Senior Controls Engineer, Utility-Scale PV & BESS

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.

Senior Controls Engineer, Utility-Scale PV BESS

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. SMA America does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN visas. Candidates who currently require or will in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible for this role. Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible.

AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS

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PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior Project Engineer enables reliable and compliant plant operation at the point of interconnection (POI) that allows our customers to integrate SMA system solutions into their local markets. This is a specialized role in the field of controls engineering, where the Senior Project Engineer may also be required to support integration tests and site acceptance tests for verification of compliance with local grid codes.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for configuring, programming, integrating, and maintaining SMA's utility-scale inverters' plant-level control system, the SMA Power Plant Manager (PPM)

Responsible for ensuring SMA inverter and PPM functions and parameters are set in accordance with the customer's project expectations and requirements

Responsible for the performance of large-scale photovoltaic and BESS power plant projects up to the hundreds-of-megawatts in scale

Responsible for comprehensive control-related technical support throughout the end-to-end process of complex customer projects in North America

Acts as the key contact during the pre-sales phase, working with project developers, SCADA vendors, and EMS providers, and serves as primary support for SMA America Service

Leads Control System Assessments by gathering project data and defining functional requirements for the PPM

Analyzes electrical system parameters, grid code requirements, and plant configurations

Configures and/or describes the PPM in applications including active and reactive power control, grid-forming versus grid-following operation, SOC balancing, battery dispatch strategy, and frequency response

Composes documents and high-level schematics demonstrating PPM functions' alignment with project and grid requirements

Creates and supports Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs) validating inverter functionality in accordance with project and grid requirements

Supports integration testing and tuning, including interoperability with SCADA interfaces and 3rd-party Power Plant Controllers, and Site Acceptance Testing

Other duties as may be required or assigned

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, energy engineering, control systems engineering, or a comparable field

At least 5-8 years of professional experience in power plant controls or SCADA systems

Solid knowledge of utility-scale PV and BESS system technology, including hands-on experience with control systems, energy management systems, or communication systems for PV/BESS projects

Strong understanding of power system behavior at the POI, grid codes, and grid-forming functionalities

Communication protocol experience such as Modbus and DNP3

Experience with RTDS

Familiarity with PLCs, edge controllers, or plant control systems

Familiarity with SCADA and EMS

OTHER SPECIALIZED SKILLS

Extensive knowledge of power systems, SCADA/communication protocols, and plant control logic, as well as the ability to deliver communication interface configuration files and control-related documentation

Excellent writing and communication skills, capable of explaining complex concepts

Strong methodological competence in structuring complex overall project contexts, demonstrated through successfully delivered projects

Proficiency in the English language, both writt…