SMA America - Senior Grid Modeling Engineer, Large Scale Grid Integration
Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related discipline from an accredited institution is required. A master's degree is preferred; a doctoral degree is highly advantageous. • Minimum 5--7 years of professional experience in the utility-scale renewable energy sector, specifically involving photovoltaic and energy storage systems. • At least 5 years of hands-on experience developing and analyzing dynamic and steady-state models of inverter-based resources using PSS/E, TSAT, and PSCAD/EMTDC. • Experience performing power system analyses including SMIB generation modeling, power flow, transient stability, electromagnetic transient, and short-circuit analyses is highly desirable. • Experience with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platforms such as RTDS/GTSOC, OPAL-RT, or Typhoon HIL is a strong plus. • Experience with TSAT modeling tools, particularly in ERCOT and MISO jurisdictions, is a strong plus. • Familiarity with Python, ASPEN OneLiner, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools is advantageous. • Demonstrated knowledge of utility-scale PV and BESS plant design, including single-line diagrams, control strategies, and integration considerations. • Comprehensive understanding of power electronic converters, medium-voltage transformers, MV switchgear, and protection system design. • Strong familiarity with grid-forming inverter technology and advanced battery storage control solutions is highly desirable. • Familiarity with NERC reliability standards, IEEE technical standards, and grid-code requirements across major North American system operators is advantageous. • 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, is required. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) is required. • Note: Degrees completed more than three years ago are preferred for this role, as we are seeking candidates with substantial hands-on industry experience beyond their academic foundation.
Responsibilities
• Serve as a subject-matter expert in the modeling and analysis of utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid power plants, supporting the U.S. Application Engineering team across multiple SMA America projects and applications. • Interpret ISO/TSO interconnection requirements (e.g., ERCOT, MISO, CAISO, ISO-NE, NYISO, PJM, SPP) and recommend appropriate SMA control configurations and parameter tuning, delivering customized models aligned with project-specific scopes. • Maintain and manage versions of SMA's model portfolio across PSS/E, PSCAD/EMTDC, TSAT, 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 comprehensive 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 propose technically sound mitigation strategies using SMA's technology portfolio. • Act as a liaison between the U.S. Application Engineering team and SMA's Global Competence Center, ensuring effective communication and alignment on modeling-related tasks. • 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. • Participate in industry working groups and technical discussions related to modeling standards and grid-code requirements in North America (e.g., NERC, ESIG, ISOs, TSOs, utilities), representing and supporting the advancement of SMA technologies. • Develop and deliver internal and external training materials on modeling tools, methodologies, and SMA model capabilities, supporting customer engagements, workshops, and technical presentations. • 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.
Benefits
• 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. • Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer, Grid Integration • WORK AUTHORIZATION • 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 • RECRUITMENT FRAUD NOTICEAll 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]. • RECRUITMENT FRAUD NOTICE • POSITION OVERVIEWThe 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. • Base salary range of $130,000 to $157,000 annually, dependent on experience, plus bonus eligibility. • Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options. • Remote-first work schedule. Continental U.S. candidates only. • Relocation assistance available on a case by case basis. • 401(k) plan with company match. • Opportunities for professional development and training. • Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment with global cross-functional exposure. • Our EEO Policy
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