AI Engineer or Analyst
Location: Atlanta, GA. or Birmingham, AL. (Onsite Monday-Thursday - Remote on Friday)
The AI Engineer/Analyst will design, develop, and implement automation solutions to enhance the efficiency of processes for Southern Power. This position focuses on streamlining and automating processes through advanced digital technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), generative AI (GenAI), data analytics, and automation. Responsibilities include developing agents, apps, and data visualizations with tools like Databricks and Azure AI, using the latest technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. This role will also create advanced analytic dashboards and use large amounts of data to assist our business partners with process improvements.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Identify opportunities and develop AI solutions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of business processes. Build and configure agents that reason, plan, and act using models, tools, and data, aligned to approved patterns by leveraging tools such as Databricks Apps, Databricks Agents, Power BI, GenAI, and AI
Rapidly prototype new AI capabilities while adhering to standards that enable promotion to enterprise-grade deployments
Implement use-case workflows end-to-end. Translate business and operational requirements into AI workflows spanning data ingestion, inference, tool execution, and human-in-the-loop review
Optimize performance and cost. Tune prompts, models, and agent interactions to improve accuracy, latency, and cost efficiency
Maintain GitHub repositories and development practices. Manage repository structure, branching, pull requests, code reviews, and documentation to support secure, collaborative, and repeatable AI solution delivery
Collaborate with business teams to embed digital tools into planning and reporting while ensuring alignment with the business priorities
Provide technical guidance and training on digital tools
Analyze large datasets to identify anomalies, trends and control gaps
Stay current with emerging technologies and developments in AI governance and risk management
Apply responsible AI guardrails. Embed safety controls, validation steps, and explainability mechanisms into agent logic and prompts by design
REQUIREMENTS
Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Computer Science, Information Systems, Engineering, Business or a related field. An advanced degree or certification is a plus
Relevant work experience in AI, data analytics, and/or digital transformation within a corporate or consulting environment and at least 6 months of substantial use of AI coding assistants is strongly preferred
Proficiency in Python and AI frameworks for LLMs and agents
Experience with prompt engineering, evaluation techniques, and structured outputs
Familiarity with vector databases, embeddings, and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) patterns
Working knowledge of API integration and tool execution within agent workflows
Exposure to CI/CD, model deployment, and observability concepts
Experience using GitHub repositories for source control, collaboration, version management, and code review within enterprise development workflows
Proven experience with one or more of the following: SQL, Python, Databricks, AI, GenAI, and Azure
Pragmatic judgment about where AI should and should not be leveraged
Strong analytical skills with emphasis on data-driven decision making and troubleshooting
PROFESSIONAL SKILLS
Professional oral and written communication skills with ability to translate complex technical concepts and explain AI behavior/limitations to non-technical stakeholders and influence skills to encourage adoption
Ability to collaborate with stakeholders to understand diverse automation needs and advocate for unified solutions
Ability to build relationships and work in a team atmosphere as well as work independently with self-confidence
Effective time management skills with the ability to adapt to changing demands, multi-task, and manage competing priorities. Ability to effectively organize tasks, meet schedules, and deliver on customer commitments
Ability to communicate progress, problems, and best practices to management, leaders, and teammates
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.
Together with our subsidiaries, we deliver clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy to our 9 million customers. Our focus is doing so with service excellence.
That means we are leaders who take action to meet our customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. We create community value through energy, social, economic, and environmental progress.
We do this through electric operating companies in three states and natural gas distribution companies in four. Our family of companies draw on diverse energy sources to create the best mix for our service areas, including electricity, natural gas, solar power, carbon-free nuclear, and other sustainable sources.
We leverage our leading distributed energy infrastructure company and other innovative technology to better serve every customer. Our competitive, national generation company serves wholesale customers, and our family includes a fiber optics network, and telecommunications services.
