Senior Failure Analysis Engineer, Medium Voltage Transformers – Switchgear

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Oversee hands-on investigations of field failures in medium voltage equipment, encompassing site inspections, electrical tests, disassembly, and evidence gathering.

• Conduct technical analyses of failures and data to identify failure mechanisms and their specific root causes.

• Utilize the 8D methodology for systematic identification of root causes.

• Ensure that analyses are grounded in evidence, thoroughly documented in accordance with standards and global practices, and meet stakeholder expectations.

• Perform initial site assessments and on-site technical evaluations while offering technical advice.

• Develop comprehensive failure descriptions and work closely with headquarters to support and advise other functions.

• Identify and document known failure patterns, providing technical guidance for their resolution.

• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary and international teams to establish sustainable corrective and preventive measures.

• Implement, track, and assess the effectiveness of corrective actions taken by service teams and suppliers.

• Partner with Customer Quality, Supplier Quality, and regional teams.

• Maintain a strong working relationship with the analysis unit at SMA headquarters and the U.S. application engineering team.

• Travel roughly 20 to 30% of the time to customer locations, the Rocklin, CA office, and relevant tradeshows as required.

• Undertake additional duties as necessary or assigned.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical engineering, or a similar field, or equivalent experience; a Master’s degree is preferred.

• At least 7 years of experience in research and development, technical failure analysis, and quality engineering, with a focus on customer relations.

• Required hands-on experience in field failure investigations involving medium voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgear, or converters.

• Ability to discern failure mechanisms and specific root causes based on site evidence, electrical test outcomes, and analysis of physical damage.

• Proficiency in the 8D method, 5 Why, Ishikawa diagramming, and Pareto analysis.

• Experience in sectors such as solar, utilities, power generation, or similar industries where medium voltage equipment is utilized.

• Capable of presenting quality findings and corrective measures to senior management.

• Willingness to travel approximately 20 to 30%, including trips to customer sites and the Rocklin, CA office.

• Availability for occasional early morning meetings with headquarters located in Germany.

• Required proficiency in written and spoken English; German language skills are a plus.

• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, is essential.

• Experience in conducting or interpreting medium voltage electrical tests such as insulation resistance, power factor, turns ratio, and dissolved gas analysis.

• Familiarity with hermetically sealed equipment.

• Working knowledge of SAP, Salesforce, and JIRA is advantageous.

🏝️ Benefits

• Eligibility for a discretionary annual profit-sharing bonus.

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including options with $0 premiums.

• Remote work arrangement available for candidates within the United States.

• Hybrid or in-office presence is preferred for candidates within commuting distance of the Rocklin, CA headquarters.

• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

• Access to professional development and training programs.

• An inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.