Position Title:
Lead Systems Engineer - Digital Ag

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experience

Job Description:

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Lead Systems Engineer to drive the design, integration, and deployment of complex engineering systems. In this role, you will lead system-level efforts from concept through field deployment, ensuring solutions perform in real-world agriculture environments.

This is a hands-on role focuses on system architecture, integration, and execution. You will work across software, electrical, hydraulic, and mechanical domains while partnering closely with sponsor engineering teams to deliver integrated solutions.

The role offers the opportunity to expand your leadership impact by mentoring others, influencing technical direction, and taking on increasing ownership of projects and system outcomes.

What You'll Do

• Lead end-to-end system engineering from concept, architecture, and requirements through deployment and field validation
• Define and integrate cross-domain architectures and interfaces spanning mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and software systems
• Design, build, integrate, and validate complete physical systems for agricultural and off-road equipment
• Develop system-level hardware and software solutions, including sensing, automation, and control systems
• Build and test prototypes and vehicle-integrated systems, using data and analysis to drive performance improvements
• Collaborate cross-functionally and with external partners to solve complex integration challenges and deliver solutions
• Provide technical leadership through mentoring, project planning, execution, and sponsor communication

What You Bring

• 5+ years of experience in engineering roles involving complex systems
• Experience integrating hardware and software within real-world systems
• Strong systems thinking across electrical, mechanical, software, and/or hydraulic domains
• Experience with prototyping, testing, and validating engineered systems
• Ability to troubleshoot and solve complex technical problems
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, including working with external partners
• Interest in growing into technical leadership and mentoring others

Technology & Systems You May Work With

Projects in the Digital Ag Innovation Lab focus on integrating advanced technologies into fully functional equipment systems. Depending on the project, you may work with:

• Mechanical, hydraulic, and vehicle subsystems
• Agricultural and off-road mobile equipment platforms
• Vehicle communication networks (e.g., CAN Bus, Ethernet)
• Embedded computing platforms and Linux-based systems
• Sensors, data acquisition, and system integration
• Robotics, machine vision, and autonomous system components
• Engineering analysis and modeling tools (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink)
• Software/controls development (Matlab, Simulink, embedded C/C++)

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advance degree in engineering or related field, or equivalent industry experience
• Background in agricultural equipment, off-highway machinery, robotics, drone systems, or precision application technology (seed and chemical; liquid and dry systems)
• Experience with field testing, validation, or performance benchmarking
• Experience working with industry partners or customer-driven projects
• Experience mentoring engineers or leading technical workstreams

Follow us here: www.isudigitalag.org.

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

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

This position will remain open until filled.

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

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

May 24, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS812

Original Posting Date:
April 28, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R19067

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.