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Position Title:Test Engineer II - Digital Ag

Job Group:Professional & Scientific

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

Preferred Qualifications:BS degree in Engineering, Technology, or Science discipline.

Demonstrated experience testing mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and/or software systems on mobile vehicles or crop production systems.

Experience independently defining and executing engineering system tests, including field testing with mobile ag machinery.

Experience with sensor installation, verification, and data acquisition systems.

Experience documenting test outcomes, summarizing test results, and conducting data analysis to inform engineering decisions.

Experience sharing expertise and outcomes with internal and external stakeholders through oral and written presentations.

Job Description:

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab (www.isudigitalag.org) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking a Test Engineer II who will be responsible for developing, implementing, and communicating outcomes of test programs focused on agricultural machinery technology and digital agronomy.

As a Test Engineer II, you will play a key role in the design, execution, and analysis of engineering tests for advanced digital agriculture technologies. You will lead moderately complex testing efforts across mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and software systems within agronomic crop production environments. This role offers the opportunity to work with state-of-the-art agricultural systems while contributing technical knowledge and supporting cross-functional engineering and research teams.

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:

+ Participate in the development, execution, and refinement of test plans and test methods for mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and software systems within agronomic crop production systems.

+ Collaborate with engineering, software, and research teams to define test requirements, acceptance criteria, and verification strategies.

+ Interact with software engineers and research scientists to verify engineering test requirements and provide technical support.

+ Plan and oversee assigned testing projects, ensuring successful completion within defined scope, schedule, and budget.

+ Select, integrate, and validate sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition hardware, and data protocols to support system-level testing and performance verification.

+ Analyze test data, identify trends or issues, and develop technically sound recommendations to improve system performance and reliability.

+ Prepare clear, well-organized test documentation, including test plans, procedures, reports, and summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

+ Support field testing activities involving mobile agricultural machinery, ensuring compliance with safety standards and environmental considerations.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively; lead moderately complex test efforts, 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 participants.

This position may involve occasional travel, including in-state and limited out-of-state travel, in support of field testing and project activities. Travel needs are expected to vary seasonally and are anticipated to be up to approximately 30% depending on project requirements.

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.

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

Candidate will be hired as an Engineer II.

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:PS810

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 12, 2026

Posting Close Date:January 25, 2026

Job Requisition Number:R18444

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.