Test Engineer I - Digital Ag

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 Lengt