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
• SMA America • Rocklin, CA headquarters • we’d love to meet you. • WORK AUTHORIZATIONCandidates 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. • WORK AUTHORIZATION • AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS • Base salary range of $137,000 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; budget to be confirmed. • 401(k) plan with company match. • Opportunities for professional development, training, and participation in industry working groups and standards bodies. • Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment with global cross-functional exposure. • Our EEO Policy
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