Southern Company logo

Conceptual Design Principal Engineer- Power Generation Thermal Cycles

Southern Company
3 days ago
Full-time
On-site
Birmingham, Alabama, United States
Thermography (Thermal Imaging)
Description

Conceptual Design Principal Engineer- Power Generation Thermal Cycles  

SCS Technical Services, CC/CT Fleet Strategy Team 

WORK LOCATION, SCHEDULE, & TRAVEL

  • This position will be based out of Birmingham, AL 
  • Work schedule; Four (4) days in-office with one (1) day of telecommute currently allowed (subject to adjustment at management discretion).  Telecommute work requires the ability to work successfully in a remote/virtual environment with access to high-speed internet services and functional cell phone service.  
  • This position will require some travel (day and overnight, up to 25%) 
  • Relocation assistance may be provided if the successful candidate does not currently live within a reasonable commuting distance. 

POSITION SUMMARY 

Leads and coordinates multi-discipline engineering studies including direct performance of conceptual design of new power generation facilities (steam cycles, combined cycles, simple cycle combustion turbines, CCS integration). Owns studies from initiation through final deliverables with the end result of providing accurate, decision-enabling information to customers and stakeholders on the agreed upon schedule.  Coordinates inputs from OEMs, vendors, consultants and other parties to optimize interface conditions between major equipment. Supports commercial efforts associated with new power generation facilities.  Leads efforts and technical evaluation associated with upgrades to existing power generation assets and supports commercial efforts associated with these upgrades.  Monitors and evaluates emerging technologies (e.g., supercritical CO2 cycles and energy storage) and develops major equipment specifications and interface requirements for power generation facilities.  

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 

Education: 

  • BS degree Engineering from an ABET accredited college/university is required. 
  • Mechanical or Chemical Engineering degree strongly preferred, other degrees considered if candidate has relevant experience, knowledge, skills and abilities. 
  • Advanced degree or P.E. license is preferred. 

Experience: 

  • Extensive experience with conceptual engineering/design and specification of major equipment for power generation facilities. 
  • Work experience with process plant and combined cycle modeling software (e.g. AspenPlus, Hysys, Promax, Gate Cycle, Thermoflex, etc.) is required.   
  • Extensive experience with Thermoflow is preferred. 
  • Experience evaluating thermal performance upgrades to existing power generation assets and coordination with various stakeholders and vendors.   
  • Candidate should have demonstrated project management experience and skills. Supervision of direct reports may be required. Candidates should expect to lead diverse teams. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

  • Candidate shall have a strong analytical ability, proficiently applying thermodynamic, heat transfer, and fluid mechanic principles to conceptual design activities and troubleshooting. 
  • Candidate should understand business goals and be capable of optimizing the power cycle / plant upgrade based on these goals. 
  • Candidate will define the major equipment requirements as they relate to process / performance / interface conditions. 
  • Strong oral and written communication skills are required.  Candidate is expected to effectively communicate with all project stakeholders, including clients, business partners, technical peers, management, and equipment suppliers.  Candidate should expect to author and coordinate multi-discipline studies. 
  • Must be proficient in MS Office applications and possess excellent computer skills for the analysis and modeling tools necessary for the job duties. 
  • Candidate is expected to guide the organization of large volumes of data for internal use and future reference. 

Behavioral Attributes:  

  • Model Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance. 
  • Exhibit Safety First attitudes and behaviors. 
  • Maintain the confidentiality of sensitive information. 
  • Be flexible, adapting easily to changing priorities. 
  • Self-motivated with the ability to manage multiple, complex project assignments in a team environment with diverse disciplines and backgrounds. 
  • Lead the decision-making process regarding cycle design and thermal performance optimization for new units and upgrades to existing units.    
  • Conduct all activities with a focus on providing value to our customers.

BENEFITS 

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

***Please submit an updated resume with your application***