Senior SCADA & Communications EngineerRocklin, CA (HQ) or Texas / Remote considered, US (location pending your confirmation)
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
- Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible
AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS- We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content
- Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation will be disqualified from consideration without further review
- We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience
PURPOSE OF THE POSITIONThe 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- Lead integration of site controllers, inverters, and auxiliary equipment into a unified SCADA architecture
- Design and configure machine-to-machine (M2M) communications between site controllers, inverters, and plant-level gateways and data concentrators
- 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
- Design and support OT networks, including firewalls, routers, switches, VLANs and segmentation, and fiber optic networks
- Manage secure communication interfaces between sites and utilities, transmission operators, ISOs/RTOs, asset owners, and cloud-based platforms
- Configure and validate protocols for wide-area communications, including real-time telemetry, dispatch and control signals, and event and disturbance reporting
- Design and implement multi-layer cybersecurity architectures, including segmented network zones, secure data replication layers, and unidirectional gateways (data diodes) for critical assets
- Support compliance with NERC CIP standards, utility interconnection requirements, and internal cybersecurity frameworks
- Enable inverter monitoring, diagnostics, and fault detection through integration with cloud-based dashboards
- Collaborate with O&M and engineering teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize system performance
- Maintain auditable data and communication structures to meet regulatory compliance requirements
- Other duties as assigned
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience
- At least 5 years of SCADA or energy management systems experience
- Strong understanding of firewalls and network security fundamentals
- Ability to debug network connections using tools such as Wireshark
- Extensive hands-on experience with utility-scale SCADA systems, including SCADA servers, RTUs, PLCs, industrial gateways, and edge/data collection devices
- Strong experience with industrial and utility protocols such as Modbus TCP/IP, DNP3, IEC 61850 (preferred), and OPC UA
- Strong understanding of OT cybersecurity principles, including defense-in-depth architectures, secure remote access/VPNs, and network segmentation and monitoring
- Experience implementing secure communication paths between OT and IT systems
- Comfort working with field data, diagnostics, and system telemetry
OTHER SPECIALIZED SKILLS- Background in commissioning or field deployment
- Experience implementing unidirectional security solutions (data diodes)
- Knowledge of ISO/RTO integration requirements
- Strong cross-functional collaboration across engineering, O&M, and IT/security teams
- Excellent troubleshooting and problem-solving capabilities
- Ability to clearly communicate technical architectures to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Familiarity with NERC CIP and cybersecurity frameworks for critical infrastructure
- Proficiency in English required; German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Proven ability to work effectively in a matrix organization
- Periodic domestic travel required; international travel may be required
WE OFFER- Compensation: $138,000-$158,000 base salary, commensurate with experience
- Location: Rocklin, CA (HQ) or Texas preferred; remote candidates considered. Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement
