Senior R&D Engineer Application Technology Program Lead
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Monthly Salary:
Posted on:
9 hours ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Position Title:
Senior R&D Engineer - Application Technology Program LeadJob Group:
Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelors degree and 8 years related experiencePreferred Qualifications:
Advanced degree in agricultural engineering agronomy or related field or equivalent industry experience.Background in application technology product support field engineering applicator training or technical servicewithin agriculture OEMs or ag input companies.
Experience conducting or supporting field trials on-farm testing or performance benchmarkingof application systems.
Proven experience defining technical requirements developing experimental roadmaps prioritizing features or research questions and tracking milestones across complex multi-disciplinary projects.
Experience linking engineering parameters (pressure droplet size duty cycle travel speed) to biological efficacy and input-use efficiency.
Experience leading or mentoring cross-functional teams of engineers agronomists and research scientists in laboratory and field environments.
Job Description:
Digital Ags vision to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation 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 impact in the agricultural industry.
As a Senior R&D Engineer youll have the chance to deploy state-of-the-art technology in agriculture. Our team promotes a learning-based environment where continuous growth and development are highly encouraged. Youll engage with innovative projects that push the boundaries of agricultural engineering and application technology offering excellent opportunities for professional advancement and making a significant impact on the future of digital agriculture. Specific project areas include drone technologies and ag product application systems (dry and liquid products seed and chemical) among others. This work will focus on translating technology from early proof of concept (TRL 3) to a system prototype (TRL 7).
Responsibilities may include:
Lead the research testing and performance evaluation of agricultural spray system components including nozzles pumps flow control architectures and PWM-enabled delivery technologies
Direct experimental programs on targeted and variable-rate spraying drone-based application systems and precision delivery technologies.
Design and execute comparative benchmarking studies to quantify system performance under realistic operating conditions.
Oversee laboratory setup calibration and operation of test stands for spray characterization droplet spectra and targeted application. Ensure full compliance and data quality associated with test programs and outcomes.
Evaluate emerging precision delivery technologies for efficacy testing and agronomic value.
Supervise a team of research scientists engineers and graduate students supporting laboratory and field experiments.
Manage multi-year research programs including timelines budgets milestones and reporting requirements.
Prepare and oversee Statements of Work (SOWs) and research contracts with industry and institutional partners.
Develop and oversee high impact educational programs workshops and technical bulletins related to agricultural spray technology.
Although this is a term position it is expected to offer long-term opportunity with the option for renewal.
To receive full consideration please apply before February 27th 2026.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:
March 8 2029Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:
Full timePay Grade:
PS813Application 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
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
Original Posting Date:
February 5 2026Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:
R18568Required Experience:
Senior IC
Key Skills
- Laboratory Experience
- Vendor Management
- Design Controls
- C/C++
- FDA Regulations
- Intellectual Property Law
- ISO 13485
- Research Experience
- SolidWorks
- Research & Development
- Internet Of Things
- Product Development
About Company
Attending Iowa State University of Science and Technology (ISU) can be a whirlwind experience for some. ISU is a public land-grant institution offering higher education courses and programs with an emphasis on science, technology, and related areas. It's also home to the Cyclones athl ... View more
