Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. SMA America is hiring a Senior OT Communications & Cybersecurity Engineer to support the design, integration, and operation of communications and control systems for utility-scale renewable energy assets. The role owns site-level communications architecture, M2M integration, and secure connectivity between sites, utilities, and cloud platforms.
Responsibilities
- Lead integration of site controllers, inverters, and auxiliary equipment into a unified plant communications 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
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant work experience
- At least 5 years of utility communications, industrial networking, OT systems, 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 OT communication systems, including 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
- 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
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Proven ability to work effectively in a matrix organization
- Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis
- 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
- IEC 61850 (preferred)
- German and/or Spanish language skills are a plus
Benefits
- Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Opportunities for professional development and industry engagement
- Remote candidates considered
Company Overview