Demo

Conceptual Design Principal Engineer- Power Generation Thermal Cycles

Southern Company
Birmingham, AL Full Time
POSTED ON 6/8/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 7/7/2026
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.

Education

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

  • 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* **

About Southern Company

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.

Job Identification: 18941

Job Category: Engineering

Job Schedule: Full time

Company: Southern Company Services

Salary.com Estimation for Conceptual Design Principal Engineer- Power Generation Thermal Cycles in Birmingham, AL
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