Principal Application Engineer @ SMA America

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.

POSTITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Principal Application Engineer – Utility Scale Storage who is responsible for serving as a subject matter expert for Battery Energy Storage Solutions. Duties include consulting with SMA’s customers in North America, Mexico, and Central America by analyzing system specifications and requirements, reviewing and/or proposing system designs based on expert knowledge and known solutions, answering advanced technical questions, developing, and presenting internal sales materials and by collaborating with the SMA sales and service organization including joint customer visits.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

Serves as a Subject matter expert for SMA and assists customers in BESS project designs by answering technical questions via telephone, e-mail and/or face-to-face meetings.
Reviews customer and utility interconnection requirements and helps select the right SMA products, solutions, and services. Assists customers in the project design process. Supports Key customers and EPC customer base.
Deep technical knowledge of BESS control architecture, selection of inverter solutions based on project requirements, integration with Energy Management Systems and overall project design.
Creates and delivers internal and external technical training – mentors Application Engineers, Sales, and Service colleagues.
Creates sales materials, to be used by the sales staff during meetings with existing customers and potential new clients.
Conducts competitor analysis and provides technical argumentation to successfully compete against the analyzed products and/or solutions.
Attends industry conferences and trade shows as necessary.
Serves as a liaison between the US sales team and the technical team at SMA HQ in Germany. Interface to product management and engineering.
Other duties as may be required or assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

A bachelor’s degree in electrical/mechanical engineering or direct relevant experience is a must; an additional master’s degree in electrical or mechanical engineering would be a strong plus.
Minimum 12 to 15 years of experience in engineering or additional experience in other technical BESS related disciplines are a plus. Experience in renewable energy is required.
In depth knowledge of power electronics including inverters and transformers is required.
In depth knowledge of control architectures related to BESS projects is required.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

In depth knowledge in power systems design is preferred.
Sound knowledge of the US energy sector including applicable norms, standards and regulations strongly desired.
Knowledge of the energy sector in Mexico and/or Central America would be a plus.
Knowledge of BESS and Solar electric (PV) installation and system design is preferred.
Knowledge of PVSyst or similar PV and BESS system modeling tool is preferred.
Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required.
Proficiency in the Spanish language, both written and verbal, would be a plus
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) required.
Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy are required.
Excellent interpersonal, communication and presentation skills are required.
Excellent organizational skills are required.
Ability to analyze and solve problems.
Ability to perform in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to handle multiple projects in parallel.
Highly customer and success orientated.
Ability to work individually as well as part of a team
This position may require periodic domestic travel as well as international travel to Canada, Latin America, and the company’s headquarters in Germany.

WE OFFER

Pay Range: $129,000.00 - $167,000 annually, dependent upon experience
Comprehensive benefits including health, dental and vision coverage (including $0 premium options)
Dedicated Hybrid Schedule: In-Office Tuesday and Thursdays; remote on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays
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 [email protected]

Principal Application Engineer

Utility Scale Storage

SMA America

Compensation Overview