Field Operations and Test Engineer

About the role

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University seeks a Field Operations & Test Engineer to support testing, validation, equipment deployment, and field operations across the Digital Ag Innovation Lab portfolio. This role serves as a shared engineering resource, partnering with multiple project teams to plan and execute field trials, operate agricultural equipment, develop test methodologies, collect performance data, and ensure technologies are successfully validated in real-world environments.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute field trials across multiple Digital Ag Innovation Lab projects.
• Operate agricultural equipment during planting, application, harvest, and technology validation activities.
• Build, modify, instrument, and troubleshoot prototype equipment and test systems.
• Install sensors, controls, and data acquisition hardware to support field testing.
• Collect, analyze, and document field and system performance data while supporting diagnostics and root-cause analysis.
• Develop test plans, document test procedures, and prepare technical reports summarizing field performance and validation results.
• Care for testing equipment, instrumentation, and shared field support assets.
• Maintain testing equipment, instrumentation, and shared field support assets.
• Support sponsor demonstrations, field days, customer visits, and technology evaluations.
• Mentor students and promote safe, efficient, and effective field testing and engineering best practices.

Requirements

• Hands-on experience operating, testing, and troubleshooting agricultural or off-road equipment.
• Experience conducting field trials, equipment evaluations, or product validation activities.
• Experience diagnosing mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control-related issues.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, and performance measurement systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience building, calibrating, and maintaining equipment and test systems.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to work in outdoor environments.
• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience.

Skills

• Experience with precision agriculture technologies (guidance, rate control, telemetry, automation).
• Experience with mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems.
• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems.
• Experience with vehicle communication networks (CAN Bus, ISOBUS, Ethernet).
• Experience with spray, seeding, harvesting, and material handling equipment.
• Experience with autonomous, robotic, and unmanned agricultural systems.
• Experience with prototype systems, test stands, and validation platforms.

Benefits

Although this is a term position, it is expected to offer long-term opportunity, with the option for renewal. 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.

Pay

The pay grade for this position is PS811. Individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.

Schedule

This position will remain open until filled. The work period is 12 months per year.