R&D Engineer IV Automation and Controls

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Job Description:

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University is accepting applications for an R&D Engineer Automation and Controls team lead who will provide advanced technical leadership in automation electro-hydraulic/mechanical integration embedded systems and digital agriculture engineering. The ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab () consists of professional staff and graduate students who work closely with agricultural industry partners to develop innovative technology solutions for agriculture. The team has a strong innovation record with over 90 patents and licensed technologies.

Digital Ags vision to enhance knowledge and innovation in agriculture is reinforced by our mission to innovate educate and outreach by bridging the gap between ideas and practical application cultivating a culture of continuous learning and elevating individuals and organizations to adopt advanced ag tech solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future. Strengthened by a team of service driven and abundant thinkers passionate about agriculture and striving for excellence we are committed to combining technological advancement with practical solutions emphasizing Digital Ags role in driving positive change in the agricultural industry.

Example of Duties

• Develop automation control software for embedded platforms integrating with vehicle ECUs and ensure compliance with off-road vehicle communication protocols of CANBUS and ethernet.

• Design algorithms for sensor fusion actuator control and signal processing; lead model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink and related tools.

• Configure and optimize embedded systems; integrate sensors actuators controllers and electro-mechanical components into robust automation platforms.

• Establish testing and validation processes including simulation and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) evaluations; verify system performance in lab and field settings.

• Define automation system architectures that support production development and rapid prototyping for robust development and seamless integration into production solutions.

• Design and integrate multi-disciplinary systems combining mechanical components electrical hardware and embedded software to meet project requirements.

• Lead project lifecyclesincluding planning timelines budgets SOWs contracts and deliverablesfrom concept through system demonstration.

• Ensure system reliability safety and performance; prepare documentation supporting technology transfer commercialization and reporting.

• Communicate project updates and technical insights to leadership sponsors and external partners.

• Supervise and mentor engineers researchers and students/grad students; provide training in automation controls embedded systems and instrumentation.

• Build collaborative relationships across internal teams vendors and research partners; support team development and skill-building.

Digital Ag operates in a highly collaborative team environment. The successful candidate will manage project scope schedule and demonstrate strong project and team leadership quality control skills and supervise full-time staff and students to support project activities. Additionally this position will demonstrate the ability to work independently; complete projects within a specified timeline; communicate effectively; provide technical leadership; and ensure a safe working environment. Excellent communication strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented personality are required. The candidate will also be a motivated self-starter and possess the ability to conduct document and communicate research methods and results.

This position provides strong variety of work in a welcoming environment. Candidates that are detail oriented organized and value being on a strong team are encouraged to apply.

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.

This is a term position with opportunity for renewal based on funding.

This position will be open until filled. For guaranteed consideration please apply before January 2nd 2026.

Level Guidelines
Expert-level position possessing advanced professional and/or technical skills working under limited or no supervision
Applies high-level professional knowledge and expertise to focus on ISUs mission and meeting division department or work unit goals
Solves complex issues using highly-developed problem resolution skills
Regularly provides recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
Utilizes high-level professional knowledge and expertise to provide guidance recommendations and set standards related to strategy policy and mission
Leads projects of moderate to high scope and complexity with broad impact
May provide supervision to other department staff (i.e. leads a small work team)

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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:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

For guaranteed consideration please apply before January 2nd 2026.

If you have questions regarding this application process please email or call or Toll Free: 1-.

Why Choose ISU

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

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