Position Title:Test Engineer I - Digital Ag
Job Group:Professional & Scientific
Required Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree
Preferred Qualifications:BS degree in Engineering, Technology, or Science discipline.
Experience with mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and/or software systems on mobile vehicles or crop production systems.
Experience with defining and executing engineering system tests including field testing with mobile ag machinery.
Experience with sensor installation, verification, and data acquisition systems.
Experience with documenting test outcomes, summarizing test results, and conducting basic data analysis.
Experience sharing expertise and outcomes with internal and external stakeholders through oral and written presentations.
Job Description:
The Digital Agriculture Innovations Lab ( www.isudigitalag.org ) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking Test Engineer I 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, you'll have the chance to work with state-of-the-art technology in agriculture. Our team promotes a learning-based environment where continuous growth and development are highly encouraged. 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:
Develop and implement test methods for mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and/or software systems within an agronomic crop production system.
Collaborate with team members to select and integrate sensors, data acquisition equipment, and data protocols for verification of test outcomes.
Document test outcomes and communicate results with internal and external stakeholders.
Interact with software engineers and research scientists to verify engineering test requirements and provide technical support.
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively; 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.
This is an initial three-year term position, with expectation for renewal based on availability of funding.
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.
This posting will be open until filled. However, to receive full consideration, please apply before September 19, 2025.
Follow us here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-ag-innovation-lab .
Level Guidelines- Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision- Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode- Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope- Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained- Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate- May lead projects of limited scope and complexity- May provide guidance to students
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:October 1, 2028
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS809
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 employment@iastate.edu 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: September 3, 2025
Posting Close Date:
Job Requisition Number:R17708
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 eooffice@iastate.edu.
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu 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 employment@iastate.edu 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.
