FirstBank Jobs

Generation Capacity Procurement (Thermal / Renewable) Engineer / Analyst

SCS System Planning – Generation Procurement

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE & TRAVEL

• This position work location will be based in either Atlanta, GA or Birmingham, AL. Relocation assistance may be available if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commute distance of either Atlanta or Birmingham.

• The Generation Procurement team currently has a hybrid work schedule requiring the individual to be in the office on three days a week. We do incorporate flexibility, but also the job could require more than three days in the office in a week if necessary.

• This position will require approximately 25% travel (day-trip & overnight), primarily within the Southern Company retail footprint.

JOB SUMMARY

As the electric utility continues to evolve presenting multiple opportunities for the Southern Company as it plans for its current and future generation fleet. The Generation Procurement department is at the forefront of these efforts. During this exciting time in the industry, the department is engaged along many fronts to help shape the future of the generation fleet as we continue to deliver clean, safe, reliable, and affordable power to our customers. The Generation Procurement Capacity team engagement occurs through the development and leading of Capacity Request for Proposals (RFP) for Southern Company’s retail operating companies (Alabama Power Company, Georgia Power Company, and Mississippi Power Company) and working across multiple organizations in the evaluation, due diligence, and procurement of proposed energy resources. The Generation Procurement Capacity team focus on incorporating the Company strategic initiatives to procure capacity and energy services for customers. As the Company continues to see tremendous load growth, the Capacity RFP process is crucial in ensuring the Company adds reliable generation to accommodate both the load growth and the continued fleet transition.

The Engineer/Engineering Analyst will support procurement activities and Capacity RFPs for the Southern Company’s retail operating companies. The role is responsible for providing technical expertise and knowledge around established and emerging capacity and energy resource technologies (e.g. combine cycle (CC), simple cycle (CT), solar, energy storage systems (ESS)). The Engineer/Engineering Analyst will serve as a subject matter expert providing resource technology guidance to support procurement contract development, due diligence activities, and project evaluation and milestone tracking for Capacity RFPs and procurement projects. This position will play an integral role in the structing and development of Capacity RFPs and commercial contract structuring associated with Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), Asset Purchase Agreements (APA) for existing capacity resources and Build Transfer Agreement (BTA) for new capacity resources. The Engineer/Engineering Analyst will work closely with partner organizations, especially the Generation Planning & Development, Technical Shared Services, and Commercial Operations departments. The role will support Capacity RFP activities throughout the entire process from development, RFP issuance, evaluation and due diligence, certification, and delivery commencement and commercial operation of procurement projects. This role is important to the Company procurement strategy to meet capacity needs under the Company’s IRP process.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide technical support and resource technology expertise for the Southern Company retail operating companies Capacity RFPs and procurement activities.

• Engaging as a technical expert for enterprise-wide Capacity RFP project teams to support the RFP document and contract development, evaluation, and due diligence of capacity resource technologies, especially focusing on ESS and solar generation.

• Provide guidance and review technical requirements for contracts (e.g. PPAs, Asset Purchase Agreements (APAs), and Build Transfer Agreements (BTAs).

• Determine solutions regarding technical challenges and lead efforts to develop and track major milestones for capacity procurement projects.

• Support economic and O&M modeling for Capacity RFPs and due diligence activities (e.g. LTSA review, equipment upgrade options, New Source Review considerations, environmental impacts, tracking of technical requirements etc.) during Capacity RFPs and after project certification until delivery commencement and commercial operation.

• Partner with other organizations (e.g. Generation Development, Technical Shared Services, and Commercial Operations) to stay abreast of the latest thermal and renewable resource technologies and tools.

• Performing market intelligence efforts (technology development, pricing, commercial viability)

• Preparing and presenting project evaluation results and/or project business cases to all levels of enterprise-wide management and peer groups

• Support the certification of projects and contracts with the Public Service Commissions by serving as knowledge lieutenant for witnesses in certification hearings and other regulatory proceedings such as the IRP. This will include managing and responding to Public Service Commission and intervenors data requests.

• Maintain knowledge of system reliability needs, generation technology needs, market procurement practices, emerging trends and factors affecting the market, evolving commercial terms and conditions.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's or Master’s degree in engineering, applied science, mathematics, economics or finance preferred. An advanced degree is highly desirable, particularly an MBA.

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: technology development, project management, asset management, financial analysis, integrated resource planning, and RFPs.

• Knowledge of ESS (e.g. batteries) and ESS paired with renewable resources (e.g. solar electric generation)

• Desired experience in the areas of economic evaluations, state regulatory process, negotiation and management of procurement or operation agreements, transmission analysis and policy, generation planning and analysis, generation development, planning and operations of renewable generation, project management, environmental affairs and the application of PURPA and related state requirements as applicable to APC, GPC, and MPC.

• Experience developing, negotiating, or managing procurement contracts (PPAs, APAs, BTAs, EPCs, LTSAs) is a plus

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Models all aspects of Our Values.

• High degree of critical/strategic thinking to resolve high impact, complex and/or cross-functional problems.

• Ability to communicate complex issues in a clear and understandable manner to a broad group of stakeholders

• Strong leadership, communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a dynamic and changing environment.

• Project management abilities with proficiency in prioritizing multiple projects with conflicting deadlines

• Proficiency with standard analytical and business software such as Microsoft Office applications is required

• Professional registrations and/or certifications in applicable areas of project management and engineering are a plus.

• Strong leadership ability is a must for the position.

• Strong Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

• Strong teamwork and interpersonal attributes.

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively present, defend and impact results

• Strong understanding of business processes, procedures and requirements with attention to detail in order to minimize regulatory risk and financial exposure to the Company.

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

*Please submit an updated resume with your application*

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million residential and commercial 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 infrastructure company 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 our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero 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 and hiring practices have earned the company national awards and recognition from numerous organizations, including Forbes, Military Times, DiversityInc, Black Enterprise, J.D. Power, Fortune, Human Rights Campaign and more. To learn more, visit 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 Identification: 6118

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services