Why Work at SMA AmericaPower the future. Build your career at SMA America.
As the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, we have been at the forefront of solar inverter technology since 1981, developing solutions that make photovoltaic power plants simpler, more reliable, safer, and more cost effective. Headquartered in Rocklin, California, SMA America has spent more than two decades helping homes, businesses, and utilities across the country generate clean, reliable power. We are the only inverter manufacturer in the world offering solutions for every system size, from residential rooftops to large scale utility plants, backed by more than 1,500 patents and a presence in over 190 countries.
Innovation is only part of the story. We invest in our people, create room to grow, challenge conventional thinking, and protect a culture where teammates genuinely care about each other and the work. We hire capable people and give them the space to do the job, with clear expectations, open door leadership, and real autonomy.
If you are passionate about driving positive change and want a career where you can take ownership of your work, we would love to meet you. Together, we are not just part of the energy transition, we are helping drive it forward.
Field Service Engineer, Medium Voltage I, Midwest
Field based, Midwest region: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin
LOCATION AND WORK MODELThis position is field based and covers the Midwest region, which includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Candidates must reside within the Midwest region. This position requires significant regional travel, with occasional travel elsewhere in the United States.
PURPOSE OF THE POSITIONThe Field Service Engineer, Medium Voltage I is an entry level role responsible for assisting with the installation, inspection, and maintenance of control wiring within SMA inverter and Medium Voltage systems. This position develops foundational skills in utility grade Medium Voltage and High Voltage systems, installation, terminations, and print reading while working under direct supervision. The role emphasizes strict adherence to safety practices and quality standards.
PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES- Attends daily job site safety briefings, proactively identifying, eliminating, and mitigating hazards.
- Assists crews in the testing, inspection, and maintenance of high, medium, and low voltage electrical equipment.
- Performs troubleshooting of electrical and control systems, and assists in determining root cause and implementing corrective actions.
- Performs repair, replacement, and maintenance activities to restore equipment and systems, under the supervision of a Level II or Level III Field Service Engineer.
- Completes accurate documentation, including test reports.
- Supports project planning, resource coordination, and work sequencing to optimize field efficiency.
- Works closely with senior technicians and engineers to support field activities and learn proper techniques and procedures.
- Maintains tools, equipment, and work areas in a clean and organized condition, keeping walkways, workspaces, and access areas free from hazards and obstructions.
- Maintains accurate inventory count of spare parts provided by SMA.
- Maintains professional relationships with clients, contractors, and internal teams.
- Other duties may be assigned or required.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSField Service Foundation- An associate degree in electrical or electronic technology, or equivalent experience.
- At least 1 year of hands on experience in an electrical, electronic, utility, or field service role. Relevant military experience qualifies.
- Experience with electronic test equipment, including a digital voltmeter, and common hand tools.
- Ability to read prints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
- Ability to analyze and solve problems effectively.
- Ability to work nonstandard business hours occasionally to support service customer contracts, including weekend or night work when customer requirements at the site call for it.
- A valid driver's license and a driving record that meets SMA insurance requirements, since a company vehicle is assigned to this role.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Medium Voltage Specialization- Demonstrated exposure to Medium Voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgear, circuit breakers, terminations, or substation work, through employment, an apprenticeship, a trade program, or military service.
- Knowledge of low, medium, and high voltage circuit breakers, transformers, and switchgear.
- Certifications through the AVO Training Institute or another accredited institution or trade school, either already obtained or completed upon hire with SMA sponsorship:
- Medium Voltage Transformer Levels I and II
- Switch Gear and Circuit Breaker Maintenance with grounding and bonding
- Electrical Safety for Utilities
- Substation Maintenance I and II
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- 1 to 3 years of relevant industry experience.
- Experience in the solar field.
- Industry certification programs, such as AVO, oil analysis, or manufacturer programs.
- Knowledge of solar or alternative energy markets.
- Knowledge of the National Electric Code.
TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS- Extent of responsibility: Regional.
- Travel: Approximately 80% travel, primarily to customer sites across the Midwest region, with occasional travel elsewhere in the United States and internationally.
- Standard rotation: Approximately two weeks on site at a time, with weekends home possible when site conditions allow.
- First year onboarding: Travel is heavier during the first year, including 2 to 3 weeks of mandatory inverter training at SMA America headquarters in Rocklin, CA, and extended on the job field training at project sites alongside experienced team members, which may require two weeks or more away from home at a time.
- Schedule changes: Travel schedules may shift based on customer needs, site conditions, and project timelines.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS- While at site, the employee is required to stand, walk, talk, hear, and observe surroundings.
- The employee is occasionally required to sit, reach above the shoulder, stoop, bend, squat, and kneel.
- The employee must routinely lift up to 50 pounds.
- The work environment is constrained to a field service environment, with occasional functions in a corporate office.
- The employee is occasionally exposed to electrical hazards and to weather of extreme temperatures.
- The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
WE OFFER- Compensation: $36.00 to $42.00 per hour, dependent on experience and qualifications.
- Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options.
- Work Model: Field based, with a home office in the Midwest region and a company vehicle provided.
- Certification: AVO certification training sponsored by SMA.
- Retirement: 401(k) plan with company match.
- Growth: A defined path from Level I to Level II and Level III, with professional development and training.
- Culture: Collaborative and innovative work environment.
WORK AUTHORIZATIONApplicants 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.
AI GENERATED APPLICATION MATERIALSWe 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 NOTICEAll 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
Our EEO PolicyWe 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.
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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.
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