The effect of shear on the alignment of the smectic A phase formed by a polyacrylate side chain liquid crystal polymer (SCLCP) has been investigated using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) with simultaneous rheology. Large amplitude oscillatory shear led to a highly oriented state with the layer normal parallel to the neutral direction. The sample mosaic width obtained after large amplitude shear (similar to 10 degrees, Gaussian HWHM) was comparable to that obtained by magnetic alignment of the mesogens. The smectic phase was found to exhibit shear thinning, with a sharp reduction in both dynamic shear moduli upon application of sheer. Cessation of shear led to a rapid recovery in the moduli to their initial values, although the anisotropy of the SAXS peaks relaxed more slowly. Nevertheless, a high degree of alignment was retained even after the relaxation period.