Senior Controls Engineer, Utility-Scale PV & BESSWORK AUTHORIZATIONApplicants 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.
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PURPOSE OF THE POSITIONThe 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 written and verbal, is required. German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are required
- Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively
- Ability to maintain confidentiality in a variety of situations
- Ability to work individually and as a member of a team in a global environment
- Ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects
- Ability to multitask and work efficiently
- Ability to work under pressure
- Ability to effectively present information to senior management and other audiences
- This position may require periodic domestic and international travel
WE OFFER- Base salary range of $125,000 to $150,000 annually, dependent on experience
- 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
