1

Principal Energy Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What The Role Is Reporting to the Sr. Manager of BESS Engineering, the Principal Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Engineer (or Battery Energy Storage System Manager) is responsible for ...

What The Role Is Reporting to the Sr. Manager of BESS Engineering, the Principal Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Engineer (or Battery Energy Storage System Manager) is responsible for ...

Principal Equipment Engineer At Bloom Energy, our vision for a world powered by clean, reliable, and affordable energy is more than just a dream-we're making it reality. For over two decades, we've ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$132K - $162K/yr

ON.energy is building the power infrastructure that makes the AI era possible. As AI demand surges ... Role Overview The Principal Electrical Engineer (Product/Hardware) is the supreme technical ...

ON.energy is building the backbone of energy and AI infrastructure powering grid-safe data centers ... Principal Solution Engineer Location: Tysons, VA OR Houston, TX (Hybrid - 3 days in office ...

Principal Electrical Engineer

Houston, TX ยท On-site

$132K - $162K/yr

ON.energy is building the backbone of energy and AI infrastructure powering grid-safe data centers ... Role Overview The Principal Electrical Engineer (Product/Hardware) is the supreme technical ...

Showing results 41-60

Principal Energy Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$147.2K

$212.5K

How much do principal energy engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal energy engineer in the United States is $147,220.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $118,500.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal energy engineer?

Principal Energy Engineers are senior-level professionals who lead the design, implementation, and optimization of energy systems within organizations or projects. They are responsible for developing strategies to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations. These engineers often oversee large-scale energy projects, provide technical guidance to teams, and act as subject matter experts on energy technologies and sustainability initiatives. Their work can span industries such as utilities, manufacturing, construction, and consulting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a principal energy engineer?

To thrive as a Principal Energy Engineer, you need advanced knowledge in energy systems, project management skills, and typically a degree in engineering or a related field, often supported by Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with energy modeling software, data analytics tools, and industry standards such as ASHRAE or LEED certification is commonly required. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are crucial for delivering innovative, efficient energy solutions and leading multidisciplinary teams in complex projects.

What are the typical collaboration points for a principal energy engineer within a multidisciplinary team?

Principal Energy Engineers frequently collaborate with architects, project managers, and other engineering specialists to develop integrated energy solutions for complex projects. They often lead technical discussions, review design proposals, and coordinate energy modeling or analysis to ensure project goals are met. Regular meetings and cross-functional workshops are common, allowing the Principal Energy Engineer to guide the team on energy efficiency standards, regulatory compliance, and sustainable best practices. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and ensures successful project delivery.

What is the difference between Principal Energy Engineer vs Energy Engineer?

AspectPrincipal Energy EngineerEnergy Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires a Bachelor's or Master's in Engineering, PE license often preferredBachelor's degree in Engineering or related field, PE license optional
Work EnvironmentLead projects, oversee teams, strategic planning in corporate or consulting settingsDesign, analyze, and optimize energy systems, often in operational or project roles
Industry UsageUsed in large corporations, consulting firms, and energy sectorsCommon in utilities, manufacturing, and renewable energy projects

The Principal Energy Engineer typically holds more senior credentials and leads strategic initiatives, while the Energy Engineer focuses on technical analysis and system design. Both roles are vital in energy management but differ in scope and responsibility.

What states have the most Principal Energy Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Energy Engineer jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Principal Energy Engineer jobs?

For Principal Energy Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Principal Energy Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $147,220 per year, or $70.8 per hour.

Principal BESS Engineer

Denver, CO โ€ข Hybrid

Clearway Energy
Clean Energy Semiconductors Manufacturingย โ€ขย 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

What The Role Is

Reporting to the Sr. Manager of BESS Engineering, the Principal Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Engineer (or Battery Energy Storage System Manager) is responsible for preliminary engineering, fire safety engineering, technical specifications, system optimization, and procurement support for stand-alone, hybrid, and co-located BESS facilities. The Principal BESS Engineer will help deliver optimized stand-alone, hybrid, and co-located BESS facilities. The Principal BESS Engineer / BESS Engineering Manager will work with project teams, external engineering teams, vendors, third parties, and consultants to drive our class-leading, multi-gigawatt, and globally competitive project pipeline to fruition.ย 

This hybrid role will be located in one of our office locations in Scottsdale, AZ, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA, Houston, TX, or Denver, CO. Scottsdale is the preferred location.

What You'll Be Doing
  • BESS Platform Development
    • Update and refine EPC contractual agreements and requirements for BESS, with a focus on EPC obligations and the division of responsibilities.
    • Evaluate, track, and optimize BESS design to conform to the latest in safety, technology, regulatory, and compliance standards. ย 
    • Quality control BESS engineering, design, product validation, EPC touchpoints, and division of responsibilities.
    • Provide BESS subject matter expertise to project teams through origination, development, design, construction, and commissioning.
    • Develop consensus on optimal BESS design and operational strategies with Clearway's Development, Construction, and Operations organizations given a complex technical, economic, and regulatory environment.
    • Serve as the key technical point of contact with customers and build strategic relationships with energy storage equipment and service suppliers.
    • Develop and maintain tools optimizing BESS sizing, auxiliary loads, and augmentation.
  • BESS Development Engineering
    • Generate BESS system design requirements from project requirements originating in PPA, IA, and other applicable agreements.
    • Assess a range of BESS system designs based on project-specific constraints and propose optimal solutions based on technical and commercial considerations.
    • Establish hardware and software control requirements for market applications, including utility and ISO compliance requirements.
    • Review and negotiate the technical requirements and performance guarantees in offtake agreements.
    • Develop BESS CapEx, auxiliary load, and augmentation assumptions relevant for financial modeling and underwriting.
  • BESS Project Engineering & Strategic Procurement Support
    • Technically qualify new vendors and products in internal due diligence processes. Maintain and update technical specifications used in supply contracts.
    • Support Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) teams during the request for quote phase of projects in development. Support technical coordination, RFIs, and DOR between BESS supplier and EPC contractor.
    • Support permitting and fire safety compliance requirements.
    • Support project team with design review process, construction coordination, and commissioning of BESS facilities.
    • Coordinate closed-loop learning of best practices and process improvement given lessons learned.
What You'll Bring
  • 8+ years of experience in BESS engineering, integration, development, and commissioning for utility-scale BESS projects.
  • Experience in writing technical specifications, performance requirements, and technical reports. Ability to effectively write and verbally communicate technical information.
  • Knowledge of electrical standards (UL/IEEE), Fire safety codes and standards, National Electrical Code, and interconnection standards.
  • Familiarity with technical communications protocols (TCP/IP, Modbus/TCP, etc.) and a variety of controls software/hardware platforms.
  • Familiarity or experience with energy market applications and telemetry requirements.
  • Knowledge of Power Plant Controller, Energy Management Systems (EMS), Battery Management Systems (BMS), and utility communication systems, including SCADA.
  • Basic software programming skills, especially MS Excel and Python.
  • Familiarity with energy storage product safety standards, tests, and certifications such as NFPA codes and standards (855, 72, 68, 69), UL1973 and UL9540/A.
  • Proficiency in working on a small team in a fast-paced environment and ability to multitask and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Knowledge of utility equipment specifications.
What Would Be Nice
  • Master's degree preferred.
  • Experience in utility electrical power system projects or distributed energy resource projects preferred.

Clearway will not sponsor non-immigrant visas for this position (H-1B, TN, E-3, etc.).

#LI-Hybrid