Senior Failure Analysis Engineer (Medium Voltage Transformers and Switchgear)

Location: Remote within the United States; hybrid or in-office presence is preferred for candidates within commuting distance of the Rocklin, California headquarters. Travel approximately 20–30% to customer sites, the Rocklin office, and trade shows as needed.

Salary: $106,000–$150,000 per year, with flexibility above this range for candidates who clearly exceed the requirements.

Company

hirify.global is the U.S. subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, developing solar inverter and photovoltaic power plant solutions for residential, commercial, and utility applications.

What you will do

• Lead hands-on field failure investigations of medium voltage transformers, switchgear, and converters, including site inspections, electrical testing, teardown, and evidence collection.
• Analyze technical data and physical evidence to identify failure mechanisms and specific root causes.
• Apply the 8D method, 5 Why, Ishikawa diagramming, Pareto analysis, and other quality tools.
• Document failure descriptions and analyses in accordance with standards and global processes.
• Implement, monitor, and evaluate corrective and preventive actions with service teams, suppliers, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Customer Quality, Supplier Quality, application engineering, and the analysis unit at SMA headquarters in Germany.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, electrical engineering, or a related field, or equivalent education; a master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 7 years of experience in research and development, technical failure analysis, and quality engineering, including customer relations.
• Required hands-on field failure investigation experience with medium voltage equipment such as transformers, switchgear, or converters.
• Ability to determine failure mechanisms and root causes using site evidence, electrical test results, and physical damage analysis.
• Ability to travel approximately 20–30% and attend occasional early morning meetings with headquarters in Germany.
• Written and verbal English proficiency is required. German proficiency is a plus.

Nice to have

• Experience performing or interpreting insulation resistance, power factor, turns ratio, and dissolved gas analysis tests.
• Experience with hermetically sealed equipment.
• Working knowledge of SAP, Salesforce, and JIRA.
• Master’s degree in engineering or a related field.

Culture & Benefits

• Remote work model within the United States, with optional hybrid or office presence near Rocklin.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage, including $0 premium options.
• 401(k) plan with company match and discretionary annual profit-sharing bonus eligibility.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development and training opportunities.
• Inclusive, collaborative, and innovative work environment.