Senior SCADA & Communications Engineer

SMA America; United States; Hybrid; USD 138,000 - 158,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) plan with company match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

SMA America is seeking a Senior SCADA & Communications Engineer to lead the design, integration, and operation of site‑level communications for utility‑scale solar, storage, and hybrid projects. The role covers SCADA integration, secure connectivity between sites, and cloud platforms, with a focus on OT cybersecurity and regulatory compliance.

The position offers HQ in Rocklin, CA or Texas, with remote work considered for qualified candidates.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience.
• At least 5 years of SCADA 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 SCADA systems, including SCADA servers, 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.

Responsibilities

• Lead integration of site controllers, inverters, and auxiliary equipment into a unified SCADA 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

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Computer Engineering

Tools

Wireshark

Modbus TCP/IP

DNP3

IEC 61850

OPC UA

VPNs / Firewalls

OT cybersecurity

Job description

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.

Senior SCADA & Communications Engineer

Rocklin, CA (HQ) or Texas / Remote considered, US (location pending your confirmation)

WORK AUTHORIZATION

• Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis
• SMA America does not offer employment visa sponsorship of any kind, including H-1B, OPT, CPT, or TN visas
• Candidates who currently require or will in the future require visa sponsorship are not eligible
• Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa‑tied employment authorization are also not eligible

AI-GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALS

• We review all resumes and application materials for AI-generated content
• Submissions that show evidence of AI manipulation will be disqualified from consideration without further review
• We want to hear your authentic voice and see your genuine experience

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The Senior SCADA & Communications Engineer supports the design, integration, and operation of communication and control systems across utility-scale renewable energy assets, including solar PV, battery storage, and hybrid plants. This role owns site‑level communications architecture, machine‑to‑machine (M2M) SCADA integration, and secure connectivity between sites, utilities, and cloud platforms.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead integration of site controllers, inverters, and auxiliary equipment into a unified SCADA 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 QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience
• At least 5 years of SCADA 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 SCADA systems, including SCADA servers, 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

OTHER SPECIALIZED SKILLS

• 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

WE OFFER

• Compensation: $138,000–$158,000 base salary, commensurate with experience
• Location: Rocklin, CA (HQ) or Texas preferred; remote candidates considered. Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement

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 theapplication.

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 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].

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