Applied Research Engineer

Applied Research Engineer

Department: FAES | Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, The Ohio State University

Role:
Operations Manager with specialization in agricultural engineering, managing agricultural field research operations, ensuring operational efficiency, managing field staff, maintaining adherence to industry standards, completing research for project sponsors, and supporting proposal development and reporting.

• Oversee agricultural earthmoving field operations, ensuring they are executed in a timely and cost‑effective manner.
• Assist in developing general field research goals and plan laboratory and field work required to attain these goals.
• Apply agricultural engineering knowledge to install, set‑up, and operate GNSS‑based, wireless communications, and autonomy technologies.
• Collect and archive machine performance data including live video streams, CANBus data, time‑series sensor data, and all other relevant machine settings and field conditions.
• Act as liaison with industry, government, educational, and research organizations and assist in the preparation of proposals for new funding.
• Perform independent critical analyses of pertinent literature.
• Manage and supervise field staff, including training in best practices and safety protocols.
• Ensure compliance with agricultural regulations and standards, including relevant pesticide and nutrient commercial application laws.
• Coordinate with other academic units and research labs to optimize operational efficiency and staff performance.
• Develop and implement strategies for agricultural field production and earthmoving operations, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and minimizing environmental impact.
• Monitor operational budgets, including resource allocation and expenses related to agricultural field production and earthmoving equipment and supplies.
• Conduct regular site visits to ensure adherence to best management practices for all field operations and investigations.
• Maintain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the transportation of equipment and materials to and from field sites as needed.
• Hold or be willing to obtain a Commercial Pesticide Applicators License and Agricultural Fertilizer Applicator Certificate to ensure the appropriate and safe handling and application of related products.
• Evaluate research findings and assist with preparing interim and final reports to project sponsors.
• Prepare operational reports and provide insights to senior management on agricultural operations.
• Utilize modern engineering tools (e.g., Solid Works, ProE, Matlab, etc.) to design specialized research equipment and prototype products.
• Utilize machine shop tools, cutting, and welding equipment to fabricate specialized research equipment and prototype products.

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. 2 years of relevant experience required. 2‑4 years of relevant experience preferred.

This will be a full‑time, regular staff position with benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and pension options.

The full benefits can be viewed at (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Agricultural Engineering Building (0298)

Regular

First Shift

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

The University is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability. As required by Ohio Revised Code section , Ohio State will educate students by means of free, open and rigorous intellectual inquiry to seek the truth; equip students with the opportunity to develop intellectual skills to reach their own, informed conclusions; not require, favor, disfavor or prohibit speech or lawful assembly;

create a community dedicated to an ethic of civil and free inquiry, which respects the autonomy of each member, supports individual capacities for growth and tolerates differences in opinion; treat all faculty, staff and students as individuals, hold them to equal standards and provide equality of opportunity with regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

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