Principal Research Engineer

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…