Application Technology Lead

About the role

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.

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

Requirements

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
Experience connecting engineering performance to agronomic outcomes
Experience leading teams and working with industry partners
Experience managing technical projects, programs, budgets, and sponsor relationships

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
• 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

Benefits

Comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including 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

Pay

Commensurate with qualifications

Schedule

Full-time