Principal Research Engineer

Remote

Make a Difference for Climate and Equity — Join Slipstream as a Principal Research Engineer!

Apply your technical leadership to make a meaningful impact in addressing climate change and inequities in its impacts. The Principal Research Engineer role at Slipstream is part of our Research & Innovation team, where we study, develop, and scale the next generation of energy solutions across multiple sectors of the economy.

Slipstream is a national, mission-driven organization that accelerates climate solutions—for everyone. We inspire new approaches to complex energy challenges and are optimistic, inclusive, and ambitious about our impact. Our Research & Innovation team is a national leader in understanding how emerging technologies and strategies perform in real-world applications. We are seeking a Principal Research Engineer who will provide technical leadership, advance strategic partnerships, and guide high-impact research and innovation efforts.

Our ideal Principal Research Engineer brings deep technical expertise along with a strong ability to lead complex, collaborative efforts. You are a systems thinker who can connect engineering analysis with broader market, policy, and program contexts. You are motivated to translate technical insight into actionable solutions and to support teams in delivering high-quality, impactful work.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds. You are key to the success of our organization by demonstrating our values, advancing our mission, and delivering results that create enduring economic and environmental benefits. While we’re mostly remote, Slipstream can only hire in select states (outlined in the application). Much of our current work is concentrated in the Midwest and Northeast. While not required, being based in these regions is a plus.

What You’ll Do:

Provide technical leadership on large, complex research and innovation projects, including cross-functional and multi-partner initiatives
Lead engineering analysis and applied research related to building energy systems, distributed energy resources, and emerging technologies
Serve as a subject matter expert and quality assurance leader for technical deliverables, ensuring rigor, clarity, and impact
Develop and implement strategies that advance Slipstream’s research, innovation, and programmatic priorities
Identify, develop, and secure new funding opportunities, including leading proposal strategy, partnerships, and concept development
Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, clients, and funders; serve as a key external representative of Slipstream’s work
Monitor market, policy, and industry trends to identify opportunities and inform strategic direction
Mentor and support staff development; contribute to team leadership, knowledge-sharing, and organizational growth
Communicate research findings and insights through reports, presentations, and participation in industry forums

Required Qualifications:

Deep experience with building energy systems and related technologies (e.g., HVAC, building controls, electrification, DERs, or grid-edge solutions)
Proven ability to act as a technical mentor and advisor, fostering a collaborative, supportive research culture
Must possess exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to communicate complex research concepts clearly to diverse stakeholders and actively teach, guide, and develop junior engineering staff
Strong analytical and systems-thinking skills with the ability to solve complex, cross-domain challenges
Proven track record of leading large, complex, and high-visibility initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and partners
Ability to translate technical analysis into actional insights for broader market, policy, and programs
Demonstrated ability to leverage a strong existing network of energy sector stakeholders including utilities, industry partners, and government bodies to secure new projects, drive collaborative research initiatives, and transition next generation technologies into the market
Track record of successfully securing funding through competitive proposals, partnerships, or client development (e.g., federal, state, utility, or private funding sources)
Commitment to advancing equitable and impactful climate solutions

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics, or a related field (advanced degree strongly preferred)
15+ years of relevant professional experience. Professional Engineer (PE) license or equivalent credentials strongly preferred
Experience with measurement and verification, commissioning, or field-based research
Experience with energy modeling, data analysis, or simulation tools (e.g., EnergyPlus, Modelica, Python-based workflows), advanced AI tools, or equivalent analytical approaches
Familiarity with energy markets, HVAC system design, demand response, microgrids, and utility energy efficiency programs
Knowledge of building energy codes, standards, and performance policies
Active participation in industry groups, research initiatives, or professional networks

What Sets You Apart:

Ability to think strategically while maintaining strong technical depth
Experience leading coalition-building efforts across organizations or sectors
Track record of shaping research agenda, influencing industry direction through research, partnerships, or thought leadership
Commitment to mentoring others and strengthening team and organizational capabilities
A broad understanding of the market combined with deep expertise in climate solution research
Success in building trusted relationships with funders, clients, and partners to advance new initiatives
Proven ability to translate technical insights into actionable strategies that scale market transformation