Iowa State University · 3 hours ago
Senior R&D Engineer - Application Technology Program Lead
Ames, IA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
8+ years expIowa State University is seeking a Senior R&D Engineer – Application Technology Program Lead to join their Digital Agriculture Innovation Lab. This role involves providing leadership and technical direction for an advanced research program focused on agricultural application technology systems, managing technical staff, and coordinating interdisciplinary projects.
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No H1B
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
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience
Preferred
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
Benefits
Comprehensive health and work-life benefits
Medical and dental
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
Company
Iowa State University
Iowa State University is a public flagship land-grant and space-grant research university located in Ames, Iowa.
5001-10000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$5.51MKey Investors
U.S. Department of Energy Office of ElectricityUS Department of Energy"US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administation"
2024-08-28Grant· $1M
2024-03-28Grant
2024-02-26Grant
Leadership Team
Kevin Kimle
Rastetter Chair of Agricultural Entrepreneurship
Recent News
Tech Xplore
2026-01-14
2025-12-11
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