Research Engineer - Distribution

Southern Company; Birmingham (AL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Southern Company’s Research and Development team is seeking a Research Engineer to lead innovative research on grid-edge technology. You will drive first-of-a-kind demonstrations, evaluate power-quality analytics and grid technologies, and collaborate with EPRI, DOE labs, and universities to move concepts toward real-world applications.

Based in Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA, you will join a small, agile team and oversee demonstrations, with up to 25% travel required to support projects and

Qualifications

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering required; advanced degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in Power Delivery; distribution experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of power quality phenomena (flicker, harmonics, voltage sags).
• Experience in project management and collaboration across teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead pioneering research in power electronics grid applications and optimize grid integration for efficiency, reliability, flexibility and sustainability.
• Build and manage a strategic research program around grid-edge technology development and deployment.
• Manage projects including planning, resources, and tracking to ensure timely delivery of solutions.
• Envision the future of power by evaluating emerging technologies and identifying transformative opportunities.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute strategic research projects and deliver game-changing solutions.

Skills

Power Delivery

Power Quality

Project Management

Research Leadership

Communication

Safety

Team Building

Innovation

Education

Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering

Advanced degree (M.S., PhD)

Job description

Job Summary

Join Southern Company’s Research and Development team and help shape the next generation of grid-edge technology. The Research Engineer will lead innovative research addressing power-flow flexibility, power conditioning, system imbalance, and other challenges facing the evolving distribution grid. Working within a small, agile team, this role will help move promising technologies from concept to real-world application.

Join Southern Company’s Research and Development team and help shape the next generation of grid-edge technology. The Research Engineer will lead innovative research addressing power-flow flexibility, power conditioning, system imbalance, and other challenges facing the evolving distribution grid. Working within a small, agile team, this role will help move promising technologies from concept to real-world application. As a Research Engineer, you will lead first-of-a-kind demonstrations and advance a portfolio of innovative smart grid technologies. Your work will include evaluating advanced monitoring and diagnostics technology for power quality analytics, next-generation power-flow controllers, inverters, converters, and other power-conversion solutions with the potential to transform grid performance. This role offers the opportunity to explore emerging technologies, solve complex technical challenges, and help shape the future of the electric grid. As a Research Engineer, you will collaborate with leading researchers and organizations across Southern Company and the electric power industry, including EPRI, DOE national laboratories, universities, and technology providers. You will also have the autonomy to lead the development and demonstration of emerging grid technologies. This role offers a unique combination of technical ownership, industry collaboration, and access to resources that can help move innovative solutions toward real-world application. Travel is required – up to 25%. Job location is in Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA and must be able to drive to corporate headquarter offices weekly.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES Include But Are Not Limited To

• Lead pioneering research in power electronics grid applications, optimizing integration into the grid infrastructure to enhance efficiency, reliability, flexibility, and sustainability.
• Build a strategic research program around grid-edge technology development and deployment in order to meet Southern Companies operational goals.
• Manage projects, including planning, resource allocation, and tracking, to ensure successful outcomes and timely delivery of innovative solutions.
• Envisioning the future of power by exploring and evaluating emerging technologies and identifying transformative opportunities for groundbreaking advancements.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to execute strategic research projects, combining technical expertise and visionary thinking to deliver game-changing solutions.

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

• Bachelor degree in Electrical Engineering is required, and an advanced degree (M.S., PhD) is strongly preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in Power Delivery required, Distribution related experience preferred
• Understanding of power quality phenomena such as flicker, harmonics, and voltage sags.
• Experience in project management, enabling effective collaboration and seamless execution.
• Familiarity with industry standards and regulations, ensuring compliance and driving best practices, gained through experience in the electric utility industry.
• Outstanding oral/written communication skills, capable of articulating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Committed to safety and helping others work safely
• Entrepreneurial mindset, challenges status quo and having a questioning attitude
• Innovator; skilled in research processes; self-assured, self-starter
• Proven leadership, mentor and teambuilding skills, with the ability to build and foster relationships
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills combined with high personal drive and energy.
• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with company culture including Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act With Integrity, & Superior Performance

Behavioral Attributes

• Committed to safety and helping others work safely
• Entrepreneurial mindset, challenges status quo and having a questioning attitude
• Innovator; skilled in research processes; self-assured, self-starter
• Proven leadership, mentor and teambuilding skills, with the ability to build and foster relationships
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills combined with high personal drive and energy.
• Must demonstrate behaviors consistent with company culture including Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act With Integrity, & Superior Performance

Research is Empowering the Future Grid

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.

Job Identification: 21794

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services