R&D Engineer IV - Automation and Controls

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Position Title:

R&D Engineer IV - Automation and Controls## Job Group:

Professional & Scientific## Required

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 8 years related experience##

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s or Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Automation, Controls, or a related field.
Experience leading engineering teams, projects, and sponsor relationships    Experience developing embedded software for automation or robotic systems using C/C++, Python, or MATLAB/Simulink.

Experience with defining requirements, project planning, feature prioritization, and milestone tracking for technical projects.
Demonstrated experience preparing technical documentation and delivering industry-focused presentations, as evidenced by reports, publications, presentation lists, or portfolio materials.

Experience with multi-disciplinary product development, including mechanical design, designing and testing control systems, sensor algorithm development, and electro-hydraulic controls.##

Job Description:

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab, within the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering at Iowa State University, is accepting applications for an
** R&D Engineer – Automation and Controls
** team lead who will provide advanced technical leadership in automation, electro-hydraulic/mechanical integration, embedded systems, and digital agriculture engineering. The ISU Digital Ag Innovation  Lab () consists of professional staff and graduate students who work closely with agricultural industry partners to develop innovative technology solutions for agriculture. The team has a strong innovation record with over 90 patents and licensed technologies.
* Digital Ag’s vision to enhance knowledge and innovation in agriculture 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 change in the agricultural industry.
*** Example of Duties
*** Develop automation control software for embedded platforms, integrating with vehicle ECUs, and ensure compliance with off-road vehicle communication protocols of CANBUS and ethernet.
* Design algorithms for sensor fusion, actuator control, and signal processing; lead model-based development using MATLAB/Simulink and related tools.
* Configure and optimize embedded systems; integrate sensors, actuators, controllers, and electro-mechanical components into robust automation platforms.
* Establish testing and validation processes, including simulation, and Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) evaluations; verify system performance in lab and field settings.
* Define automation system architectures that support production development and rapid prototyping for robust development and seamless integration into production solutions.
* Design and integrate multi-disciplinary systems combining mechanical components, electrical hardware, and embedded software to meet project requirements.
* Lead project life cycles—including planning, timelines, budgets, SOWs, contracts, and deliverables—from concept through system demonstration.
* Ensure system reliability, safety, and performance; prepare documentation supporting technology transfer, commercialization, and reporting.
* Communicate project updates and technical insights to leadership, sponsors, and external partners.
* Supervise and mentor engineers, researchers, and students/grad students; provide training in automation, controls, embedded systems, and instrumentation.
* Build collaborative relationships across internal teams, vendors, and research partners; support team development and skill-building.

Digital Ag operates in a highly collaborative team environment.  The successful candidate will manage project scope,…