Why Work at SMA America
At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we’ve been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems — all while pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in clean energy.
But we’re not just transforming power — we’re empowering people.
We’ve built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.
Whether you’re a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you’re ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy — we’d love to meet you.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Root Cause Engineer, Medium Voltage is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining brand quality through root-cause analyses and collaboration with internal and external experts. This role supports SMA's commitment to evidence-based quality processes, working closely with cross-functional and international teams to drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions across the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in medium voltage systems, transformers, switchgear, and converters, along with a strong quality mindset and the ability to collaborate regularly with SMA's global headquarters in Germany.
PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Ensure analyses are evidence-based, documented in compliance with standards, global processes, and aligned with the requirements of internal and external stakeholders.
- Perform and participate in technical failure and data analyses.
- Apply the 8D method for systematic root cause identification.
- Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international teams to implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
- Conduct initial field analyses, technical evaluations on site, and provide consultations.
- Create detailed failure descriptions and collaborate with headquarters to advise and support other functions.
- Recognize and document existing known failure patterns and provide technical expertise to resolve them.
- Collaborate closely with Customer Quality, Supplier Quality, and regional functions.
- Maintain close collaboration with the analysis unit at SMA headquarters as well as with the application engineering unit in the U.S.
- Execute, monitor, and evaluate corrective actions and measures implemented by the service team or suppliers.
- Travel to Rocklin-based offices, customer sites, and tradeshows as needed.
- Other duties as may be required or assigned.
REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor's degree in engineering or electrical engineering (Master's preferred) or related field, or similar education.
- Minimum 7 years of experience in research and development (R&D), technical failure analysis, and a background in quality management and customer relations.
- Technical expertise in medium voltage systems, transformer switchgear, electrical systems, converters, and hermetically sealed equipment.
- Expertise in the 8D method for corrective action and quality tools including 5-Why, Ishikawa diagramming, and Pareto analysis.
- Experience in solar, automotive, aerospace, electronics, or similar regulated industries.
- Ability to present quality findings and corrective actions to mid and senior-level management boards.
- Working knowledge of JIRA, Salesforce, SAP, and CRM is a plus.
- Background or sourcing experience with companies such as ABB, GE, Magnatec, Powin, or Eaton Transformers is a plus.
- Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills across international teams.
- Acts with an entrepreneurial and solution-oriented mindset.
- Ability to travel regularly.
- Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. Proficiency in German is a plus.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.
WE OFFER
- The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000 per year, dependent upon experience.
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage (including $0 premium options).
- Work Location: This role is remote-first. Hybrid or in-office presence is preferred for those located within commuting distance of our Rocklin, CA office, consistent with our current work model.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.
Our EEO Policy
We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.
In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.
Our Privacy Policy
During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].
If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.
If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at [email protected]
Top Skills
What We Do
Innovative and sustainable key technologies are prerequisites for renewable energy supply. More than 3,000 employees from 18 countries work to ensure that SMA is actively helping to promote the production and development of PV system technology worldwide. SMA is the only inverter manufacturer worldwide that offers the right inverter for every module type and system size ; for small residential systems, medium-sized commercial systems and large-scale plants; grid-connected photovoltaic systems; and off-grid and hybrid systems. SMA also develops technologically leading system solutions and is on the leading edge of the energy of the future, in areas such as intelligent optimization of self-consumption, grid integration of solar power and integration of batteries for more effective use of renewable energies. The intention of this LinkedIn profile is to share expert knowledge in inverter technology, interesting reference projects and new products in the field of commercial and large-scale solar power plants and to discuss today’s and future energy supply structures and solutions. We are looking forward to your comments, questions and feedback. Corporate information: https://www.sma.de/en/corporate-information.html Data Protection: https://www.sma.de/en/data-protection-declaration.html
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