Senior SCADA and Communications Engineer at SMA America

Remote, Unites StatesFull-timeRemoteEngineeringPosted 2 months ago

About the Role

<div class="content-intro"> 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.</div>Senior SCADA & Communications Engineer Rocklin, CA (HQ) or Texas / Remote considered, US (location pending your confirmation) WORK AUTHORIZATION <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">SMA America does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN visas</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Candidates who currently require or will in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible</li> </ul> AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation will be disqualified from consideration without further review</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience</li> </ul>   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 <a class="external-link" href="mailto:[email protected]" target="_blank" data-tooltip-position="top">[email protected]</a>.   PURPOSE OF THE POSITION The Senior SCADA & Communications Engineer supports the design, integration, and operation of communication and control systems across utility-scale renewable energy assets, including solar PV, battery storage, and hybrid plants. This role owns site-level communications architecture, machine-to-machine (M2M) SCADA integration, and secure connectivity between sites, utilities, and cloud platforms. PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Lead integration of site controllers, inverters, and auxiliary equipment into a unified SCADA architecture</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Design and configure machine-to-machine (M2M) communications between site controllers, inverters, and plant-level gateways and data concentrators</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Define and deploy end-to-end communication networks, including industrial Ethernet (fiber/copper), layered OT network segmentation, and integration of secure connectivity platforms, data collectors, and industrial gateways</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Design and support OT networks, including firewalls, routers, switches, VLANs and segmentation, and fiber optic networks</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Manage secure communication interfaces between sites and utilities, transmission operators, ISOs/RTOs, asset owners, and cloud-based platforms</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Configure and validate protocols for wide-area communications, including real-time telemetry, dispatch and control signals, and event and disturbance reporting</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Design and implement multi-layer cybersecurity architectures, including segmented network zones, secure data replication layers, and unidirectional gateways (data diodes) for critical assets</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Support compliance with NERC CIP standards, utility interconnection requirements, and internal cybersecurity frameworks</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Enable inverter monitoring, diagnostics, and fault detection through integration with cloud-based dashboards</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Collaborate with O&M and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize system performance</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Maintain auditable data and communication structures to meet regulatory compliance requirements</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Other duties as assigned</li> </ul> REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">At least 5 years of SCADA or energy management systems experience</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong understanding of firewalls and network security fundamentals</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Ability to debug network connections using tools such as Wireshark</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Extensive hands-on experience with utility-scale SCADA systems, including SCADA servers, RTUs, PLCs, industrial gateways, and edge/data collection devices</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong experience with industrial and utility protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3, IEC 61850 (preferred), and OPC UA</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong understanding of OT cybersecurity principles, including defense-in-depth architectures, secure remote access/VPNs, and network segmentation and monitoring</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Experience implementing secure communication paths between OT and IT systems</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Comfort working with field data, diagnostics, and system telemetry</li> </ul> OTHER SPECIALIZED SKILLS <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Background in commissioning or field deployment</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Experience implementing unidirectional security solutions (data diodes)</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Knowledge of ISO/RTO integration requirements</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, O&M, and IT/security teams</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Ability to clearly communicate technical architectures to both technical and non-technical stakeholders</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Familiarity with NERC CIP and cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proficiency in English required; German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Proven ability to work effectively in a matrix organization</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Periodic domestic travel required; international travel may be required</li> </ul> WE OFFER <ul class="[li_&]:mb-0 [li_&]:mt-1 [li_&]:gap-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ul]:pb-1 [&:not(:last-child)_ol]:pb-1 list-disc flex flex-col gap-1 pl-8 mb-3"> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Compensation: $138,000–$158,000 base salary, commensurate with experience</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Location: Rocklin, CA (HQ) or Texas preferred; remote candidates considered. Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">401(k) plan with company match</li> <li class="font-claude-response-body whitespace-normal break-words pl-2">Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement</li> </ul><div class="content-conclusion"> 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 <a href="mailto:[email protected]">[email protected]</a> </div>

About the Role

Related Roles