Application Guide

How to Apply for Contract Attorney -- Solar & Energy (Temporary)

at SMA America

🏢 About SMA America

SMA America is a subsidiary of SMA Solar Technology AG, a global leader in solar inverter systems and energy solutions. The company is dedicated to driving the clean energy transition, offering a collaborative remote work environment with a mission to empower global energy independence.

About This Role

This Contract Attorney role is critical for supporting SMA's procurement and commercial contracts in the solar energy sector. You will independently negotiate complex agreements, ensure regulatory compliance, and collaborate cross-functionally to mitigate risk and advance SMA's business goals.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve reviewing and negotiating a distributor agreement, then providing legal advice to the sales team on a new OEM partnership. You'll also coordinate with procurement and engineering to ensure contract terms align with technical requirements, and manage any active claims or disputes with guidance from the General Counsel.

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🎯 Who SMA America Is Looking For

  • A seasoned attorney with 8+ years in procurement contracts, specifically in solar or renewable energy, with deep experience in OEM/white label and distributor agreements.
  • Expert in antitrust laws and energy regulations, able to provide strategic legal advice on distributor relationships and federal procurement compliance.
  • Self-starter comfortable working remotely, with strong negotiation and communication skills to coordinate with multiple departments and senior management.
  • Active bar member in a U.S. jurisdiction, with a JD and a track record of independently managing claims and dispute resolution.

📝 Tips for Applying to SMA America

1

Highlight your specific experience with OEM/white label agreements where you represented the reseller or buyer, as this is a key requirement.

2

Emphasize any antitrust experience related to distributor relationships, and provide concrete examples of how you navigated those issues.

3

Tailor your resume to show at least 10 years of distributor agreement experience in the energy sector, preferably representing the seller.

4

Mention your familiarity with federal procurement regulations and energy laws, as compliance is a core part of the role.

5

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to SMA's mission of energy independence and sustainability.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your extensive experience with procurement contracts in the solar/energy sector, specifically OEM/white label and distributor agreements.', 'Your ability to independently handle complex negotiations and provide strategic legal advice on antitrust and regulatory compliance.', 'Your collaborative approach to working with cross-functional teams (engineering, sales, finance) and senior management.', "Your commitment to SMA's mission of sustainable energy and your interest in contributing to a climate-friendly future."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Read about SMA's product lines, especially their solar inverters and energy management systems, to understand the technology behind the contracts.
  • → Review SMA's sustainability reports and public statements to align your answers with their mission of energy independence.
  • → Familiarize yourself with SMA's corporate structure and global presence, as the role may involve coordination with international teams.
  • → Look into recent news about SMA's partnerships or contracts to show you understand their current business landscape.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through your experience negotiating a complex OEM agreement from the buyer's side. What were the key terms and challenges?
2 How have you handled antitrust issues in distributor relationships? Provide a specific example.
3 Describe a time you managed a legal claim or dispute in the energy sector. What was your role and outcome?
4 How do you stay current with changing energy regulations and federal procurement rules?
5 Given this is a remote role, how do you prioritize and manage multiple contracts and stakeholders independently?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Failing to clearly demonstrate the required years of experience in procurement contracts, especially OEM/white label and distributor agreements.
  • Not addressing antitrust experience specifically, as it is a highlighted requirement in the job description.
  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention solar energy or SMA's mission, making it seem like a mass application.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to SMA America!

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