Sprayer Systems Lead — Precision Ag & Field Innovation

Iowa State University; Ames (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Iowa State University is seeking a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to build and lead a program focused on the development, testing, and field evaluation of agricultural application systems. The role connects engineering, agronomy, and field operations to evaluate how equipment design and management practices affect performance and agronomic outcomes.

The position involves hands-on work in shop, lab, and field, plus leadership of projects, sponsorship relationships, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 8 years related experience.
• Experience with agricultural application systems and precision agriculture.
• Experience with field trials, lab testing, product evaluation, or system benchmarking.
• Ability to connect engineering performance to agronomic outcomes.
• Experience leading technical projects, 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

Cross-functional leadership

Field trials & lab testing

Engineering to agronomic outcomes

Project leadership & sponsor relations

Education

Advanced degree in agricultural engineering or agronomy

Tools

Nozzles & pumps

Drone & aerial systems

Lab & field-testing platforms

Job description

Iowa State University is seeking a Sprayer Systems and Application Technology Lead to build and lead a program focused on the development, testing, and field evaluation of agricultural application systems. The role connects engineering, agronomy, and field operations to evaluate how equipment design and management practices affect performance and agronomic outcomes.

The position involves hands-on work in shop, lab, and field, plus leadership of projects, sponsorship relationships, and