Senior R&D Engineer - Application Technology Program Lead

Iowa State University • Ames, IA

1d

About The Position

The Digital Agriculture Innovation Lab (www.isudigitalag.org) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer – Application Technology Program Lead to join our growing team. This position will provide leadership and technical direction for an advanced research and extension program focused on agricultural application technology systems. This role is ideal for candidates with extensive application technology or sprayer system experience, encompassing innovation and education in liquid and dry application technologies for crop production, including herbicide, fertilizer, and targeted spraying systems for both ground and aerial platforms. Additionally, the position will manage technical staff, oversee laboratory and field-testing operations, and coordinate interdisciplinary projects that span agronomy and engineering. The successful candidate will possess strong hands-on expertise in agricultural chemical delivery systems and demonstrate leadership in both research and applied extension activities. This role is ideal for candidates with extensive application technology or sprayer system experience. Digital Ag’s 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 Ag’s role in driving positive impact in the agricultural industry. As a Senior R&D Engineer, you'll 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. You'll 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).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience

Nice To Haves

• 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 service within agriculture, OEMs, or ag input companies.
• Experience conducting or supporting field trials, on-farm testing, or performance benchmarking of 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior