Electrical Engineer Research Assistant Jobs in Seattle, WA

Wilson Engineering is seeking an Electrical and/or Controls System Engineer to join our team. We are a civil engineering consulting firm serving municipal clients throughout Washington and Alaska, with a focus on water, wastewater, stormwater, transportation, and public infrastructure projects. This position is an opportunity to help build and support Wilson Engineering’s in-house electrical and control systems services while working on meaningful public infrastructure projects.

Position Summary

The position will support the planning, design, permitting, and construction of electrical and control systems for municipal infrastructure projects. Typical work may include pump stations, wastewater treatment facilities, water system facilities, lift stations, control panels, standby power systems, instrumentation, SCADA improvements, lighting, power distribution, and related public works facilities.

The ideal candidate is technically strong, practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable working closely with civil engineers, operators, public works staff, contractors, and equipment suppliers. Depending on experience, this position may include design production, technical calculations, equipment selection, construction support, project coordination, and client interaction.

Primary Responsibilities

• Prepare electrical design drawings, specifications, calculations, cost estimates, technical memoranda, and reports.
• Design electrical power distribution, control systems, instrumentation, telemetry, lighting, grounding, and standby power improvements for municipal facilities.
• Assist with design of motor control centers, variable frequency drives, control panels, generators, automatic transfer switches, service equipment, and related electrical infrastructure.
• Coordinate electrical design with civil, mechanical, structural, surveying, and control systems staff.
• Work with public agency staff, operators, contractors, vendors, utilities, and regulatory agencies.
• Perform site visits, field investigations, construction observation, and startup support.
• Assist with equipment selection, system layouts, load calculations, short-circuit coordination, arc flash considerations, conduit routing, and panel schedules.
• Review contractor submittals, RFIs, change order requests, and construction documentation.
• Support preparation of preliminary engineering reports, facility plans, alternatives analyses, and funding documents.
• Participate in client meetings, design coordination meetings, and construction meetings.
• Help maintain project schedules, budgets, and quality control standards.

Desired Qualifications

• 5-10+ years’ experience in electrical and/or control systems engineering design preferred
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineer license is required
• Experience with municipal infrastructure projects is preferred.
• Knowledge of AC power systems design. Motor control circuits, power distribution, load calculations, panel schedules, voltage drop, and one-line diagrams.
• DC power system design for control and instrumentation circuits, such as those used for measurement of flow, pressure, level, and temperature.
• Experience with electrical system modeling and Easypower software.
• Illumination system design. Knowledge of WSDOT requirements and experience with AGI32 lighting modeling software.
• Experience with National Electric Code (NEC), WAC, NFPA, and other applicable codes.
• Ability to read and develop relay logic wiring diagrams.
• Experience with AutoCAD software for electrical engineering drawing development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing quality work.
• Willingness to visit project sites and assist with construction-phase services.
• Valid driver’s license.

Experience Level

Wilson Engineering is open to candidates with a range of experience levels, from mid-level engineers to experienced senior engineers. Responsibilities will be based on qualifications and experience.

Why Join Wilson Engineering?

Wilson Engineering offers the opportunity to work on meaningful public infrastructure projects that directly benefit local communities. Our team-oriented environment allows engineers to gain hands-on experience, work closely with experienced professionals, and develop a broad range of technical and project management skills.

We value practical engineering, responsive client service, professional growth, and long-term relationships with the communities we serve.

Compensation & Benefits

Compensation will be based on qualifications and experience. The salary range for this position is $136,000 to $165,000 per year, depending on qualifications, licensure, and experience. Wilson Engineering offers a competitive benefits package, which may include:

• Health Insurance including Dental & Vision Care
• Long & Short-Term Disability Coverage
• Paid Vacation, Sick Leave, and Holidays combined as PTO with a monthly accrual rate
• SIMPLE IRA Match available to contribute with first pay
• Overtime Pay
• Bonus Program

Wilson Engineering, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

By submitting this application, I authorize Wilson Engineering, LLC to verify the information provided in my application and to contact prior employers, supervisors, references, educational institutions, licensing agencies, and other relevant sources for job-related information regarding my qualifications, employment history, work performance, reliability, professional conduct, and suitability for employment. I understand that Wilson Engineering, LLC will not seek wage or salary history except as permitted by applicable law.