Sprayer Systems Lead: Field & Application Tech

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

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement benefits

Vacation and time off

Onsite childcare (Ames, IA)

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Wellbeing program

Job summary

Iowa State University's Digital Ag Innovation Lab is seeking a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to drive development, testing, and field evaluation of advanced agricultural application systems. You will bridge engineering, agronomy, and field operations, guiding projects from concept to field deployment.

The role emphasizes hands-on work in the shop, lab, and field, while leading teams, sponsor relationships, and industry collaborations to advance liquid, dry, targeted, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience.
• Experience with agricultural application systems or precision agriculture.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage projects.
• Experience with field trials, lab testing, or product evaluation.
• Strong ability to connect engineering parameters to agronomic outcomes.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Agricultural applications

Field trials

Cross-functional leadership

Project management

Lab to field transfer

Education

Bachelor's degree in a relevant field

Tools

Spray systems

Nozzles

Pumps

Job description

Iowa State University's Digital Ag Innovation Lab is seeking a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to drive development, testing, and field evaluation of advanced agricultural application systems. You will bridge engineering, agronomy, and field operations, guiding projects from concept to field deployment.

The role emphasizes hands-on work in the shop, lab, and field, while leading teams, sponsor relationships, and industry collaborations to advance liquid, dry, targeted, and