanta, GA (hybrid role) leads or supports I&C for New Generation and Combined Cycle projects, focusing on DCS design, project coordination, field commissioning and operability readiness. The role involves developing system layouts, I/O lists, alarm management, site support during construction, and collaboration with multiple engineering disciplines; travel is about 25% to 50%.

The position expects strong experience with control systems, integration, testing, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• P.E. license is a plus.
• Experience with DCS/PLC and power generation systems is required.
• Experience with Emerson Ovation is a plus.
• Strong communication and cross-functional coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support DCS and Simulator activities including specifications, layouts, I/O lists, and alarm management.
• Serve as the I&C point of contact with engineering disciplines and project teams.
• Represent I&C in EPC updates, 3D reviews, procurement reviews, and site walkdowns.
• Provide on-site field support during construction and startup, including testing and checkout.
• Develop operational enhancements to increase unit reliability, flexibility and operability.

Skills

DCS/PLC experience

Power generation experience

Emerson Ovation

Networking design

Instrumentation design

Control system startup/testing

Cyber security awareness

Technical communication

Education

B.S. in Engineering

P.E. License (preferred)

Tools

Emerson Ovation

DCS/SCADA systems

Modbus / DNP3 / OPC

Job description

WORK LOCATION / SCHEDULE

• This position is flexible to be based out of either Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA
• Work schedule (in-office, field and telecommute); currently four (4) days in-office and one (1) day telecommute (subject to adjustment).
• This position will require a mixture of both field and office work.
• Relocation assistance is available if you do not already live within a reasonable commute distance.

PLEASE NOTE: This position will be filled at the appropriate level based on the relevant experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.

JOB SUMMARY

Depending on experience level, this position will lead or support I&C activities for New Generation and Combined Cycle projects, with primary responsibility for DCS design, project team and vendor coordination, field commissioning and operational readiness. This position will also support the evaluation of emerging control, automation, simulation, analytics, and digital technologies for potential use on generation projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead and support DCS and Simulator activities such as issuing technical specifications, developing system layouts, I/O list development, control logic / graphics reviews, and alarm management.
• Serve as point of contact for all I&C-related project matters with other engineering disciplines and project representatives.
• Represent the I&C team in applicable project-related engineering meetings, including weekly/monthly EPC updates, 3D-model reviews, schedule and procurement reviews, and site walkdowns.
• Provide on-site field support during construction and startup project phases, assisting with DCS and Simulator installation, functional I/O testing and system checkout for all combined cycle, turbine, and balance of plant processes.
• Develop, evaluate and implement operational enhancements that increase unit reliability, flexibility, and operability.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• B.S. in Engineering is required
• P.E. License is a plus

Skills / Experience:

• Experience with industrial process or power generation systems is required.
• Combined Cycle or other power plant experience is a plus.
• Experience with Distributed Control Systems and/or PLCs.
• Experience in Emerson Ovation is a plus.
• Working knowledge of networking design and troubleshooting is preferred.
• Experience with protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, Modbus Serial, DNP3, OPC is a plus.
• Working knowledge of instrumentation design (temperature, level, pressure, flow, vibration, analytical).
• Experience supporting control system installation, factory or site acceptance testing, and plant startup is preferred.
• Knowledge of industry cyber security best practices including physical and electronic access limitations is desirable.
• Strong technical communication and cross-functional coordination skills.

Behavioral Attributes:

• Demonstrate Southern Company Values and be customer focused.
• Demonstrates a safety-first mindset and personal accountability.
• Build productive working relationships with plant personnel, project teams, vendors, and other engineering disciplines.
• Manages multiple priorities while maintaining attention to technical quality, schedule, and commitments.
• Communicate complex technical matters clearly to technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Works independently while recognizing when to engage additional organizational support.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• This position requires travel (approximately 25%, sometimes up to 50%) outside the normal office location.
• Some travel outside the Southern Company system to other sites and vendors will also be required.

Travel is generally concentrated during construction and startup periods.

For a list of our comprehensive benefits, please review this link.