What are the responsibilities and job description for the Mechanical Engineer/Specialist – Volume Procurement position at Southern Company?
Job Title: Mechanical Engineer / Mechanical Specialist – Volume Procurement
Position Summary
The Mechanical Engineer / Specialist provides technical and execution support to the Volume Procurement group, enabling the efficient sourcing and delivery of mechanical equipment and engineering services for multiple new generation projects. This role operates in a programmatic environment, supporting multiple projects simultaneously by coordinating across engineering design teams, suppliers, procurement, quality, and project controls. The successful candidate ensures technical integrity, procurement efficiency, and alignment with project schedule, cost, and quality objectives from bid through delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Contract Execution
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: 19871
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services
Position Summary
The Mechanical Engineer / Specialist provides technical and execution support to the Volume Procurement group, enabling the efficient sourcing and delivery of mechanical equipment and engineering services for multiple new generation projects. This role operates in a programmatic environment, supporting multiple projects simultaneously by coordinating across engineering design teams, suppliers, procurement, quality, and project controls. The successful candidate ensures technical integrity, procurement efficiency, and alignment with project schedule, cost, and quality objectives from bid through delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement & Contract Execution
- Develop and issue purchase orders for mechanical equipment and associated engineering services
- Partner with design teams to assemble comprehensive bid packages, including technical specifications, scope of work, and evaluation criteria
- Support supplier evaluation, bid reviews, and technical recommendations for awards
- Administer supplier contracts, including scope clarification, issue resolution, and change management
- Track manufacturing progress and validate milestones to support progress payments based on supplier performance
- Conduct weekly or biweekly progress meetings with vendors to review manufacturing status, identify risks, and drive issue resolution
- Gather detailed manufacturing schedules and key production milestones and communicate them to project scheduling teams for integration into project plans
- Develop and deliver monthly long lead time projections and status updates to stakeholders
- Coordinate with suppliers to ensure adherence to technical, schedule, and quality requirements
- Review shop drawings and technical submittals for compliance with project specifications
- Ensure Design Engineering subject matter experts (SMEs) participate in Factory Acceptance Tests (FATs) for mechanical systems and components
- Coordinate and communicate witness points and hold points to the Quality team for inspection planning
- Support issue resolution related to design, manufacturing, and supplier performance
- Track and manage delivery of mechanical components to job sites, ensuring alignment with construction schedules
- Collaborate with project leads and project controls teams on schedule, cash flow, and quality performance
- Provide regular updates and clear communication on procurement status, risks, and mitigation strategies across multiple projects
- Support a portfolio of projects simultaneously, applying standardized processes and best practices across all procurement activities
- Drive consistency, efficiency, and continuous improvement within the Volume Procurement function
- Serve as a key interface between engineering, procurement, supply chain, quality, and project execution teams
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related engineering discipline preferred
- Other degrees may be considered with relevant experience
- 5 years relevant experience with technical training and hands-on experience in mechanical systems, equipment, or procurement-related functions will be considered in lieu of a degree
- 3 years of experience in mechanical engineering, procurement engineering, or project execution preferred
- Previous experience in procurement processes, supplier management, and contract administration highly desired
- Demonstrated strong communication skills, including the ability to lead supplier calls, present updates, and coordinate across diverse stakeholders preferred
- Knowledge of mechanical equipment used in power generation, industrial, or infrastructure projects (e.g., turbines, pumps, piping systems, heat exchangers, rotating equipment)
- Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, P&IDs, shop drawings, and technical specifications
- Experience supporting power generation or utility-scale projects
- Knowledge of project scheduling and cost tracking concepts
- Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Strong verbal and written communication
- Demonstrate Southern Company Values – Safety First, Intentional Inclusion, Superior Performance, and Act with Integrity
- Customer focused
- Works effectively in a collaborative team setting
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: 19871
Job Category: Engineering
Job Schedule: Full time
Company: Southern Company Services