Not just viewed, but literally called an assistant in the official title.

I am a licensed professional engineer (mechanical) and I work in academia (though my work is varied and does involve some code), my official title (in french) is "Professionnel de recherche", which translates to Research Professional. It is my understanding that in most of the english-speaking world, this position (someone that works for a research lab, who is qualified above the technician level, but not a PI nor a postdoc or student) is called "Research Assistant".

I write "Research Engineer" on my résumé/linkedin, because TBH for most people who don't have much experience in academia, "Research Assistant" sounds like an admin assistant (secretary).