Site Lead Engineer

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.

The O&M Site Lead Engineer is responsible for supervising and coordinating the specific site O&M activities for which assigned. Duties include but not limited to providing site Sunny Central inverter and site O&M support, planning the O&M schedule, and commissioning, troubleshooting, repairing, and analyzing the installed site inverters as well as coordinating 3rd party repair and scheduling for on-site activities.   

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Supervises the O&M team at the assigned site(s). 

• Plans the site O&M/maintenance schedule and coordinates site activities according to the site maintenance plans. Formulate plans, procedures, reports and any associated documentation or procedures for the site assigned. 

• Commissions, troubleshoots, repairs, and analyzes the site equipment, including but not limited to: Inverters, DC array, AC collector system, MV equipment and Substations locally, in the field, via email and telephone. 

• Develops a detailed knowledge of all PV Plants commercial inverter products, associated accessories, and third-party equipment that are sold by SMA or others for use with the inverters or installed at the specific site and maintained/operated by SMA. 

• Maintains a working knowledge of the local applicable and National safety and Electrical codes to include but not limited to the National Electrical Code (NEC), Electrical Safety in the Workplace (NFPA 70E), OSHA etc. 

• Regularly works with high voltage DC electricity, three phase power, and the relevant software and firmware of site installed equipment. 

• Operates the plant through designed or ad-hoc operating systems, to include but not limited to SCADA system, remote desktop software, 3rd party monitoring or any other designed remote operability systems. 

• Works with monitoring center to properly identify and determine best opportunities for operations. 

• Maintains a high level of customer satisfaction and site availability while striving to lower the costs of site operations. Provides customer/owner phone support for the site equipment. 

• Other duties as may be required or assigned. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS   

• A Bachelor’s degree in a technical field is strongly preferred or other equivalent experience. 

• At least 5 years of experience in electrical, electronic and network communications are required. 

• At least 2 years of experience in a supervisory position are preferred. 

• Prior experience in the solar energy industry is strongly preferred.   

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS    

• Knowledge of solar and/or alternative energy markets is preferred. 

• Knowledge of National Electric Code(s) is preferred. 

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills are required. 

• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required. 

• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are required. 

• Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively. 

• This position may require infrequent domestic or international travel. 

WE OFFER   

• Compensation Range: $31.00 - $40.65 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications  

• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)  

• 401(k) plan with company match  

• Opportunities for professional development and training   

• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment    

Our EEO Policy 

We are an equal opportunity employer and we make our employment decisions on the basis of merit and without regard to one’s race, color, creed, sex (includes gender, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), gender identity, religion, marital status, age (over 40), national origin or ancestry, physical or mental disability (includes HIV/Aids), medical condition (cancer, genetic characteristics), veteran’s status, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by law.

In accordance with applicable law protecting qualified individuals with known disabilities, SMA will attempt to reasonably accommodate qualified applicants with known disabilities, unless doing so would create an undue hardship on SMA. Any qualified applicant with a disability who believes he or she requires an accommodation in order to perform the essential functions of the job for which he or she is applying should identify the accommodation(s) needed in the application.

Our Privacy Policy

During your job application or recruitment process with us: (a) SMA may collect your personal information directly from you, such as when you submit your application and resume on our online portal or when you have job interviews with us. We may also obtain your personal information from third parties, including but not limited to your former employers, background or employment check service providers or third-party recruiters; and, (b) SMA may use or process applicants' personal information for relevant purposes including but not limited to general communications with you, identity verification, background or employment checks, determination of eligibility, and making hiring decisions. For successful job applicants who become SMA’s staff, we may retain and integrate your personal information collected during the recruitment process into your records at SMA. For unsuccessful job applicants, [SMA may retain your application for internal records or for future recruitment purposes].

If you are a California resident, you have specific rights regarding your personal information under the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, as amended including by the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020, and its implementing regulations (the “CCPA”). This Company Personnel and Covered Individuals Privacy Notice for California Residents issued by SMA is applicable to you and explains your CCPA rights and our collection, use or disclosure of your personal information.

If you have any question regarding our privacy policy, please contact us at US_DataPrivacy@sma-america.com