Control Systems Engineer

Iowa State University; Iowa (LA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental benefits

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Retirement benefits

Job summary

Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa seeks a Control Systems Engineer IV to lead the architecture, integration, and deployment of advanced digital agriculture systems with OEM partners, guiding initiatives from concept through field deployment.

You will develop embedded control software and oversee a cross‑functional team, ensuring robust testing across lab and field environments and delivering prototypes aligned with industry needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience required.
• MS/PhD preferred in engineering or related field.
• Background in agricultural equipment, off‑highway machinery, robotics, or precision ag systems.
• Experience mentoring engineers in fast‑paced development environments.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture and integration of advanced digital agriculture platforms, including sensing, automation, and control systems for real‑time vehicle applications.
• Design, develop, and optimize multi‑sensor data acquisition and processing pipelines to support control system development, performance analysis, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Lead development of embedded control software and machine automation systems for agricultural machinery.
• Establish and execute scalable test and validation strategies across lab and field environments that reflect real‑world operating conditions.
• Translate emerging technologies into functional prototypes and deployable solutions aligned with industry needs.
• Lead a cross‑functional engineering team to deliver complex projects with clear milestones, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop technical documentation, scopes of work, and deliverables for external partners and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing engineering culture focused on technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Skills

System architecture

Mentoring engineers

Embedded control software

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field

MS or PhD in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field (preferred)

Tools

MATLAB

Simulink

Job description

Control Systems Engineer – Research & Development Engineer IV, Digital Ag Innovation Lab, Ames, Iowa.

Job Summary

Build the future of agriculture with real machines, real farm fields, and real impact. This role leads the architecture, integration, and deployment of advanced digital agriculture systems with OEM and industry partners, guiding complex technical initiatives from concept through field deployment.

Responsibilities

• Lead system architecture and integration of advanced digital agriculture platforms, including sensing, automation, and control systems for real‑time vehicle applications.
• Design, develop, and optimize multi‑sensor data acquisition and processing pipelines to support control system development, performance analysis, and data‑driven decision‑making.
• Lead development of embedded control software and machine automation systems for agricultural machinery.
• Establish and execute scalable test and validation strategies across lab and field environments that reflect real‑world operating conditions.
• Translate emerging technologies into functional prototypes and deployable solutions aligned with industry needs.
• Lead a cross‑functional engineering team to deliver complex projects with clear milestones, timelines, and measurable outcomes.
• Develop technical documentation, scopes of work, and deliverables for external partners and stakeholders.
• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a collaborative, high‑performing engineering culture focused on technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.

Technology & Systems

• Vehicle communication networks (CAN, CAN FD, Ethernet)
• Sensor integration, data acquisition systems, and multi‑sensor fusion pipelines
• Model‑based development and simulation tools (MATLAB, Simulink)
• Embedded systems and real‑time control architectures
• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system design and control integration
• Agricultural, off‑highway, or other mobile equipment platforms

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience (required)
• M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field (preferred)
• Background in agricultural equipment, off‑highway machinery, robotics, or precision ag systems
• Experience in commercializing applied engineering solutions
• Experience mentoring engineers in fast‑paced development environments

Employment Details

• Term position with expectation of long‑term renewal; proposed end date August16,2029
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S. required; no sponsorship available
• Compensation commensurate with qualifications (range available on the University Human Resources website)

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 and Wellbeing program

Position meets the U.S. Equal Opportunity Employment policy. 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. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law.