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Electrical Engineer Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Electrical Engineer - R&D

Spokane Valley, WA ยท On-site

$80K - $115K/yr

This rare and exciting R&D Electrical Engineering role includes a wide variety of work ... Participate in research activities related to aluminum casting technologies * Assist in the ...

As an Electrical Engineer at Hydro-Gear you will research, design, develop and test electrical and electronic components, equipment, and systems. *Please note, we are not able to consider candidates ...

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Electrical Engineer Research Assistant information

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$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

How much do electrical engineer research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for electrical engineer research assistant in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an electrical engineer research assistant do?

An Electrical Engineer Research Assistant supports research projects in the field of electrical engineering by assisting with experiments, collecting and analyzing data, and maintaining laboratory equipment. They often help design prototypes, prepare technical reports, and collaborate with senior engineers and researchers. Their work is crucial for advancing new technologies and contributing to scientific discoveries in areas such as electronics, power systems, and communications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an electrical engineer research assistant?

To thrive as an Electrical Engineer Research Assistant, you need a solid background in electrical engineering fundamentals, laboratory techniques, and data analysis, usually supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with simulation tools (like MATLAB or SPICE), programming languages, and laboratory equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate research outcomes, efficient project execution, and productive collaboration within research teams.

What are some common challenges faced by electrical engineer research assistants during project development?

Electrical Engineer Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as troubleshooting complex circuit designs, adapting to rapidly changing project requirements, and balancing multiple tasks under tight deadlines. They may also need to quickly learn new software or laboratory equipment and ensure accurate data collection for experimental results. Collaborating effectively with senior engineers, researchers, and interdisciplinary teams is essential to overcoming these challenges and ensuring project success.

What is the difference between Electrical Engineer Research Assistant vs Electrical Engineer?

AspectElectrical Engineer Research AssistantElectrical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in electrical engineering or related field; some roles may prefer or require a master's degreeBachelor's degree in electrical engineering; professional licensure (PE) may be required for certain roles
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academic institutions, or corporate R&D departmentsDesign, develop, test electrical systems; manufacturing or field sites
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, research institutions, tech companiesManufacturers, utility companies, consulting firms

The main difference is that Electrical Engineer Research Assistants focus on supporting research projects, often in academic or R&D settings, while Electrical Engineers are involved in designing and implementing electrical systems in various industries. Research assistants typically work under supervision, whereas electrical engineers take on more independent responsibilities in project development and execution.

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What cities are hiring for Electrical Engineer Research Assistant jobs?

Cities with the most Electrical Engineer Research Assistant job openings:

What states have the most Electrical Engineer Research Assistant jobs?

States with the most job openings for Electrical Engineer Research Assistant jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Electrical Engineer Research Assistant jobs?

For Electrical Engineer Research Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Electrical Engineer Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Internship, and 67% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

Electrical Engineer - R&D

Spokane Valley, WA โ€ข On-site

Wagstaff Inc
Industrial Machinery Manufacturingย โ€ขย 201 - 500 employees

$80K - $115K/yr

Other

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description


Wagstaff
Description:

Wagstaff manufactures equipment for aluminum producers, who process formed aluminum into parts and products you use every day.


Description

A successful candidate for this role should have core electrical and electronics engineering knowledge and be capable of working in both hardware and software-related roles. Successful candidates will enjoy a challenging role with a wide variety of work responsibilities and many learning opportunities. Successful candidate will be self-motivated, hard working and enjoy continuously learning new skills. This rare and exciting R&D Electrical Engineering role includes a wide variety of work responsibilities in the following areas:


Core Electrical Engineering principles:

  • Power system design
  • Electronics design
  • Embedded systems design
  • Machine/Product R&D
  • Industrial equipment automation
  • Programming

Industrial Automation PLC and Scada control systems:

  • Machine Commissioning / International travel required
  • Machine PLC Programming โ€“ Ladder Logic software development
  • Scada and HMI software development
  • Automation systems hardware and software development 
  • Automation control system and control panel design
  • NEC compliant Industrial low voltage power distribution design

Embedded systems and electronics:

  • Analog and digital electronic circuits design 
  • PCB design and layout
  • C/C++/python firmware development for microcontroller based 


New product design:

  • Experiment design and setup
  • Innovative problem solving
  • Project management / Facilitate transition from R&D to Production
  • Project electrical lead 
  • Become technical expert
  • Follow product full lifecycle concept to production release


Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Pay: $80,000 - $115,000 salary *depending on experience

Travel Pay: Additional pay premium per each travel day

Sign-On Bonus: $5,000


Benefits

1200 Sqft onsite gym, accessible 24/hrs a day

8 paid non-working holidays

Monthly, site-wide BBQs

Up to 8% retirement contribution

Annual bonus program

Tuition Reimbursement

To review our full benefits summary, please visit https://www.wagstaff.com/Wagstaff/Careers.htm

Want to learn more about Wagstaff? Join us for a virtual tour! https://www.careerexplorenw.org/fieldtrip?tour=Wagstaff


Primary Job Responsibilities

  • Perform installation and commissioning of equipment in customer plants in coordination with the Automated Systems Group and Mechanical Engineering
  • Successfully complete job-specific training on various topics
  • Gain proficiency in and configure, troubleshoot, and commission, PLC, and SCADA automation software for various industrial machine controls including, Ladder Logic, Python, Factory Talk, Studio 5000, TIA Portal, SQL, Ge iFix, Ignition, C, C++
  • Design, install, commission, troubleshoot, and repair various, electrical control panels, process instruments, VFDโ€™s, servos, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems for industrial automation equipment control systems.
  • Design, build and troubleshoot digital and analog electronic circuits and embedded systems
  • Gain detailed technical understanding of casting equipment and processes controls to become a support resource and subject matter expert
  • Provide Technical Service to customers in response to emergency calls or service requests in troubleshooting and repair
  • ยทProvide training to customer personnel in PLC based automation system operation and maintenance in conjunction with commissioning or in response to independent requests or requirements
  • Participate in product development activities
  • Participate in research activities related to aluminum casting technologies
  • Assist in the preparation of PLC and SCADA packages for projects in coordination with Project Managers and other engineers involved in the commissioning process
  • Attend Engineering Design Review meetings at customer sites
  • Perform other duties as assigned
Requirements:
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering

General Characteristics

  • Acquires basic knowledge and develops skills in a specific practice area
  • Applies prescribed and/or standard techniques and procedures in accordance with established criteria to perform assigned tasks
  • Exercises limited judgment on details of work and in application of standard methods for conventional work
  • Acquires an understanding of professional and ethical responsibilities

General Technical Responsibilities

  • Designs a complete project, system, component, or process of standard complexity
  • Performs standard computations or analysis
  • Prepares Drawings

Leadership Skills

  • Assign tasks to and coordinates with Designers. Coordinates with other departments as necessary

Direction Received

  • Receives close supervision on unusual or difficult problems, and general review of all aspects of work

Communication Skills

  • Academic oral and technical writing skills
  • Attends Customer project meetings and presents specific aspects of engineering assignments. May occasionally lead the meetings

Working Environment

While performing the duties of this job on Wagstaff premises, work is performed primarily in an adequately lit, well-ventilated, climate-controlled general office environment. Close computer work is regularly required. The work usually involves minimal physical exertion. The noise level in the general office environment is usually moderate.


This job may require occasional or more frequent interaction with employees on the manufacturing shop floor. While on the shop floor, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risks of moving equipment and parts, and other risks associated with a manufacturing environment. Because of this environment and associated risks, coordination with shop floor managers/employees may be necessary before entering the shop floor, and the use of job-appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing is required on the shop floor. The noise level on the shop floor is often loud.


This job may also require occasional or more frequent travel to and work at customer sites. While at customer sites, the employee may be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, risks of moving equipment and parts, and other risks associated with a construction and/or manufacturing environment. Because of this environment and associated risks, coordination with customer managers/employees may be necessary before entering the customer site, and the use of job-appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing is required at customer sites. The noise level at customer sites is often loud.


Employment at Wagstaff is dependent on successfully passing a company-paid drug screening and background check upon hire. Benefits eligibility is subject to the terms and conditions of the applicable policies, plans and programs of Wagstaff.


 U.S. Work Authorization is required; Sponsorships are not being offered for this position. 


Wagstaff is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.


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