Sprayer Systems Lead: Field & Lab Applications

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University seeks a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to drive the development, testing, and field evaluation of liquid, dry, targeted, and variable-rate application technologies.

The role connects application technology, agronomy, and field operations to optimize performance, evaluate parameters, and advance equipment design from prototype to field-ready solutions.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 application systems

Precision agriculture

Agriculture equipment

Crop production

Project leadership

Education

Advanced degree in agricultural engineering or agronomy

Tools

Lab testing platforms

Field-testing platforms

Job description

Iowa State University seeks a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to drive the development, testing, and field evaluation of liquid, dry, targeted, and variable-rate application technologies.

The role connects application technology, agronomy, and field operations to optimize performance, evaluate parameters, and advance equipment design from prototype to field-ready solutions.