Root Cause Engineer, Medium Voltage

PURPOSE OF POSITION

The Root Cause Engineer, Medium Voltage is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining brand quality through root-cause analyses and collaboration with internal and external experts. This role supports SMA's commitment to evidence-based quality processes, working closely with cross-functional and international teams to drive sustainable corrective and preventive actions across the product lifecycle. The ideal candidate brings deep technical expertise in medium voltage systems, transformers, switchgear, and converters, along with a strong quality mindset and the ability to collaborate regularly with SMA's global headquarters in Germany.

PRIMARY DUTIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensure analyses are evidence-based, documented in compliance with standards, global processes, and aligned with the requirements of internal and external stakeholders.
• Perform and participate in technical failure and data analyses.
• Apply the 8D method for systematic root cause identification.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary and international teams to implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Conduct initial field analyses, technical evaluations on site, and provide consultations.
• Create detailed failure descriptions and collaborate with headquarters to advise and support other functions.
• Recognize and document existing known failure patterns and provide technical expertise to resolve them.
• Collaborate closely with Customer Quality, Supplier Quality, and regional functions.
• Maintain close collaboration with the analysis unit at SMA headquarters as well as with the application engineering unit in the U.S.
• Execute, monitor, and evaluate corrective actions and measures implemented by the service team or suppliers.
• Travel to Rocklin-based offices, customer sites, and tradeshows as needed.
• Other duties as may be required or assigned.

REQUIRED RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or electrical engineering (Master's preferred) or related field, or similar education.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in research and development (R&D), technical failure analysis, and a background in quality management and customer relations.
• Technical expertise in medium voltage systems, transformer switchgear, electrical systems, converters, and hermetically sealed equipment.
• Expertise in the 8D method for corrective action and quality tools including 5-Why, Ishikawa diagramming, and Pareto analysis.
• Experience in solar, automotive, aerospace, electronics, or similar regulated industries.
• Ability to present quality findings and corrective actions to mid and senior-level management boards.
• Working knowledge of JIRA, Salesforce, SAP, and CRM is a plus.
• Background or sourcing experience with companies such as ABB, GE, Magnatec, Powin, or Eaton Transformers is a plus.
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills across international teams.
• Acts with an entrepreneurial and solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to travel regularly.
• Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal, is required. Proficiency in German is a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) is required.

WE OFFER

• The salary range for this position is $110,000 - $130,000 per year, dependent upon experience.
• Comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage (including $0 premium options).
• Work Location: This role is remote-first. Hybrid or in-office presence is preferred for those located within commuting distance of our Rocklin, CA office, consistent with our current work model.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.