JOB DESCRIPTION
Southern Company Federal Services is a service-based organization that provides energy-related solutions and services to all its Operating Companies (OPCOs) and Local Distribution Companies (LDCs). These services range from consulting to project initiation and execution, primarily assisting Southern Company federal customers in meeting their energy reduction, renewable energy, and resilience goals. We are looking for an innovative, experienced, and proactive leader to develop and implement strategies that support the growth of the federal market within the Southern Company footprint. Relocation assistance will be provided for candidates who are willing to move to Birmingham, Alabama. Must live in areas outside of the Southern Company footprint to be eligible.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Lead project teams and support engineering processes and financial tasks during the development of large, complex projects with a minimum budget of $500,000
- Develop and manage project solutions that align with business goals in collaboration with senior management and stakeholders.
- Provide technical expertise to the Business Development and Operations Team throughout the project lifecycle, from initial planning to construction completion.
- Conduct site surveys to identify energy conservation measures, develop scopes of work, perform energy savings calculations, prepare pricing proposals, and create business cases for recommended solutions.
- Collaborate with third-party engineering firms and contractors, managing schedules and reviewing deliverables.
- Plan, schedule, and track project milestones and budgets using appropriate tools.
- Proactively manage changes in project scope, identify risks, and develop contingency plans.
- Develop best practices and tools for project execution and management.
Principal Duties:
- Conduct walk-throughs of customer facilities to determine project viability.
- Collaborate with customers to determine facility needs and assess customer expectations.
- Manage and coordinate project teams, including Account Executive, Senior Energy Engineer(s), Lighting and Water Auditor/Designer, Construction Manager, O&M, M&V Specialist, Legal, and Finance.
- Host regular conference calls to communicate strategy and tactics, review team members' responsibilities, and progress to date against milestones.
- Coordinate and lead risk review meetings prior to proposal submission, presenting the business case for the project to Senior Management.
- Manage the preliminary audit and investment grade audit budgets and timelines to produce project deliverables on time and within budget.
- Stay engaged through Implementation and Performance phases to manage contract compliance and customer satisfaction.
- Combine energy savings values, sub-contracted costs, and purchased material costs and incorporate these data into financial models.
- Review energy savings and costs for reasonableness based on past experience, metrics, and knowledge of the project.
- Analyze Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) for technical and financial viability.
- Identify ECM and project cost and savings risks and develop a plan and strategy to manage and mitigate these risks.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor of Science in Engineering required (Mechanical or Electrical Engineering preferred).
- Professional Certification (PE, PMP, CEM, etc.) preferred.
- 5+ years of energy engineering experience required; federal project experience preferred.
- Experience working on Federal UESC and/or ESPC projects is a plus.
- General engineering knowledge of HVAC, lighting & lighting controls, DDC/pneumatic controls, water conservation measures and building envelope. Experience with resiliency measures, including onsite generation (PV, CHP, etc.), battery storage, and microgrids is a distinct plus.
- Proficiency in energy savings calculations and energy modeling software (e.g., eQuest, Trane Trace).
- Familiarity with M&V and performance assurance protocols (e.g., IPMVP, FEMP guidelines).
- Knowledge of commercial & industrial MEP systems, including lighting, boilers, chillers, HVAC equipment, switchgear, motors, transformers, plumbing, and water treatment.
- Experience in project management for design and construction projects.
- Strong problem-solving abilities involving customers, contractors, and other stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and written communication skills.
- Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time.
Key Skills, Abilities, and Competencies:
- Ability to lead and manage multiple teams in complex projects to achieve desired results.
- Ability to influence without formal authority, build strong teams, and maintain strong relationships. Ability to establish close collaboration with strategic partners and inspire and align a diverse organization.
- Works collaboratively across expertise areas and functions; seeks to advance higher goals; highly regarded across stakeholders; inspires trust at all levels.