ADMS Advanced Application Team/ DERMS End User Support Principal Engineer
Southern Company · Bessemer, Alabama, United States
Utilities · 10,001+ employees
About the role
The engineer will support, test, and enhance ADMS and DERMS platforms to ensure reliable grid operations. They will also provide technical guidance to control center personnel and coordinate with software vendors to resolve system issues.
What they look for
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in engineering and possess a Professional Engineering License. Preferred qualifications include experience in a Distribution Control Center and hands-on experience with distribution switching operations.
Benefits
Full description
Position Overview
This position is part of the Advanced Applications Team responsible for the support, testing, and development of the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) and Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS).
The Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) is a platform that integrates key distribution grid functions such as:
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
- Outage Management System (OMS)
- As-switched network model
ADMS enhances real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of the distribution grid. Its Advanced Applications suite enables smart grid capabilities, including:
- Fault Isolation and Service Restoration (FISR): Automatically evaluates switching options and executes restoration plans during outages
- Fault Location (FL): Uses short circuit analysis to identify likely fault locations for field crews
- Power Flow (PF): Allocates load based on real-time SCADA data to identify overloads and voltage violations
- FISR Loss of Voltage
- FISR Station Outage
- Rotating Load Shed (RLS)
- Load and Volt/Var Management (LVM)
The Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) supports grid orchestration of distributed and renewable energy resources by:
- Forecasting generation and demand
- Developing mitigation plans for forecasted issues
- Issuing control signals to grid-connected energy resources
Key Responsibilities
- Collaborate with subject matter experts to design, implement, and enhance ADMS, with specialty in Advanced Applications, and DERMS functionality
- Perform testing, validation, and debugging of systems and components using tools such as: • Mantis (issue/bug tracking)
- QTest (test management for ADMS releases)
- Coordinate with software vendors to troubleshoot issues and validate fixes
- Provide technical support, training, and guidance to Distribution Control Center (DCC) personnel and field users
- Gather user feedback and develop use cases to improve system functionality
- Drive FISR performance improvements
- Document and maintain system design, configuration, operation, and maintenance procedures
- Lead or support PDT projects and implementation of new technologies
- Ensure system reliability for a 24x7 mission-critical grid management environment
- Maintain high standards of quality, best practices, and cybersecurity compliance
- Support efforts to standardize ADMS and DERMS implementations across operating companies within Southern Company
Qualification Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in engineering
- Professional Engineering License is required
Preferred Experience
- Experience in a Distribution Control Center (DCC) or Transmission Control Center
- Distribution or transmission engineering/planning experience
- Hands-on experience with distribution switching operations (approximately 3+ years preferred)
- Participation in storm restoration efforts
- Member of the Official Switching and Clearance List (preferred)
Behavioral Attributes
- Strong willingness to learn new technologies and innovate in the utility space
- Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships in a team environment
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with shifting priorities
- Effective time management and organizational skills
- Demonstrates ownership, attention to detail, and accountability
- Self-motivated with the ability to understand and execute project direction
Alabama Power provides safe, reliable, and affordable electricity to 1.5 million customers across the lower two-thirds of Alabama.
For more information, visit www.AlabamaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/AlabamaPower), Twitter (Twitter.com/AlabamaPower), LinkedIn (Linkedin.com/company/alabama-power), and Instagram (Instagram.com/alabamapower).
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.
Alabama Power