Application Technology Lead

Job Description

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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 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.

What You'll Do

• 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

What You Bring

• 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

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

• 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

Follow us here: www.isudigitalag.org.

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 candidate will be hired as an R&D Engineer IV.

This position will be open until filled.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• 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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email , or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:

Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 2, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:

12 Month Work Period

Time Type:

Full time

Pay Grade:

PS813

Original Posting Date:

June 3, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:

R19344

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email .

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.