Senior Manager, R&D Engineering

Senior Manager, R&D Engineering – Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University

Are you ready to lead big, industry‑driven R&D portfolios
—without giving up work‑life balance, mission‑driven impact, or great benefits?

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University is looking for a Senior Manager, R&D Engineering to provide strategic leadership across multidisciplinary research and engineering teams working on industry‑funded projects that help shape the future of agricultural technology.

This is a rare opportunity to combine the pace, relevance, and scale of applied industry R&D with the stability, benefits, and culture of a top performing team at a land‑grant university
.

✅
Industry projects only

Every project you’ll oversee is tied to real industry needs—working directly with ag companies, sponsors, and collaborators to deliver deployable solutions.

✅
Leadership at scale

You’ll guide 2–4 research and engineering teams
, leading 15–20 staff and oversee $4–$6M annually across a diverse portfolio of high‑impact R&D initiatives.

✅
Strategic influence

From funding strategy and partner relationships to long‑term technical vision, this role plays a key part in shaping where Digital Ag invests, grows, and innovates next
.

✅
Innovation with proof

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab has 90+ patents and licensed technologies
—you’ll be leading teams with a demonstrated track record of real‑world impact.

✅
University benefits + balance

You get meaningful leadership responsibility and the advantages of a university environment: amazing benefits, long‑term opportunity, professional development, and a collaborative, people‑first culture.

• Set vision and long‑term direction for research and engineering teams
• Build and sustain strategic partnerships with industry and external collaborators
• Lead and oversee high‑value grant proposals and sponsored research efforts
• Ensure quality, delivery, and fiscal accountability across 10–15 active projects each year
• Plan staffing, infrastructure, and capacity investments to support growth
• Mentor team leaders, develop talent, and strengthen organizational culture
• Contribute to senior leadership decisions on strategy and long‑term priorities

• Bachelor’s degree + 7 years of related experience
• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary R&D or engineering teams
• Strong background in managing complex project portfolios and external funding
• Demonstrated success building industry partnerships
• Familiarity with digital ag, precision ag, automation, sensing, or related tech fields
• A people‑focused leader who values mentorship, clarity, and execution

Digital Ag is a highly collaborative, welcoming team that values excellence, continuous improvement, and service‑driven leadership. The work is varied, impactful, and designed for people who want to lead technical teams doing work that matters
.

📌
Status: Full‑time, term position with expected long‑term renewal

Work authorization: U.S. work authorization required

📅
Open until filled

🔗 Learn more and apply: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

If you’re excited about leading industry‑focused R&D at scale—without sacrificing balance or purpose
, we’d love to hear from you. If you know someone that you think might be a fit, send them our way!