Mechatronics Engineer (Machine Compatibility)

ISU Research Park; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabanto, Ames, IA, is seeking a Mechatronics Engineer (Machine Compatibility) to bridge mechanical, electrical, and software engineering for autonomous agricultural machinery. You will integrate control systems, build harnesses, and develop embedded software for tractors in lab and field settings.

The role emphasizes hands-on engineering, cross-disciplinary problem solving, and direct collaboration with agricultural equipment deployments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field.
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Entrepreneurial attitude with keen attention to detail and ability to manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Integrate retrofit autonomous control systems onto row crop and utility tractors.
• Design, build, and validate electrical cable harnesses for vehicle integration.
• Read, interpret, and create vehicle electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Develop and maintain software in C++ and/or Python for embedded systems and autonomy applications.
• Design software and hardware interfaces with sensors, actuators, controllers, and vehicle networks.
• Perform system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and validation in lab and field.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve reliability and manufacturability.
• Document designs, test procedures, and engineering changes.
• Support field deployments and customer installations as needed.

Skills

Quantitative analysis

Problem solving

Entrepreneurial attitude

Multitasking / prioritization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics/Electrical/Mechanical/Computer Engineering

Job description

Mechatronics Engineer (Machine Compatibility)

Employer

Posted On

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Location: Ames, IA

Sabanto is a venture-backed, Illinois-based technology company on a mission to drive autonomy into agriculture.

We believe the agriculture industry’s lack of labor will drive the adoption of Farming-as-a-Service companies using autonomous equipment. It’s this very spirit that drives us to build a robotic machinery platform, delivering a service that brings unprecedented efficiency, productivity, and cost to farmers. Join our fast-growing, industrious, and passionate team of innovators as we continue to disrupt the multi-billion-dollar agriculture industry.

As a Mechatronics Engineer at Sabanto you will integrate autonomous control systems onto row crop and utility tractors, bridging mechanical, electrical, and software engineering disciplines. You will be responsible for designing and implementing electrical systems, developing software, and troubleshooting complex vehicle integrations in both the lab and the field.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys hands-on engineering, solving cross-disciplinary problems, and working directly with agricultural machinery.

RESPONSIBILITIES & OUTCOMES

• Integrate retrofit autonomous control systems onto row crop and utility tractors.
• Design, build, and validate electrical cable harnesses for vehicle integration.
• Read, interpret, and create vehicle electrical schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Develop and maintain software in C++ and/or Python for embedded systems and autonomy applications.
• Design software and hardware interfaces with sensors, actuators, controllers, and vehicle communication networks.
• Perform system integration, testing, troubleshooting, and validation in both laboratory and field environments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to improve system reliability, manufacturability, and performance.
• Document designs, test procedures, and engineering changes.
• Support field deployments and customer installations as needed.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Mechatronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Strong quantitative, analytical, and problem-solving skills
• An entrepreneurial attitude with a keen eye for detail
• Organized, disciplined, and can manage multiple priorities simultaneously
• Industrious – can drive tractors, trucks, and anything with four wheels or willing to learn.