Field Service Engineer - PPM Specialist

SMA Solar Technology AG; Milano; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Smart working / remote work

Supplementary pension plan

Job summary

SMA Solar Technology AG in Milano, Italy seeks a System Commissioning Engineer to lead commissioning, design validation, diagnostics and first-line technical troubleshooting for utility-scale PV systems. The role acts as the primary technical decision-maker during commissioning and supports regional SWEU expertise across countries.

Responsibilities include reviewing designs, diagnosing issues, coordinating with Field Service, planning activities, and ensuring safety and standards compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or equivalent.
• Certifications in industrial automation are an advantage.
• Experience with PLC programming, SCADA, and IT networks.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first-line commissioning expert for utility-scale and commercial PV plants, energy management systems, SCADA platforms, PLCs and communication infrastructure.
• Review and validate electrical, automation, control and communication system designs before commissioning, identifying technical risks and gaps.
• Perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting and root cause analysis remotely and on-site.
• Define and implement corrective actions whenever possible and determine when specialist field intervention is required.
• Escalate complex issues and coordinate specialist interventions with Field Service and PPM resources when required.
• Plan commissioning activities and priorities in coordination with the Project Management team.
• Prepare and maintain technical reports, test records, commissioning protocols and project documentation.
• Support field testing and validation of new technologies, products and software releases.
• Provide technical coaching and guidance to service engineers, partners and relevant internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety procedures, technical standards and company requirements during remote and on-site activities.

Skills

PLC programming

SCADA systems

Industrial IT networks

Root cause analysis

Autonomous work

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Certifications in industrial automation (advantage)

Tools

SCADA software

PLC programming software

Job description

SYSTEM COMMISSIONING ENGINEER

CAREER PATH: SPECIALIST

RANGE SALARY: 40.000 – 50.000

DEPARTMENT: LARGE SCALE & PROJECT BUSINESS

REPORTING TO: SENIOR APPLICATION ENGINEER & PJM ITALY

POSITION TYPE: PERMANENT

Required Travel: Ocassional travel availability

Location

Milano, IT, 20142

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The System Commissioning Engineer is responsible for commissioning, design validation, advanced diagnostics and first-line technical troubleshooting of SMA utility systems. The role acts as the primary technical decision-maker during commissioning activities, identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions where possible and determining when specialist field intervention is required. Following successful implementation of the pilot phase, the role is expected to evolve into a regional SWEU technical expert position supporting commissioning and technical excellence across multiple countries.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Act as the first-line commissioning expert for utility-scale and commercial PV plants, energy management systems, SCADA platforms, PLCs and communication infrastructure.
• Review and validate electrical, automation, control and communication system designs before commissioning, identifying technical risks and gaps.
• Perform advanced diagnostics, troubleshooting and root cause analysis remotely and on-site.
• Define and implement corrective actions whenever possible and determine when specialist field intervention is required.
• Escalate complex issues and coordinate specialist interventions with Field Service and PPM resources when required.
• Plan commissioning activities and priorities in coordination with the Project Management team.
• Prepare and maintain technical reports, test records, commissioning protocols and project documentation.
• Support field testing and validation of new technologies, products and software releases.
• Provide technical coaching and guidance to service engineers, partners and relevant internal stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with applicable safety procedures, technical standards and company requirements during remote and on-site activities.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• More than three years of experience in commissioning, industrial automation, renewable energy, power electronics or a comparable technical role.
• Proven experience with PLC programming, SCADA systems, industrial communication protocols and IT networks.
• Experience in electrical, automation and control system design review and validation.
• Demonstrated ability to diagnose complex technical issues and perform structured root cause analysis.
• Experience in utility-scale PV, BESS, energy management systems or power plant control solutions is an advantage.
• Experience working in an international or regional organisation is an advantage.

REQUIRED EDUCATION

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Automation Engineering or an equivalent technical discipline.
• Relevant technical certifications in industrial automation, energy systems, networking or electrical safety are an advantage.

OTHER COMPETENCIES AND SKILLS

• Strong knowledge of PLC programming, SCADA systems, control systems, industrial communications and IT networks.
• Sound understanding of electrical systems, PV plants and power electronic equipment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to work autonomously on complex technical issues.
• Clear communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with Project Management, Field Service, Engineering, partners and customers.
• Business awareness, customer focus and the ability to translate technical findings into practical actions.
• Availability to travel approximately 50% of the time during the first year. Travel requirements are expected to decrease as remote commissioning capabilities are progressively implemented, depending on project and business needs.
• The role includes an initial structured technical training and onboarding period, expected to last approximately two months.

EXTENT OF RESPONSIBILITY

Italy

LANGUAGES

English : excellent professional proficiency.

Additional European languages are an advantage.

BENEFIT

• Smart working / remote work, subject to eligibility criteria.
• Supplementary pension plan, subject to applicable eligibility criteria.

Compensation is determined based on:

• Relevant professional experience.
• Technical and functional skills.

Scope and complexity of the role.

WHAT SMA OFFERS

A dynamic technical role within the Large Scale & Project Business organisation, combining field activities, remote support and collaboration with customers and international teams.

Through structured onboarding and specialised training, including opportunities at SMA’s headquarters in Germany, you will develop expertise in commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting of utility-scale PV solutions, with increasing autonomy and a strong focus on service quality, safety and innovation.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

SMA is committed to equal employment opportunities. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit and business needs, in accordance with applicable legislation and company policy.

Why SMA?

Would you like to play a part in shaping the energy supply of the future? Then SMA might be the right place for you.

At SMA, you contribute to solutions that help advance the transition to a sustainable energy supply worldwide. We value people who take ownership, share ideas and actively drive change.