Research & Development Engineer III - Digital Ag

Position Title:

Research & Development Engineer III - Digital Ag

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience solving engineering problems within the electrical, sensing, controls, automation, and software domains on mobile vehicle or similar systems.

Experience with defining requirements, project planning, feature prioritization, and milestone tracking for technical engineering projects.

Knowledge of functional design of ag vehicle systems and integration of technology, sensing, and controls into vehicle systems.

Experience with software development, functional algorithm development, data analysis and testing including applications of Matlab, Simulink, or other analysis tools.

Job Description:

The Digital Agriculture Innovations Lab (www.isudigitalag.org) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking a Research & Development Engineer III to join our growing team.  This position will be responsible for leading and managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects focused on sensing, automation, and controls for off-road vehicle and agricultural systems. With over 90 patents and licensed technologies, we are at the forefront of agricultural innovation.

As a Research & Development 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, 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 (seed and chemical, dry and liquid products), among others. This work will focus on translating technology from early proof of concept (TRL 3) to a system prototype (TRL 7).

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. 

Responsibilities may include:

• Independently manage and provide technical leadership to complex, externally funded, projects related to ag technology.  Domain expertise in sensing, controls, functional design, or automation of ag technology systems.

• Provide ownership and oversight to project management and execution plan for industry sponsored engineering projects, including summarizing project results and effectively communicating outcomes to internal and external stakeholders. 

• Senior-level engineering and software development for sensing, automation, and/or robotics using Matlab and Simulink Interfacing and analysis of sensor data including the development of algorithms to create, filter and extract performance metrics from dynamic signals.

• Development of fully functional, innovative prototypes of sensing, automation, and/or robotic test stands and mobile vehicle systems. Includes design and implementation of system architecture and communications interfaces (CAN Bus, Ethernet).

• Conduct and analyze field data and validation of engineering systems including the development of algorithms to filter and extract performance metrics from dynamic signals. 

• Supervise and mentor young professionals in engineering design, research protocols and data analysis.

• Secure funding through grants, sponsorships, and industry collaborations to support research initiatives.  Includes developing simple SOWs and contributing to complex SOWs.

This is an initial three-year term position, with expectation for renewal based on availability of funding.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship. 

Follow us here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-ag-innovation-lab.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

April 27, 2028

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS812

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

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.

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:

March 28, 2025

Posting Close Date:

April 4, 2025

Job Requisition Number:

R16688