Full Time
USA
Posted on January 12, 2026

Website Southern Company

Your Mission: Guard the Grid

As a Senior Protection & Control (P&C) Engineer at Southern Company, you will serve as a subject matter expert in the design, analysis, and implementation of protection systems for high-voltage transmission networks, generation interconnections, and substation assets. Your expertise will ensure the selective, secure, and reliable operation of protection schemes that safeguard multi-billion-dollar infrastructure and maintain grid stability during disturbances.

You will tackle challenges across the full project lifecycle—from conceptual design and relay settings calculations for new renewable energy plants, to forensic analysis of system events, to mentoring engineers across our global footprint. This role combines deep technical mastery with the opportunity to shape standards and practices on an international scale.

Core Responsibilities & Technical Scope

1. Protection System Design & Engineering

Develop and validate protection philosophies and settings for transmission lines (EHV/HV), transformers, buses, capacitors, and generators using standards such as NERC PRC, IEEE, and IEC.
Create and review detailed design packages for substation protection and control systems, including one-line diagrams, AC/DC schematics, panel layouts, and wiring diagrams.
Specify protective relays, instrument transformers, and communications equipment (SEL, GE, Siemens, etc.) for new and upgraded substations.
Perform coordination studies and ensure protection schemes comply with NERC Reliability Standards and regional entity requirements (e.g., SERC, FRCC).

2. Technical Analysis & Studies

Conduct and interpret short-circuit studies and power flow analysis using software such as ASPEN OneLiner, CAPE, ETAP, or PSS®E to determine fault currents and system conditions.
Analyze dynamic system events using digital fault recorder (DFR) and sequence of events (SOE) data to verify protection system performance and recommend corrective actions.
Lead settings audits and peer reviews to ensure accuracy and compliance across the system.
Perform arc flash hazard analyses and contribute to safety-by-design initiatives.

3. Project Leadership & Global Support

Serve as the lead protection engineer on major capital projects, coordinating with planning, construction, and commissioning teams.
Provide technical consulting and review for international joint ventures and consulting projects, adapting solutions to local grid codes and conditions.
Develop and deliver technical training for engineers in the U.S. and at partner utilities worldwide.
Contribute to the development of company-wide standards, specifications, and best practices for protection and control systems.

4. Innovation & Technology Deployment

Evaluate and implement new protection technologies, including line differential protection, traveling wave fault location, and wide-area protection schemes.
Support the integration of inverter-based resources (IBR) like solar, wind, and battery storage, addressing unique protection challenges.
Advance the use of digital substation technologies (IEC 61850, Sampled Values, GOOSE messaging) in system design.

The Ideal Candidate: Qualifications & Competencies

Essential Requirements

Education: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from an ABET-accredited program or international equivalent. A Master’s degree in Electrical Power Engineering is preferred.
Experience: Minimum of 7 years of direct, hands-on experience in protection system engineering for electric utility transmission or generation systems.
Professional Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license is strongly preferred, or the ability to obtain within 18 months of hire. International chartered engineer status will be recognized.
Technical Mastery:
- Expert-level knowledge of protection principles for transmission lines, transformers, and buses.
- Proven experience with protection coordination software (ASPEN OneLiner, CAPE, SEL AcSELerator, GE Enervista).
- Proficiency in short-circuit and power systems analysis tools.
- Deep understanding of relay logic and communication-assisted protection schemes.
Global Mobility & Communication:
- All nationalities are encouraged to apply.
- Professional fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally for project assignments and client meetings.
- Outstanding communication skills to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Highly Valued Attributes

Experience working on power systems in multiple countries or regions.
Knowledge of both North American (IEEE, NERC) and International (IEC) grid codes and practices.
Experience with renewable energy generation interconnection protection challenges.
Proficiency in a second language (Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, or Mandarin).
Active participation in professional organizations like IEEE Power & Energy Society.

Why Join Southern Company?

Impact & Career Growth

Systems-Level Impact: Your work protects the integrity of one of America’s largest and most critical electric grids.
Global Portfolio: Work on diverse projects from Alabama to international partnerships, gaining unparalleled experience.
Technical Leadership Path: Clear progression to roles such as Principal Engineer, Fellow, or Technical Director.
Continuous Learning: Access to leading-edge tools, industry conferences, and advanced technical training programs.

Compensation & U.S. Relocation Support

Highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus annual performance bonus and long-term incentives.
Comprehensive U.S. immigration sponsorship for you and your immediate family (H-1B, L-1, or TN visa pathways, with green card sponsorship).
Full relocation package to Atlanta, Georgia, including shipment of household goods, temporary housing, and cultural orientation support.
Industry-leading benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance; 401(k) with company match; pension plan; and employee stock purchase plan.
Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.

Life in Atlanta & Our Culture

Hybrid work model based in our state-of-the-art Atlanta corporate headquarters.
Atlanta is a vibrant, international city known for its affordability, culture, and connectivity as a major global airport hub.
Southern Company is consistently recognized for its ethics, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement.
A culture built on safety, integrity, and excellence where your technical expertise is valued and nurtured.

Application & Immigration Process

Step-by-Step Hiring Journey

Initial Application: Submit your detailed CV/resume through our careers portal. Ensure it clearly details your protection engineering projects and software proficiencies.
Technical Screening: A review of qualifications by our engineering leadership team (7-10 business days).
Technical Interview (Virtual): A 90-minute in-depth discussion focusing on protection principles, case studies, and problem-solving.
Panel Interview (Virtual): Meetings with senior engineers and project managers to assess fit for global project work.
Formal Offer & Immigration Kick-off: Upon acceptance, our dedicated immigration attorneys will immediately begin consultations to determine the optimal visa pathway. We manage the entire process.
Onboarding & Integration: A structured onboarding program in Atlanta, including technical systems training and cultural orientation.

Visa Sponsorship Commitment

We proudly sponsor work authorization for exceptional talent worldwide. The process typically follows this timeline:

Visa Strategy & Filing: 4-8 weeks post-offer.
U.S. Government Processing: 2-6 months (depending on visa type and consular processing).
Relocation & Start: We work flexibly with your start date based on visa approval.

Principal Engineer Southern Company USA

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