Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer, Real Time Simulation
SMA America · Rocklin, CA · hybrid
Why Work at SMA America
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.
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Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer, Real Time Simulation
Rocklin, CA (Hybrid)
Why Work at SMA America
At SMA America, we believe in Energy that Changes. Since 1981, we've been developing innovative solar technology that simplifies, secures, and enhances the performance of photovoltaic systems, all while pushing the boundaries of what's possible in clean energy.
But we're not just transforming power, we're empowering people.
We've built a culture where bold ideas are welcomed, collaboration is second nature, and your career growth truly matters. With our Rocklin, CA headquarters as the hub, we offer a hybrid work model, competitive benefits, and a team-driven environment where your impact is seen and felt.
Whether you're a sales expert, service pro, or engineering innovator, if you're ready to join a purpose-driven team committed to shaping the future of energy, we'd love to meet you.
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
We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content. Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation, including AI-written resumes, cover letters, or responses, will be disqualified from consideration without further review. We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience.
RECRUITMENT FRAUD NOTICE
All 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 HRGeneralmailbox@sma-america.com.
POSITION OVERVIEW
Join SMA America and help shape the future of renewable energy grid integration. As a Senior Power Systems Modeling Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in advancing the deployment of SMA's industry-leading utility-scale solar PV and BESS solutions, supporting utility-scale renewable energy, battery storage, and next-generation data center applications. In this unique position, you will develop, validate, and analyze advanced power system models that support grid integration, interconnection compliance, and reliable operation of inverter-based resources. You will leverage high-fidelity real-time simulation models to evaluate and optimize inverter and plant control performance under a wide range of grid conditions.
The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in power systems engineering, hands-on experience with real-time simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platforms such as RTDS, OPAL, and Typhoon, and a strong understanding of inverter-based resource controls and grid behavior. Beyond technical excellence, we are seeking a collaborative and forward-thinking professional who thrives in a dynamic global environment, enjoys solving complex engineering challenges, and is passionate about accelerating the energy transition.
At this position, you will have the opportunity to work with world-class experts in renewable energy and grid modernization. This role offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies, state-of-the-art simulation systems, global collaboration, and innovative projects that support the evolving needs of utilities, developers, and data center operators.
PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support the development and deployment of SMA's utility-scale solar, battery energy storage, hybrid power plant, and data center solutions through power system modeling and performance analysis.
- Develop, maintain, and optimize real-time simulation models and Hardware-in-the-Loop test environments using platforms such as RTDS, OPAL-RT, and Typhoon HIL.
- Perform simulation studies and model validation activities to support project development, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure alignment with customer and grid requirements.
- Contribute to grid interconnection and compliance activities by interpreting utility and ISO requirements for generation and load, supporting the configuration and validation of SMA inverter and plant control solutions.
- Analyze the performance of inverter-based resources, energy storage systems, and plant-level controls across solar, storage, and emerging data center power applications.
- Evaluate the impact of inverter-based resources on power system performance and stability, and support the development of effective technical solutions.
- Support the evaluation and validation of advanced grid-support and grid-forming control strategies for renewable energy and energy storage applications.
- Collaborate with R&D, software, hardware, and application engineering teams to validate system performance, assess control strategies, and support successful project execution.
- Coordinate with SMA's Global Competence Center on modeling-related tasks, supporting alignment between the U.S. Application Engineering team and global counterparts.
- Collaborate with SMA's modeling team in Germany by providing feedback on model performance, identifying improvements, recommending new functionalities, and communicating emerging modeling requirements and industry trends across North America.
- Prepare modeling study reports, technical documentation, and