[Remote] Senior OT Communications & Cybersecurity Engineer

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

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