The Digital Ag Innovation Lab, within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, is accepting applications for an R&D Engineer – Automation and Controls team lead who will provide advanced technical leadership in automation, electro-hydraulic/mechanical integration, embedded systems, and digital agriculture engineering. The ISU Digital Ag Innovation Lab (www.isudigitalag.org) consists of professional staff and graduate students who work closely with agricultural industry partners to develop innovative technology solutions for agriculture. The team has a strong innovation record with over 90 patents and licensed technologies.
Digital Ag’s vision to enhance knowledge and innovation in agriculture is reinforced by our mission to innovate, educate, and outreach by bridging the gap between ideas and practical application, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and elevating individuals and organizations to adopt advanced ag tech solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future. Strengthened by a team of service driven and abundant thinkers, passionate about agriculture and striving for excellence, we are committed to combining technological advancement with practical solutions, emphasizing Digital Ag’s role in driving positive change in the agricultural industry.
Example of Duties
Develop automation control software for embedded platforms, integrating with vehicle ECUs, and ensure compliance with off-road vehicle communication protocols of CANBUS and ethernet.
Design algorithms for sensor fusion, actuator control, and signal processing; lead model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink and related tools.
Configure and optimize embedded systems; integrate sensors, actuators, controllers, and electro-mechanical components into robust automation platforms.
Establish testing and validation processes, including simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) evaluations; verify system performance in lab and field settings.
Define automation system architectures that support production development and rapid prototyping for robust development and seamless integration into production solutions.
Design and integrate multi-disciplinary systems combining mechanical components, electrical hardware, and embedded software to meet project requirements.
Lead project lifecycles—including planning, timelines, budgets, SOWs, contracts, and deliverables—from concept through system demonstration.
Ensure system reliability, safety, and performance; prepare documentation supporting technology transfer, commercialization, and reporting.
Communicate project updates and technical insights to leadership, sponsors, and external partners.
Supervise and mentor engineers, researchers, and students/grad students; provide training in automation, controls, embedded systems, and instrumentation.
Build collaborative relationships across internal teams, vendors, and research partners; support team development and skill-building.
Digital Ag operates in a highly collaborative team environment. The successful candidate will manage project scope, schedule and demonstrate strong project and team leadership, quality control skills, and supervise full-time staff and students to support project activities. Additionally, this position will demonstrate the ability to work independently; complete projects within a specified timeline; communicate effectively; provide technical leadership; and ensure a safe working environment. Excellent communication, strong organizational skills, and a detail-oriented personality are required. The candidate will also be a motivated self-starter and possess the ability to conduct, document, and communicate research methods and results.
This position provides strong variety of work in a welcoming environment. Candidates that are detail oriented, organized, and value being on a strong team are encouraged to apply.
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.
This is a term position with opportunity for renewal based on funding.
This position will be open until filled. For guaranteed consideration, please apply before January 2nd, 2026.
Level Guidelines
• Expert-level position possessing advanced professional and/or technical skills working under limited or no supervision
• Applies high-level professional knowledge and expertise to focus on ISU’s mission and meeting division, department or work unit goals
• Solves complex issues using highly-developed problem resolution skills
• Regularly provides recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Utilizes high-level professional knowledge and expertise to provide guidance, recommendations, and set standards related to strategy, policy, and mission
• Leads projects of moderate to high scope and complexity with broad impact
• May provide supervision to other department staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter
For guaranteed consideration, please apply before January 2nd, 2026.
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Why Choose ISU?
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