Why Work at SMA America
Power the future. Build your career at SMA America.
As the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, we have been at the forefront of solar inverter technology since 1981, developing solutions that make photovoltaic power plants simpler, more reliable, safer, and more cost effective. Headquartered in Rocklin, California, SMA America has spent more than two decades helping homes, businesses, and utilities across the country generate clean, reliable power. We are the only inverter manufacturer in the world offering solutions for every system size, from residential rooftops to large scale utility plants, backed by more than 1,500 patents and a presence in over 190 countries.
Innovation is only part of the story. We invest in our people, create room to grow, challenge conventional thinking, and protect a culture where teammates genuinely care about each other and the work. We hire capable people and give them the space to do the job, with clear expectations, open door leadership, and real autonomy.
If you are passionate about driving positive change and want a career where you can take ownership of your work, we would love to meet you. Together, we are not just part of the energy transition, we are helping drive it forward.
Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer, Grid Integration
WORK AUTHORIZATION
- Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
- We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS
We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content. Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation, including AI-written resumes, cover letters, or responses, will be disqualified from consideration without further review. We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience.
RECRUITMENT FRAUD NOTICE
All SMA America openings are posted on our official careers page and all recruiter communication comes from an @sma-america.com address. We never request payment, banking information, or a Social Security number during the recruitment process. If you are contacted about an SMA America role from a personal email account, or asked for any of the above, please forward the message to [email protected].
POSITION OVERVIEW
The Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer provides power system modeling and grid integration analysis for SMA's utility-scale photovoltaic and battery energy storage solutions. The role supports the U.S. Application Engineering team by producing the analytical inputs required for dynamic and steady-state studies, electromagnetic transient analysis, and interconnection and regulatory compliance evaluations using industry-standard simulation models.
Success in this position requires a solid foundation in power system engineering, working proficiency with simulation tools including PSS/E and PSCAD/EMTDC, and a practical understanding of inverter-based resource behavior and control. The ideal candidate brings analytical rigor, a collaborative approach, and the ability to work effectively across U.S. and global teams.
PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Perform modeling and analysis of utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid power plants in support of the U.S. Application Engineering team across multiple SMA America projects and applications.
- Interpret ISO and TSO interconnection requirements, for example ERCOT, MISO, CAISO, ISO-NE, NYISO, PJM, and SPP, and recommend appropriate SMA control configurations and parameter tuning, delivering models aligned with project-specific scopes.
- Maintain and manage versions of SMA's model portfolio across PSS/E, PSCAD/EMTDC, and other simulation platforms used in the North American market.
- Provide technical support to the U.S. Application Engineering team by troubleshooting model functionality and executing simulation studies to validate dynamic model behavior against design specifications.
- Analyze inverter control modes and plant-level control strategies, including their interactions in solar, storage, and hybrid system configurations, and support model validation testing, benchmarking activities, and interconnection study workflows.
- Prepare modeling study reports, technical documentation, and project deliverables that clearly communicate simulation findings and recommendations for IBR integration projects.
- Evaluate the impact of inverter-based resources on power system stability and recommend mitigation approaches using SMA's technology portfolio.
- Coordinate with SMA's Global Competence Center on modeling-related tasks, supporting alignment between the U.S. Application Engineering team and global counterparts.
- Collaborate with SMA's modeling team in Germany by providing feedback on model performance, identifying potential issues, recommending new functionality, and communicating emerging modeling requirements and trends in North America.
- Support SMA's participation in industry working groups and technical discussions related to modeling standards and grid-code requirements in North America, including NERC, ESIG, ISOs, TSOs, and utilities.
- Develop and deliver internal training materials on modeling tools, methodologies, and SMA model capabilities.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with sales, product management, engineering, and service teams to ensure alignment on technical requirements and modeling-related initiatives.
- Perform additional duties as assigned to support organizational and departmental objectives.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.
- Minimum 3 years of professional experience in the utility-scale renewable energy sector involving photovoltaic or energy storage systems.
- At least 3 years of hands-on experience developing and analyzing dynamic and steady-state models of inverter-based resources using PSS/E and PSCAD/EMTDC.
- Working knowledge of utility-scale PV and BESS plant design, including single-line diagrams, control strategies, and integration considerations.
- Working knowledge of power electronic converters and plant-level integration.
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and work effectively in a fast-paced environment managing multiple concurrent projects.
- Willingness to travel internationally on an occasional basis, including visits to SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany.
- Proficiency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Master's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline.
- Experience with TSAT modeling tools, particularly in ERCOT and MISO jurisdictions.
- Experience performing power system analyses including SMIB generation modeling, power flow, transient stability, electromagnetic transient, and short-circuit analyses.
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop platforms such as RTDS/GTSOC, OPAL-RT, or Typhoon HIL.
- Familiarity with Python, ASPEN OneLiner, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools.
- Familiarity with medium-voltage transformers, MV switchgear, and protection system design.
- Familiarity with grid-forming inverter technology and advanced battery storage control solutions.
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards, IEEE technical standards, and grid-code requirements across major North American system operators.
WE OFFER
- Base salary range of $130,000 to $157,000 annually, dependent on experience, plus bonus eligibility.
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options.
- Remote-first work schedule. Continental U.S. candidates only.
- Relocation assistance available on a case by case basis.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Opportunities for professional development and training.
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment with global cross-functional exposure.
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.
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]
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or closely related discipline
- Master's degree in electrical engineering or related field
- Doctoral degree (PhD) in related field
- Minimum 5-7 years professional experience in utility-scale renewable energy (PV and energy storage)
- At least 5 years hands-on experience developing and analyzing dynamic and steady-state models of inverter-based resources using PSS/E, TSAT, and PSCAD/EMTDC
- Experience performing power system analyses (SMIB modeling, power flow, transient stability, electromagnetic transient, short-circuit)
- Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (RTDS/GTSOC, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL)
- Experience with TSAT modeling tools, particularly in ERCOT and MISO jurisdictions
- Familiarity with Python, ASPEN OneLiner, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools
- Demonstrated knowledge of utility-scale PV and BESS plant design, including single-line diagrams, control strategies, and integration considerations
- Comprehensive understanding of power electronic converters, medium-voltage transformers, MV switchgear, and protection system design
- Strong familiarity with grid-forming inverter technology and advanced battery storage control solutions
- Familiarity with NERC reliability standards, IEEE standards, and North American grid-code requirements
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage multiple concurrent projects
- Willingness to travel internationally on an occasional basis
- Proficiency in English with strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook)
- Authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship
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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