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.
POSTITION OVERVIEW
We are seeking a Senior Systems Engineer who is responsible for providing Engineering support for Large Scale products and their application at a system level. The Senior Systems Engineer is required to maintain expert knowledge of all Large-Scale Products, their function in PV, Battery, Power to Gas System; troubleshooting system level problems with SMA and customer supplied equipment. This position interfaces and supports development teams, service teams, and customers to optimize products and address system failures.
PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provides technical expertise for SMA’s Large Scale products: Central Inverters, Medium Voltage Equipment, Communication & Control, Converters and Rectifiers.
- Requires familiarization with major third-party equipment found in a PV, Battery, or Power to Gas power plant, such as Batteries, PV Panels, Battery Management Systems, Plant Controllers, Substation equipment and electroliers.
- Provides engineering support for complex issues, to the Large-Scale technical support teams, field service and serve as primary customer interface when required.Provides advanced electrical theory to technical escalations/ investigations from the Regional Competency Center and Field Service teams, as well as coaching those teams to elevate their technical capabilities and skills.
- Represents the Service Department as technical expert during cross function collaborations with Headquarters to perform root cause analysis, optimization of product design, as well as performance and serviceability of SMA products.
- Troubleshoots complex system failures in the field and provides extensive analysis/ interpretation of the failure as well as recommend solution options.
- Develops and maintains a well-structured database to facilitate efficient and effective dissemination of technical information, work instructions, and processes to the department and to customers.
- Other duties as may be required or assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- A bachelor's degree in engineering is required. A master’s degree in electrical engineering is strongly preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of engineering and mathematical concepts is required.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills are required.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required
- At least 5 years of experience in a Technical or Engineering role or equivalent are required
- 5 Years Experience in at least two of the following fields PV systems, Battery Storage systems, Plant communications/ controllers, Medium Voltage products and /or Power to Gas Solutions
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience in the renewable industry, solar installation, system design, and/or inspection is preferred
- Ability to work nonstandard business hours occasionally to support customer service contracts.
- A knowledge of SCADA systems, including Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and Programmable Automation Controllers (PACs) is preferred.
- Advanced skills related to configuring, managing, and supporting communication protocols (Modbus, DNP, OPC, ICCP, TCP/IP, TCP/UDP) are preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of SMA's Large Scale product line is strongly preferred.
- Advanced knowledge of power plant measurement devices and techniques is strongly preferred.
- Attention to detail at a high level of accuracy and ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
- Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus.
WE OFFER
- Salary Range: $82,000 - $108,000 annually, depending on experience and qualifications
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)
- 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
