Application Technology Lead

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

1d•Onsite

About The 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. This role is seeking an Application Technology Lead to drive the development, testing, and validation of advanced agricultural application systems across ground and aerial platforms. This role focuses on liquid and dry product delivery technologies, 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.

Requirements

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 such as droplet size, pressure, flow, and 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, programs, budgets, and sponsor relationships
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.

Nice To Haves

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
Experience connecting 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

Responsibilities

Lead development, testing, and validation of application systems, including spray, fertilizer, and targeted delivery technologies
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