Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead

Iowa State University; United States; On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Retirement benefits

Life insurance

Job summary

Iowa State University seeks a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to build and lead a growing program focused on development, testing, and field evaluation of agricultural application systems. This role links engineering, agronomy, and field operations to optimize performance and outcomes.

The candidate will collaborate with engineers, agronomists, researchers, and industry partners to advance liquid, dry, targeted, and variable-rate technologies through hands-on work in shop, lab,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience.
• Experience with agricultural application systems.
• Ability to lead cross-functional projects and sponsor relationships.

Responsibilities

• Lead development, testing, and field validation of agricultural application systems.
• Define technical and agronomic requirements and develop test methods.
• Evaluate how parameters affect performance, crop response, and input use.
• Analyze field and system data to guide development.
• Mentor engineers, technicians, students, and staff across teams.
• Lead projects and manage sponsor communications and delivery.

Skills

Agricultural systems

Precision agriculture

Project management

Field trials

Cross-functional leadership

Engineering concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Spray systems

Nozzles

Field testing platforms

Job description

Position Title: Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead

Job Group: Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience

Job Description

Build the Future of Agriculture 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 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 a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to build and lead a growing program focused on the development, testing, and field evaluation of agricultural application systems. This role connects application technology, agronomy, and field operations to evaluate how equipment design, application parameters, crop conditions, and management practices affect application performance and agronomic outcomes. This is not a desk-only leadership position. Successful candidates enjoy spending time in the shop, lab, and field working directly with equipment while also leading people, projects, and sponsor relationships. Working with engineers, agronomists, researchers, and industry partners, you will lead applied research from technical requirements and prototype development through field validation and analysis. The role combines hands-on engineering, field research, project leadership, and industry collaboration to advance liquid, dry, targeted, and variable-rate application technologies.

What You’ll Do

• Lead development, testing, and field validation of agricultural application systems, including spray, fertilizer, and targeted delivery technologies
• Define technical and agronomic requirements and develop field and laboratory test methods, performance measures, and validation plans
• Evaluate how application systems and operating parameters affect application performance, crop response, input use, and field productivity
• Analyze field and system data to guide technology development and improve application performance
• Lead and mentor engineers, technicians, students, and research staff while coordinating work across agronomy, engineering, and industry partners
• Lead research projects and develop new industry opportunities, including scope, resources, budgets, schedules, sponsor communication, and delivery

What You Bring

• Experience with agricultural application systems, precision agriculture, agriculture equipment, agronomy, crop production, or related technology development
• Working knowledge of agricultural application systems and the engineering principles affecting application performance, such as droplet size, pressure, flow, and speed
• Experience with field trials, lab testing, product evaluation, or system benchmarking
• Ability to connect engineering performance to agronomic outcomes
• Experience leading technical projects, research initiatives, sponsor relationships, and cross-functional teams
• Experience with agricultural equipment, agricultural inputs, or production agriculture

Technology & Systems You May Work With

• Spray systems, nozzles, pumps, and flow control
• 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 agriculture application technology, precision agriculture, agricultural equipment, crop input technology, or related industry
• Experience conducting field trials, in-field testing, or performance benchmarking of ag application systems
• Experience defining technical requirements, planning test programs, and managing work across cross-functional projects and teams
• Demonstrated ability to connect 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

Additional Details

• 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.
• Appointment Type: Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
• Proposed End Date or Length of Term: November 1, 2029
• Number of Months Employed Per Year: 12
• Month Work Period Time Type: Full time
• Pay Grade: PS813 Original Posting Date: September 4, 2026 Posting Close Date: September 20, 2026 Job Requisition Number: R19898

We Offer

• 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

Commitments of Diversity & Inclusion

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.

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.

Other Information

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. Current employees (excluding temporary, student and graduate assistants) must apply through the Workday Internal Careers Hub. By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State, we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities. Iowa State University is a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university’s Principles of Community. Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work. 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, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check. 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. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [e-mail] or call [phone] or Toll-Free: [phone]. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or [phone]. 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.