Computer Systems Analyst/Engineer - Ansible System Admin

Company: Southern Company Services

Department: Energy Management Systems (EMS) Operations – Birmingham or Atlanta

Job Location: Birmingham, AL or Atlanta, GA

This position provides support for operating issues affecting the reliable operations of the bulk electric system for Southern Company Services Transmission’s Energy Management Systems (EMS).  This position is responsible for the implementation, execution, and improvement of operational processes to ensure system availability for all computer systems supported by the EMS department and used by Southern Company operating companies’ transmission control centers (OPCO TCC’s) as well as the power coordination center (PCC) and their respective back-office personnel. 

The successful candidate will provide 24x7 operational support for the EMS/SCADA Systems (OSI Monarch) and other tools that support the operational needs of our customers.  This role will focus on administration of Linux servers and Windows servers using RedHat Ansible products that are built and maintained by the EMS department or provided by solution vendors.  Additional responsibilities may include use or maintenance of supporting systems such as backup solutions (Veeam), source code management (GitHub), package deployment (RPM/Yum, SCCM), solution and performance monitoring (Zenoss, ArcSight), and incident or change management (Remedy).

Relocation assistance is available. 

Required Skills and Knowledge:

• Proficiency with Windows desktop use including basic administration and Microsoft Office

• Understanding of computer hardware including physical/virtual servers, desktop maintenance, network and security concepts, and application support. 

• Basic computer scripting and/or programming skills.  PowerShell, Python, or SSH familiarity a plus.

• Develop, test, and maintain Ansible playbooks, roles, and modules for infrastructure and application automation

• Automate system provisioning, configuration management, patching, deployments, and operational tasks

• Collaborate with infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, cloud, and application teams to identify automation opportunities

• Standardize and document automation processes, operational procedures, and configuration management practices

• Integrate Ansible automation with CI/CD pipelines and enterprise tools such as Git and monitoring platforms

• Troubleshoot and resolve automation-related issues across Linux and Windows environments

• Ensure automation solutions align with security, compliance, and change management requirements

• Monitor automation performance and continuously improve reliability, scalability, and maintainability

• Participate in code reviews and maintain version-controlled repositories using Git

• Support disaster recovery, system maintenance, and operational readiness initiatives through automation

• Excellent communication and organizational skills are required.  This role will work with multiple other teams and vendor support groups to administer systems, coordinate releases, and support deployed solutions.

• Must be able to obtain Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) and Insider Threat Program (ITP) security clearance as required

Experience and Education:

• Degree in Computer Science/Engineering or equivalent experience.

• Experience supporting and troubleshooting computer systems in an enterprise setting.

• General understanding of computer system infrastructure, operations, and security.

• Knowledge of electric utility transmission operations is a plus

Skills and Abilities: 

• Must have a customer focused attitude and the desire and ability to learn about the Transmission core business and its needs.

• Must have analytical, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills. 

• Ability to handle multiple tasks with competing priorities as well as delegation skills as appropriate.

• Ability to bring consensus and buy-in among people with different views and agendas. 

• Ability to grasp complex Energy Management Systems operational issues, risk factors, and business drivers.

Behavioral Aspects:

• Must demonstrate Southern Company Core Values (Safety First, Unquestionable Trust, Superior Performance, Total Commitment) and a commitment to Human Performance.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills, be a self-starter, a decision-maker, flexible, self-directed, and a team player.

• Must possess the ability to build and maintain relationships within a team, with customer organizations and multiple vendors.

Other Requirements: 

• Willingness to be on call as needed 24x7

• Willingness to adhere to stringent federal and corporate requirements regarding how work is performed and security of EMS systems and information

• Travel (10%-15% of time) to attend Southern Company functions and maintain system hardware

Test Qualifications

No test requirements.

Essential Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

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