Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer, Grid Integration

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]:bg-bg-000/50 [&_pre>div]:border-0.5 [&_pre>div]:border-border-400 [&_.ignore-pre-bg>div]:bg-transparent [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-[var(--msg-text-inset,0.5rem)] [&_.standard-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8 [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pl-[var(--msg-text-inset,0.5rem)] [&_.progressive-markdown_:is(p,blockquote,ul,ol,h1,h2,h3,h4,h5,h6)]:pr-8">

• _*]:min-w-0 gap-3 [&_>_*:last-child]:mb-0 print:block print:[&_>_:where(:not(:first-child))]:mt-3 standard-markdown">
• 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 inver