Precision Application Systems Lead

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Build the Future of Agriculture

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 Precision Application Systems Lead to drive the development testing and validation of agricultural application systems across ground and aerial platforms. This role focuses on liquid and dry product delivery 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 Youll Do

• Lead development testing and validation of application systems (spray fertilizer targeted delivery)

• 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 (droplet size pressure flow 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 or programs

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.

• Ability to connect 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: .

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 or call or Toll Free: 1-.

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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. email .

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.