Solar Engineer OR Engineering Analyst (SPC Renewable Energy O&M)

Solar Engineer OR Engineering Analyst (SPC Renewable Energy O&M)

Job Summary 

This position manages the day-to-day operation and maintenance of renewable facilities (primarily Solar) for Southern Power Company. Primary responsibilities include: 

• Managing contracts with O&M providers to achieve optimal results for the SPC renewable facilities
• Supporting SPC-performed O&M strategy for current and future renewable facilities
• Performing O&M contract development of renewable facilities targeted for acquisition or development by SPC
• Supporting due diligence of asset acquisitions and new development projects
• Developing and maintaining capital and O&M budgets to optimize Net Income and ensure cost-effective utilization of company third-party assets
• Processing monthly and quarterly invoices for SPC provided expenses
• Analyzing data and implementing solutions that optimize the performance of renewable facilities
• Collaboration with performance engineering to utilize operational data to identify and pursue efficiency improvements
• Proactively manage equipment issues and plant outages remotely to understand matters and drive to satisfactory resolution
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to optimize solar operations, while fostering strong relationships with plant personnel, the finance team, and industry partners
• Participating in periodic face-to-face meetings and status calls with contractor asset management and operation teams
• Coordinating site visits to renewable facilities
• Developing status reports and presentations for management updates
• Ensuring that all compliance and regulatory requirements are met
• Understanding plant operation details and handling communication of updates and resolutions to management, internal and external customers, and peer groups
• Working with other SPC departments, including but not limited to Generation Support, Commercial Optimization and Trading, Origination & Acquisitions, Accounting, Project Siting, Development and EPC, Project Analysis and Market Assessment, and Compliance and External Affairs concerning renewable operations
• Participating in project teams to assess the operational and financial risks associated with renewable projects
• Attending conferences to develop and leverage relationships with industry peers and OEMs to keep a pulse on the market

This position is in Birmingham, AL. However, the successful candidate may also have the option of reporting to Southern Company’s Corporate Headquarters in Atlanta, GA or an existing Solar Facility. 

Overnight travel is required to renewable facilities located in various parts of the United States including, but not limited to, Georgia, West Virginia, Texas, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Maine, Washington, California, New Mexico, and Kansas.

Job Requirements 

Education 

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering technology preferred 

Experience 

Job experience in the following areas is required: 

• Minimum of 3 years of power plant operations and maintenance experience (battery, photovoltaic, wind or fossil fuel power generation can all provide relevant experience)
• Project management skills (i.e., managing scope, schedule, and budget)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (i.e., Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)
• Contract management experience
• Management of multiple medium to large-scale projects, ensuring successful execution from planning through completion

Job experience in the following areas is strongly preferred:

• Experience managing capital and O&M budgets
• Asset management experience, including use of asset management software such as Maximo
• Ability to interpret operational data – PI or OIS experience a plus
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings (P&ID drawings, single lines, etc.)
• Ability to develop and communicate Key Performance Indicators to internal and external stakeholders

Other relevant experience includes:

• Power plant design and construction
• Generation development
• Utility system planning 

Behavioral Attributes 

• Must demonstrate Our Values: Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Act with Integrity, and Superior Performance
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills are required
• Must demonstrate an intellectual curiosity and a desire for continuous improvement
• Must demonstrate the ability to work in a team environment
• Must demonstrate the ability to build and maintain professional working relationships with internal and external customers
• Must demonstrate strong written and presentation skills, as well as a commitment to accuracy and attention to detail
• Effectively interpret data to drive informed decision-making and communicate project outcomes with internal and external stakeholders
• Resourceful and self-starter with the ability to identify, prioritize, and organize work while managing multiple projects and meeting strict deadlines
• Must demonstrate assertiveness and the ability to influence others tactfully