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Position Title:R&D Engineer II - Digital Ag

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree and 2 years of related experience

Preferred Qualifications:Experience or familiarity in one or more of the following:

Embedded or real-time software systems

Robotics or autonomous systems

Computer vision or image-based sensing

Controls systems or automation

Data analysis, data pipelines, or applied analytics

Experience with communication protocols, such as CAN and Ethernet, used on mobile vehicles

Experience working in multidisciplinary R&D teams and managing technical timelines

Background in computer science, software engineering, electrical or mechanical engineering, robotics, or related fields who are interested in applying software to real world agricultural systems.

Job Description:

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab ( www.isudigitalag.org ) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking an R&D Engineer II to contribute to the design, development, and implementation of software-driven engineering systems that support the next generation of Digital Ag.

This role emphasizes applied software development while spanning domains such as robotics, computer vision, sensing, controls, data analysis, and embedded systems. The engineer will work on interdisciplinary projects that integrate software with physical agricultural platforms, enabling data-driven decisions in real world environments.

As an R&D Engineer, you will work in a collaborative, learning-focused environment that values innovation, experimentation, and practical impact. You'll engage with innovative projects that push the boundaries of engineering, offering excellent opportunities for professional advancement and making a significant impact on the future of digital agriculture.

Digital Ag’s vision to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation is reinforced by our mission to innovate, educate, and outreach by bridging the gap between ideas and practical application, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and elevating individuals and organizations to adopt advanced ag tech solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future. Strengthened by a team of service driven and abundant thinkers, passionate about agriculture and striving for excellence, we are committed to combining technological advancement with practical solutions, emphasizing Digital Ag’s role in driving positive impact in the agricultural industry.

Key Responsibilities include:

+ Design, develop, and maintain software for embedded, robotic, and cyber-physical systems using languages such as MATLAB/ Simulink, Python, and C++

+ Develop software that integrates sensing, perception, controls, data processing, and actuation

+ Work with sensor data (e.g., machine telemetry, imaging, environmental data) for analysis, visualization, and decision making

+ Assist with the design of custom electronic control systems, software, and integration of electrical, mechanical, and fluid power components

+ Utilize engineering and development tools such as MATLAB, Simulink, CANoe, NI LabView, DEWESoft, and CAN/Ethernet communication protocols

+ Participate in the full software development life cycle, including requirements, system design, implementation, testing, and documentation

+ Contribute to project planning and execution through Agile or iterative development methods.

+ Summarize results and communicate outcomes with internal and external stakeholders

As an experienced member of the team, the engineer will independently manage deliverables within complex, externally funded projects and contribute technical expertise across multiple areas of system design and development. This role will also provide leadership in project planning, execution, and communication with industry and academic partners.

The successful candidate will have strong problem-solving skills and ability to work across disciplines; demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment; effective written and verbal communication skills; complete projects within a specified timeline; meet project design criteria; communicate effectively and provide technical leadership to design team members; and ensure a safe working environment for project staff.

Although this is a term position, it is expected to offer long-term opportunity, with the option for renewal.

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.

Multiple openings are available. This posting will be open until positions are filled.

Follow us here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-ag-innovation-lab .

Level Guidelines • Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals • Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues • Exercises judgment within defined procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems • Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests • May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff • May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity • Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:February 8, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period

Time Type:Full time

Pay Grade:PS811

Application Instructions:

To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• 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

Original Posting Date: January 6, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:R18425

By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State University (http://www.iastate.edu/) 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 (https://www.iastate.edu/principles-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. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected].

If you have questions about the application process please email [email protected] or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485. Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email [email protected] or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485. TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.