Precision Application Systems Lead

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience, + 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., 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 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 OpportunityWe 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., By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.