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Ames, Iowa, United States
Onsite
Not Available
If you want your work to matter beyond the lab - on real equipment, in real farm fields, with measurable impact - this is the role for you.
Who We Are
The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University partners with leading agricultural companies to design, build, and deploy next-generation technologies for agriculture. Our team works at the intersection of applied engineering, industry collaboration, and the land-grant mission, moving ideas from concept to prototype to field deployment.
Our vision is bold: to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation.
Our mission guides everything we do: Innovate. Educate. Outreach.
We innovate with partners to create technology solutions that drive value into agriculture and our communities.
We educate to inspire and develop students and professionals to ensure a thriving workforce that drives success within our industry.
We outreach to share knowledge with farmers and ag businesses and promote practices that enhance their success.
We operate with four core values: Passion. Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence.
This is a place for builders, problem-solvers, and systems thinkers who want their work to move from idea → prototype → field → industry adoption.
The Opportunity
We are seeking an Application Technology Lead to drive the development, testing, and validation of advanced agricultural application systems across ground and aerial platforms. This role focuses on liquid and dry product delivery technologies, including spraying, fertilization, and targeted application technologies.
You will lead hands-on efforts to evaluate system performance, integrate emerging technologies, and deliver solutions that improve application accuracy and agronomic outcomes. This role works across engineering and agronomy to bring practical, field-ready systems to industry partners.
What You'll Do
Lead development, testing, and validation of application systems, including spray, fertilizer, and targeted delivery technologies
Define performance requirements and execute lab and field-testing programs
Evaluate components and system performance (e.g., nozzles, pumps, flow control, PWM)
Analyze data to link system performance with agronomic outcomes
Advance targeted, variable-rate, and drone-based application technologies
Collaborate with industry partners to define scope and deliver results
Lead and mentor technical teams supporting lab and field work
Manage program timelines, budgets, and sponsor deliverables
What You Bring
Experience with agricultural application systems (liquid and/or dry)
Strong understanding of spray systems and performance drivers such as droplet size, pressure, flow, and speed
Experience with field trials, lab testing, or system benchmarking
Ability to connect engineering performance to agronomic outcomes
Experience leading teams and working with industry partners
Experience managing technical projects, programs, budgets, and sponsor relationships
Technology & Systems You May Work With
Spray systems, nozzles, pumps, and flow control (including PWM)
Targeted and variable-rate application technologies
Drone and aerial application systems
Lab and field-testing platforms
Agricultural equipment and precision application systems
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced degree in agricultural engineering, agronomy, or related field, or equivalent industry experience
Background in application technology, product support, field engineering, or technical service within agriculture, OEMs, or ag input companies
Experience conducting field trials, in-field testing, or performance benchmarking of application systems
Experience defining technical requirements, planning test programs, and managing work across cross-functional projects and teams
Experience connecting engineering parameters (e.g., pressure, droplet size, duty cycle, travel speed) to biological efficacy and input-use efficiency
Experience leading or mentoring cross-functional teams in lab and field environments
Follow us here: www.isudigitalag.org.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
The candidate will be hired as an R&D Engineer IV.
This position will be open until filled.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
Life insurance and long-term disability
Flexible Spending Accounts
Various voluntary benefits and discounts
Employee Assistance Program
Wellbeing program
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.