Electrical Engineer Research Assistant Jobs in Texas

Job Description

We are looking for qualified Electrical Engineers with extensive experience, ideally 8 years or more, in electrical design. This role focuses on the design and ownership of industrial control panels, electrical subsystems, and supporting documentation while closely coordinating with mechanical, manufacturing, and electrical stakeholders. You will primarily perform electrical design and project coordination (80–90%) with limited hands-on build support (10–20%) alongside an experienced technician who leads physical build-outs. The position offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced startup and R&D environment, contribute to a major transition from AutoCAD Electrical to SolidWorks Electrical, and grow into ownership of multiple complex subsystems.

Responsibilities

• Design industrial control panels, PLC-connected systems, remote I/O cabinets, and AC power distribution systems (including 480VAC), while creating and maintaining accurate schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, BOMs, and technical documentation.
• Develop electrical drawings in AutoCAD Electrical and support the transition to SolidWorks Electrical, ensuring compliance with drafting standards, best practices, and documentation accuracy.
• Partner closely with mechanical engineers, manufacturing teams, PLC programmers, and electrical technicians to implement design changes, support production, provide build guidance, and ensure successful system integration.
• Take ownership of electrical subsystems, assist with prototype builds and troubleshooting, manage design updates, prioritize workload independently, and contribute to continuous process improvements in a fast-paced R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related discipline.
• 8+ years of experience in electrical design within industrial automation, manufacturing, R&D, or prototype-driven environments.
• Proven experience designing industrial control panels, AC power distribution systems, low-voltage circuits, remote I/O cabinets, and cable harnesses.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD Electrical and/or SolidWorks Electrical, including electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, panel layouts, and documentation.
• Strong knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, PLC I/O and wiring practices, control systems, and applicable UL/NFPA standards.
• Experience creating and maintaining BOMs, technical documentation, and drafting deliverables using Excel and electrical CAD tools.
• Experience supporting prototype builds, testing, troubleshooting, and collaboration with manufacturing, controls, and mechanical engineering teams.
• Familiarity with PLC programming concepts, ribbon cable and micro-connector systems, and cross-functional product development processes.
• Strong drafting, communication, project prioritization, and self-management skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

The role is based in a fast-paced startup and R&D environment that supports cross-functional mechanical and manufacturing teams. You will work closely with engineers, technicians, and production staff to bring complex electrical systems from concept through prototype and into production. The work involves extensive use of AutoCAD Electrical and a planned transition to SolidWorks Electrical, along with frequent use of Excel for BOM and documentation tasks. The environment emphasizes rapid iteration, hands-on collaboration, and clear communication across disciplines. You will split your time primarily between office or desk-based design work and occasional hands-on support on the shop floor or in lab areas to assist with panel builds, prototypes, and troubleshooting. The culture values growth, stability, and performance, with the potential to convert to a full-time permanent role for those who perform well.

This is a Contract position based out of Austin, TX.

The pay range for this position is $55.00 - $75.00/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Austin,TX.

This position is anticipated to close on Aug 14, 2026.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.