Southern Company · Naperville, IL

Engineer, III, Sr/Principal

Naperville, IL, United StatesFull-timeSenior individual contributorOperations

Listed on Southern Company’s official careers site. Posted October 27, 2026. Check that it is still open and apply there.

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Job description

About the Role Put your engineering expertise to work on the natural gas infrastructure that supports customer demand. In this role, you’ll lead project engineering, project management, and technical problem-solving across engineering, construction, and equipment procurement. You’ll provide technical guidance for assets that meet GAS peaking and storage needs, bringing project leadership and expertise in natural gas process design and code requirements.

Opportunities at multiple levels

This position may be filled as Engineering III (Level 5), Senior Engineer (Level 6), or Principal Engineer (Level 7). Candidates who demonstrate advanced skills through work experience, education, and certifications may qualify for the more advanced positions.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Do

Design critical infrastructure: Perform engineering assignments for the design and construction of natural gas processing and storage facilities and compressor station infrastructure at Nicor Gas and Virginia Natural Gas.

Guides electrical power systems

Provide technical support and oversight for the design, selection, and installation of utility power connections, on-site generation, switchgear, motor control centers, motors, lighting, power wiring, and grounding.

Support instrumentation and controls

Guide the design, selection, and installation of pipeline and plant instrumentation and control (I&C) systems. These include PLC-based process control and safety monitoring/shutdown systems, plant security monitoring and access control, and SCADA systems for pipeline monitoring and control. Move projects forward independently, working with little direct supervision to achieve successful completion. Provide subject matter expertise and technical support for natural gas processing equipment, including compressors, pumps, turbines, heat exchangers, heaters, tanks, valves, and piping.

Direct, evaluate, and review technical specifications and requirements documentation. Review engineering drawings for compliance with DOT safety regulations and corporate standards and specifications.

Coordinate project partners

Develop statements of work to secure and manage engineering and construction service providers, inspectors, and other technical resources. Manage outside engineering and construction services to meet project goals. Develop and approve material and equipment specifications and prepare contract documents and purchase requisitions for procurement. Help identify acceptable vendors and contractors, evaluate bids, and coordinate with other departments to maintain consistency with corporate standards.

Apply codes and standards to natural gas engineering, plant construction, and operations.

Lead project delivery

Serve as project manager, help define objectives and a comprehensive project design, outline requirements, assign tasks, and coordinate activities across operating units. Engage the appropriate staff and oversee progress to meet project objectives. Maintain working knowledge of relevant technologies and best practices, and ensure engineering standards, methods, and practices comply with regulatory requirements.

Improve system performance

Develop design options and recommendations to optimize systems and assess the feasibility of engineering solutions. Evaluate equipment and material use in gas and electric systems for operational performance, safety regulation compliance, and cost impact. Research and complete engineering and cost studies to develop proposals and recommendations. Stay current on industry engineering and construction trends and incorporate best practices into project plans.

Participate in design and process safety reviews for existing and new facilities. Oversee or support construction activities, including inspection and commissioning. Develop engineering standards, methods, and guidelines.

Share your expertise

Train and mentor less senior engineers and provide technical direction to project team members.

Qualifications

What You’ll Bring

Required for All Levels A BA/BS in electrical engineering from an ABET-accredited university. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate across all levels of the organization. Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. Engineering III — Level 5 5 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, project engineering, or construction management of natural gas or other pipeline facilities. 2+ years of familiarity and experience with gas safety regulations or utility plant and/or pipeline construction practices.

Senior Engineer — Level 6 7 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, project engineering, or construction management of natural gas or other pipeline facilities. 3+ years of familiarity and experience with gas safety regulations or utility plant and/or pipeline construction practices. Principal Engineer — Level 7 10 years of progressive engineering experience in project management, project engineering, or construction management of natural gas or other pipeline facilities. 3+ years of familiarity and experience with gas safety regulations or utility plant and/or pipeline construction practices.

Demonstrated success leading programs or project teams. Recognition as a specialist in your area of expertise, with experience in natural gas engineering principles.

Highly desirable

Professional Engineer (PE) licensure, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and/or an advanced degree/certification.

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