Precision Application Systems Lead

Iowa State University•Ames, IA

22h•Onsite

About The Position

Build the Future of Agriculture. If you want your work to matter beyond the lab - on real equipment, in real farm fields, with measurable impact - this is the role for you. Who We Are 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 Opportunity We 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.

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 (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

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.
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.

Responsibilities

Lead development, testing, and validation of application systems (spray, fertilizer, targeted delivery)
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