Senior Power Systems Engineer, Real Time Simulation and HIL

Senior Power Systems Engineer, Real Time Simulation and HIL

Rocklin, CA (Hybrid)

LOCATION AND WORK MODEL

This position is hybrid and based at our Rocklin, California headquarters, onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays or as determined by the hiring manager. The role includes occasional international travel, including visits to SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Join SMA America and help shape the future of renewable energy grid integration. As a Senior Power Systems Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the deployment of SMA's industry leading utility scale solar PV and BESS solutions, supporting utility scale renewable energy, battery storage, and next generation data center applications. In this unique position, you will develop, validate, and analyze advanced power system models that support grid integration, interconnection compliance, and reliable operation of inverter based resources. You will leverage high fidelity real time simulation models to evaluate and optimize inverter and plant control performance under a wide range of grid conditions.

The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in power systems engineering, hands on experience with real time simulation and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) platforms such as RTDS, OPAL, and Typhoon, and a strong understanding of inverter based resource controls and grid behavior. Beyond technical excellence, we are seeking a collaborative and forward thinking professional who thrives in a dynamic global environment, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and is passionate about accelerating the energy transition.

In this position, you will have the opportunity to work with world class experts in renewable energy and grid modernization. This role offers exposure to cutting edge technologies, state of the art simulation systems, global collaboration, and innovative projects that support the evolving needs of utilities, developers, and data center operators.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the development and deployment of SMA's utility scale solar, battery energy storage, hybrid power plant, and data center solutions through power system modeling and performance analysis.

Develop, maintain, and optimize real time simulation models and Hardware in the Loop test environments using platforms such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, and Typhoon HIL.

Perform simulation studies and model validation activities to support project development, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure alignment with customer and grid requirements.

Contribute to grid interconnection and compliance activities by interpreting utility and ISO requirements for generation and load, supporting the configuration and validation of SMA inverter and plant control solutions.

Analyze the performance of inverter based resources, energy storage systems, and plant level controls across solar, storage, and emerging data center power applications.

Evaluate the impact of inverter based resources on power system performance and stability, and support the development of effective technical solutions.

Support the evaluation and validation of advanced grid support and grid forming control strategies for renewable energy and energy storage applications.

Collaborate with R&D, software, hardware, and application engineering teams to validate system performance, assess control strategies, and support successful project execution.

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 improvements, recommending new functionalities, and communicating emerging modeling requirements and industry trends across North America.

Prepare modeling study reports, technical documentation, and project deliverables that clearly communicate simulation findings and recommendations.

Participate in industry initiatives, technical working groups, and standards discussions to stay informed on evolving grid requirements and industry best practices.

Develop and deliver technical training, presentations, and knowledge sharing materials for internal teams, customers, and industry stakeholders.

Work closely with Sales, Product Management, Engineering, and Service teams to support customer engagements and ensure technical alignment across projects and strategic initiatives.

Other duties as may be required or assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution.

Minimum of 5 years of experience in power systems, renewable energy, utility applications, or a related engineering field.

Experience with real time simulation and Hardware in the Loop (HIL) platforms such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, Typhoon HIL, or similar technologies.

Experience supporting power system modeling and analysis activities, including dynamic performance studies, electromagnetic transient (EMT) simulations, inverter and plant controller validation, and grid interconnection assessments.

Working knowledge of utility scale PV and BESS plant design, single line diagrams, control strategies, power electronic converters, and grid integration considerations.

Familiarity with inverter based resource (IBR) behavior, grid support functions, and plant control strategies for utility scale renewable energy and energy storage applications.

Exposure to or familiarity with industrial communication protocols such as Modbus, CAN, DNP3, GOOSE, and SCADA systems.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem solving skills, with the ability to interpret technical requirements and translate them into practical engineering solutions.

Proven ability to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic, project driven environment.

Willingness to travel internationally on an occasional basis, including visits to SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with the ability to effectively communicate technical concepts to both technical and non technical audiences.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master's or doctoral degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline.

Experience with PSCAD/EMTDC, PSS/E, and TSAT.

Proficiency with engineering and analytical software such as Python, MATLAB, ASPEN OneLiner, or similar tools for modeling, automation, and data analysis.

Working knowledge of medium voltage power systems, including transformers, switchgear, protection schemes, and protection system coordination.

Familiarity with grid forming inverter technologies, advanced battery energy storage controls, data centers, and emerging applications supporting renewable energy integration.

Understanding of NERC reliability standards, IEEE standards, and North American grid code requirements, including those applicable to major ISOs, transmission operators, and utilities.

Candidates who do not meet every qualification but bring a strong foundation in power systems, renewable energy, and real time simulation are encouraged to apply.

WE OFFER

Compensation: $130,000 to $160,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications, plus bonus eligibility.

Medical plan options through Aetna, plus Kaiser in California, including a $0 premium option, with SMA covering about 90% or more of medical premiums and contributing up to $1,500 a year to your HSA on the high deductible plan.

$0 employee only dental and vision options, plus short and long term disability and $50,000 in life and AD&D insurance at no cost.

16 days of PTO, increasing with tenure, plus 12 paid holidays.

401k plan with a 100% match up to 5%.

Tuition reimbursement and opportunities for professional development.

Work Model: Hybrid, based at our Rocklin, CA headquarters, onsite Tuesdays and Thursdays or as determined by the hiring manager.

Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.

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 ASSISTED APPLICATION MATERIALS

We welcome candidates who use AI tools to organize or polish their application materials. Your resume and responses must accurately reflect your own experience and be written in your own voice. Applications that include fabricated or exaggerated experience, hidden text or embedded instructions, or prescreen responses that do not reflect your own knowledge may be removed from consideration. We want to hear your story: the work you have done, the results you have delivered and the experience you would bring to SMA.

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 HRGeneralmailbox@sma-america.com.