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 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

Physical Requirements:

• Primarily a sedentary role, with tasks typically performed while sitting or occasionally standing.
• Ability to operate a computer and standard office equipment.
• Tasks demand visual focus for reading and working on screens.
• This position frequently communicates via phone and video conferencing, with in-person interactions as applicable.

Work Environment:

• Fully remote position with the ability to work from home or another suitable location with reliable internet access. Hybrid work available if located in Madison, WI or Chicago, IL. If in-office, expect a moderate noise level.
• Must have the ability to work independently while staying engaged with the team through virtual communication tools such as email, chat, and video conferencing.
• Requires a quiet and professional workspace for virtual meetings and collaboration.
• Typical schedule of 9-5 in Central Time zone [or any U.S. time zone]. Flex hours may be available depending on role and team requirements.
• Occasional travel for in-person meetings and field site visits.

Slipstream is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and supported. We center community in everything we do and strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply and join us in our mission. We welcome applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected status or characteristic under federal, state, or local laws.

Slipstream will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of their position unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on Slipstream, or if it would pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others that cannot be mitigated. Questions or accommodation requests should be directed to Human Resources.

Please note that Slipstream will only contact candidates via the Paycom portal. We will never ask a candidate for payment of any kind as part of the hiring or onboarding process or send payment to any candidate prior to completing the hiring and onboarding process.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws.

Family & Medical Leave Act Equal Employment Opportunity Employee Polygraph Protection