The Digital Ag Innovation Lab is accepting applications for a Senior Manager R&D Engineering who will provide strategic leadership to multidisciplinary research and engineering teams, guide high-value project portfolios, and advance the technical vision and collaborative partnerships that drive Digital Ag’s research mission. 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
Provide vision, leadership, and long-term direction for 2–4 research and engineering teams, guiding 15–20 staff and $4–$6M in annual R&D work.
Build and manage strategic research relationships with external partners to ensure revenue generation, scope alignment, and sustained collaboration.
Lead development of complex, high-value grant proposals and oversee proposal work completed by team leads.
Oversee technical execution and quality of 10–15 funded research and engineering projects each year, ensuring all deliverables meet Digital Ag Innovation Lab standards.
Plan and direct human capital strategies, research capacity investments, and infrastructure needs to support team productivity and growth.
Implement continuous improvement practices to enhance research efficiency, output quality, and team performance.
Manage financial planning, budgets, and fiscal accountability for all research and engineering teams.
Contribute to senior leadership discussions and decisions on organizational strategy, priorities, and long-term investments.
Develop and implement strategic initiatives across research and engineering groups in alignment with organizational goals.
Oversee performance management, professional development, and culture-building efforts for team leaders and their teams, ensuring strong personnel management practices.
Digital Ag operates in a highly collaborative team environment. The successful candidate will support and guide multiple research and engineering teams, ensuring clarity of project scope, strategic planning, and delivery of high-quality outcomes across a broad portfolio of projects. This position requires strong leadership, exceptional communication, and the ability to manage complex technical work while cultivating team effectiveness and cross-unit collaboration. The candidate will provide direction to full-time staff and student employees, oversee financial stewardship, and promote a culture of continuous improvement, professional development, and operational excellence. A detail-oriented, organized, and forward-thinking approach is essential for success in this role, along with the ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and uphold a safe and productive work environment.
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.
Although this is a term position, it is expected to offer long-term opportunity, with the option for renewal.
Position will be open until filled.
Level Guidelines
• Provides input into annual departmental objectives and action plans
• Accountable for achievement of key annual objectives for a department
• May provide input into institution policy within area of functional expertise
• Responsible for functional output of a department or work team
• Manages subordinate staff
• Has full management responsibility for direct reports, specifically the authority to hire, fire, and counsel
• May provide input to the budgeting process
• Requests approval for financial actions beyond a limited scope
• May provide input into financial decisions that impact department or work area
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
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