Research Assistant - Electrical Engineering

University of Alberta; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Alberta on North Campus in Edmonton seeks an Electrical Engineer to design, develop, and optimize automated machinery systems. The role focuses on 2D schematics, 3D panel layouts, SCADA/digital-twin configurations, and BIM-to-machine workflows, enabling integrated digital manufacturing.

Ideal candidates bring a degree in Electrical Engineering, with emphasis on automation, real-time digital twins, and BIM tools; Master’s is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering required; Master’s preferred.
• Experience in electrical control system design and development.
• Experience with real-time digital twins, BIM workflows (Revit/IFC) and toolpath/robot programming.
• Proficiency with SolidWorks Electrical, SolidWorks, EPLAN and MS Office.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop 2D electrical schematics for automated machinery.
• Create and maintain 3D layouts of electrical control panels.
• Configure SCADA and digital-twin systems and BIM-to-machine workflows.
• Prepare BOMs for electrical systems, including component selection and documentation.
• Assist with electrical maintenance and performance optimization.

Skills

Control system design

Digital twins

Revit BIM workflows

Robot/toolpath workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

SolidWorks Electrical

SolidWorks

EPLAN

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Description

This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.

This position has a term length of 2 years from the date of hire.

Location - This role is in-person. Work primarily takes place at North Campus, Edmonton.

Support the design and development of automated machinery for modular offsite construction through electrical schematic development, control panel design, component selection, system integration, testing, and commissioning. Contribute to the development of Building Information Modeling (BIM) systems, computer vision and machine learning applications, SCADA and digital twin infrastructure, and integrated Revit/BIM-to-machine workflows that enable advanced digital manufacturing and automated construction processes. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize automation processes, improve system performance, and troubleshoot operational issues.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop 2D electrical schematics for automated machinery.
• Create and maintain 3D layouts of electrical control panels, ensuring space optimization and compliance with design standards.
• Configure SCADA and digital-twin systems and develop Revit/BIM-to-machine workflows that convert building models into machine-executable instructions.
• Prepare and manage bills of materials (BOM) for electrical systems, including component selection and documentation accuracy.
• Assist with electrical maintenance, troubleshooting, and performance optimization of automated equipment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a closely related discipline is required. Preference will be given to candidates with a Master’s degree and demonstrated expertise in automation.
• Demonstrated experience in electrical control system design and development.
• Experience with real-time digital twins, Revit/BIM and IFC data, and model-to-machine workflows such as toolpaths, robot programs, and nesting files.
• Proficient in SolidWorks Electrical, SolidWorks, EPLAN, and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with construction practices and industrial automation environments.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.

About Us

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more .

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.

About The Team

The Faculty of Engineering is one of North America’s top engineering schools, known for innovation, collaboration, and impact. It fosters an exceptional student experience through a holistic approach that combines technical excellence with emotional intelligence. With strong community engagement, interdisciplinary research, and a commitment to societal well-being, the faculty prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving, global engineering landscape.