About the Job
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 ...
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 rea...
Key Responsibilities
Lead integration of site controllers, inverters, and auxiliary equipment into a unified plant communications 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 Skills & Abilities
Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience
At least 5 years of utility communications, industrial networking, OT systems, 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 OT communication systems, including 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
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
