Senior Applications Engineer Jobs in Rancho Cordova, CA

Senior Applications Engineer, Solar PV & Battery Storage Systems
Remote, US (Eastern or Central time zone)

This is a power electronics and applications engineering role, not a software engineering position. We are looking for candidates with hands-on electrical or mechanical engineering backgrounds in solar PV and battery storage systems.

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 for this role. Candidates operating under a temporary work permit or any visa-tied employment authorization are also not eligible. This position is open to candidates located within the continental United States only.

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

The Senior Applications Engineer serves as a technical product specialist for PV and Battery Energy Storage solutions and systems. The role is responsible for advising SMA's customers across North America by analyzing system specifications and requirements, reviewing and proposing system designs, and supporting the sales organization through technical expertise and joint customer engagement. The ideal candidate brings deep knowledge of power electronics, utility-scale PV and BESS, a collaborative approach, and the ability to work cross-functionally across U.S. and global teams. This position is remote and requires residence in the Eastern or Central time zone to support alignment with the U.S. sales organization and with SMA headquarters in Germany.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

- Serve as a senior technical specialist for SMA, assisting customers with technical questions via telephone, email, and face-to-face meetings.
- Review customer and utility interconnection requirements and help select the appropriate SMA products and services; assist customers in the project design process and support key and EPC customers.
- Serve as a liaison between the U.S. sales team and the technical team at SMA headquarters in Germany.
- Create and deliver internal and external technical training materials and presentations.
- Develop sales materials for use by the sales team during customer meetings and new client engagements.
- Conduct competitor analysis and provide technical argumentation to effectively compete against analyzed products and solutions.
- Attend industry conferences and trade shows as necessary.
- Interface with product management, engineering, and service teams to ensure alignment on technical requirements.
- Other duties as may be required or assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

- Bachelor's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering, or equivalent hands-on industry experience, is required. A master's degree in electrical or mechanical engineering is a strong plus.
- Minimum 5 to 7 years of hands-on experience in renewable energy engineering, with direct work on PV or battery storage systems and solutions.
- In-depth knowledge of power electronics, including inverters and transformers.
- In-depth knowledge of power systems design.
- Working knowledge of PVSyst or similar PV system modeling tools, applied in real project work.
- Sound knowledge of the U.S. energy sector, including applicable norms, standards, and regulations.
- Knowledge of battery systems and solutions.
- Residence in the Eastern or Central time zone within the continental United States, with the ability to work core business hours aligned to Eastern time on a consistent basis.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- NABCEP certification (PVIP or similar) or equivalent industry credential.
- Knowledge of solar electric (PV) installation and system design.
- Knowledge of the energy sector in Mexico and/or Central America.
- Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment managing multiple projects concurrently.
- Willingness to travel periodically domestically and internationally, including to Canada, Latin America, and SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany.
- Proficiency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel).

WE OFFER

- Base salary range of $125,000 to $145,000 annually, dependent on experience, plus bonus eligibility.
- Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options.
- Remote-first work schedule. Continental U.S. candidates in the Eastern or Central time zone only.
- Relocation assistance available; budget to be confirmed.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Opportunities for professional development, training, and industry engagement.
- Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment with global cross-functional exposure.