Position Title:
Control Systems Engineer

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience

Job Description:

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Control System Engineer to lead the architecture, integration, and deployment of advanced digital agriculture systems with OEM and industry partners.

This is a hands-on systems engineering leadership role guiding complex technical initiatives from concept through field deployment. You will architect integrated hardware and software systems, build production-representative platforms, and translate emerging technologies into practical solutions for real agricultural environments.

In this role, you will collaborate closely with industry partners, engineers, agronomists, and interdisciplinary research teams to define system architectures, lead technical execution, and ensure solutions are robust, scalable, and deployment ready.

You will have the opportunity to influence technical direction, mentor engineers, and see technologies move from early validation into real-world agricultural deployment.

What You'll Do

• Lead system architecture and integration of advanced digital agriculture platforms, including sensing, automation, and control systems for real-time vehicle applications.

• Design, develop, and optimize multi-sensor data acquisition and processing pipelines to support control system development, performance analysis, and data-driven decision-making.

• Lead development of embedded control software and machine automation systems for agricultural machinery

• Establish and execute scalable test and validation strategies across lab and field environments that reflect real-world operating conditions.

• Translate emerging technologies into functional prototypes and deployable solutions aligned with industry needs.

• Lead a cross-functional engineering team to deliver complex projects with clear milestones, timelines, and measurable outcomes.

• Develop technical documentation, scopes of work, and deliverables for external partners and stakeholders.

• Mentor and develop engineers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing engineering culture focused on technical excellence, innovation, and accountability.

The successful candidate will bring deep experience designing and integrating complex hardware-software systems for vehicle dynamics and controls, from modeling and simulation through embedded deployment, lab and field validation, and extraction of meaningful performance metrics. Strong project management, communication, and leadership skills are essential when collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, industry partners, and externally funded engineering projects.

Technology & Systems You May Work With

Projects in the Digital Ag Innovation Lab often integrate sensing, computing, and connected technologies used in modern agricultural equipment. Your work may involve systems such as:

• Vehicle communication networks (e.g., CAN, CAN FD, Ethernet)

• Sensor integration, data acquisition systems, and multi-sensor fusion pipelines

• Model-based development and simulation tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink)

• Embedded systems and real-time control architectures

• Mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic system design and control integration

• Agricultural, off-highway, or other mobile equipment platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. or Ph.D. in Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field

• Background in agricultural equipment, off‑highway machinery, robotics, or precision ag systems

• Experience commercializing applied engineering solutions

• Experience mentoring engineers in fast‑paced development environments

This is a term position with the expectation of long-term 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.

The candidate will be hired as a Research & Development Engineer IV.

For guaranteed consideration, please apply before July 24th.

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:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
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

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [redacted], or call [redacted] or Toll Free: [redacted].

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

August 16, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS813

Original Posting Date:
July 2, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R19552

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.