Senior Grid Modeling Engineer, Large Scale Grid Integration

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

📋 Description

• Function as a subject-matter expert in the modeling and analysis of utility-scale solar, storage, and hybrid power plants, providing support to the U.S. Application Engineering team for various SMA America projects and applications.

• Analyze ISO/TSO interconnection requirements (such as ERCOT, MISO, CAISO, ISO-NE, NYISO, PJM, SPP) and suggest suitable SMA control configurations and parameter adjustments, delivering tailored models in line with project-specific scopes.

• Oversee and manage versions of SMA's model portfolio across PSS/E, PSCAD/EMTDC, TSAT, and other simulation platforms utilized in the North American market.

• Offer technical assistance to the U.S. Application Engineering team by troubleshooting model functionality and conducting simulation studies to verify dynamic model performance against design specifications.

• Examine inverter control modes and plant-level control strategies—including their interactions in solar, storage, and hybrid system configurations—and facilitate model validation testing, benchmarking activities, and interconnection study processes.

• Create detailed modeling study reports, technical documentation, and project deliverables that effectively communicate simulation results and recommendations for IBR integration projects.

• Assess the influence of inverter-based resources on power system stability and propose technically robust mitigation strategies utilizing SMA's technology portfolio.

• Serve as a bridge between the U.S. Application Engineering team and SMA's Global Competence Center, ensuring effective communication and alignment on modeling-related activities.

• Collaborate with SMA's modeling team in Germany by providing insights on model performance, identifying potential challenges, suggesting new functionalities, and communicating emerging modeling needs and trends in North America.

• Engage in industry working groups and technical discussions pertaining to modeling standards and grid-code requirements in North America (e.g., NERC, ESIG, ISOs, TSOs, utilities), advocating for and advancing SMA technologies.

• Develop and present internal and external training materials on modeling tools, methodologies, and SMA model capabilities, supporting customer interactions, workshops, and technical presentations.

• Work collaboratively across departments with sales, product management, engineering, and service teams to ensure alignment on technical requirements and modeling-related initiatives.

• Carry out additional duties as assigned to support organizational and departmental goals.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a closely related field from an accredited institution is mandatory. A master's degree is preferred; a doctoral degree is highly advantageous.

• A minimum of 5 to 7 years of professional experience in the utility-scale renewable energy sector, specifically involving photovoltaic and energy storage systems.

• At least 5 years of practical experience in developing and analyzing dynamic and steady-state models of inverter-based resources using PSS/E, TSAT, and PSCAD/EMTDC.

• Experience in conducting power system analyses, including SMIB generation modeling, power flow, transient stability, electromagnetic transient, and short-circuit analyses, is highly desirable.

• Familiarity with hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) platforms such as RTDS/GTSOC, OPAL-RT, or Typhoon HIL is a significant advantage.

• Experience with TSAT modeling tools, especially in ERCOT and MISO jurisdictions, is a strong plus.

• Knowledge of Python, ASPEN OneLiner, MATLAB, or similar analytical tools is beneficial.

• Demonstrated understanding of utility-scale PV and BESS plant design, including single-line diagrams, control strategies, and integration considerations.

• Comprehensive knowledge of power electronic converters, medium-voltage transformers, MV switchgear, and protection system design.

• Strong familiarity with grid-forming inverter technology and advanced battery storage control solutions is highly preferred.

• Acquaintance with NERC reliability standards, IEEE technical standards, and grid-code requirements across major North American system operators is advantageous.

• Proven capability to collaborate across functions and work effectively in a fast-paced environment managing multiple concurrent projects.

• Willingness to travel internationally occasionally, including visits to SMA headquarters in Kassel, Germany.

• Proficiency in English, with strong written and verbal communication skills, is essential.

• Competence in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) is required.

• Note: Degrees obtained more than three years ago are preferred for this position, as we are looking for candidates with considerable hands-on industry experience beyond their academic background.

🏝️ Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision coverage, with $0 premium options available.

• Remote-first working model. Candidates must be located in the continental U.S. only.

• Relocation assistance is offered; budget to be confirmed.

• 401(k) plan with company matching contributions.

• Opportunities for professional development, training, and involvement in industry working groups and standards organizations.

• An inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment with global cross-functional exposure.