Research Engineer BS

Location

Campus: OSU-Stillwater

$57,000 - $77,000

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Engineer to support cutting‑edge research in agricultural robotics and automation for precision planting, fertilization, and other field production operations. The successful candidate will contribute to the design, development, testing, and deployment of robotic systems and intelligent sensing and control technologies for agricultural production. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work closely with faculty, graduate and undergraduate students, industry partners, and funding agencies while pursuing advanced research leading to publications, technology transfer, and professional development.

• Design, develop, integrate, and operate robotic and automated systems for precision agricultural applications.
• Design, instrument, and maintain laboratory and field research equipment, including 3D printers, embedded systems, microcontrollers, microcomputers, GPS/GNSS receivers, machine vision systems, sensors, wireless communication networks, and data acquisition systems.
• Plan, organize, and conduct laboratory and field experiments related to agricultural robotics, automation, sensing and controls, and precision crop production.
• Develop software and hardware solutions for robotic control, sensing, data collection, and autonomous operation.
• Analyze experimental data using statistical, machine learning, and artificial intelligence methods to evaluate system performance and generate actionable insights.
• Prepare technical reports, project deliverables, journal manuscripts, conference papers, and presentations.
• Present research findings at professional conferences, stakeholder meetings, and technical workshops.
• Develop training materials and conduct demonstrations for project sponsors and industry stakeholders.
• Assist faculty investigators in the preparation of competitive grant proposals and research project development.

• Support research activities under the supervision of faculty investigators, including literature reviews, technology evaluations, and implementation of engineering designs.
• Maintain and troubleshoot laboratory equipment, computing resources, software systems, and research infrastructure.
• Monitor laboratory and field research facilities to ensure efficient operation and data quality.
• Supervise and mentor undergraduate and graduate students participating in research projects.
• Ensure compliance with university policies, research protocols, safety requirements, and quality assurance standards.
• Coordinate laboratory and field activities to support timely completion of project objectives.
• Maintain accurate research records, documentation, and project files.

• Bachelor's in Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering or related field (degree must be conferred on or before agreed upon start date).
• Minimum of two (2) years of professional, research, or graduate-level experience in the design, development, and implementation of smart sensing, instrumentation, automation, or control systems for agricultural, biological, environmental, or related engineering applications.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in prototype development and system integration, including the use of 3D printing, electronic instrumentation, embedded systems, sensors, and machine shop tools and equipment.
• Experience in CAD-based mechanical design using Solid Works or equivalent tools, including system-level prototype design.
• Experience planning, organizing, and conducting laboratory and field experiments, including data collection, system evaluation, troubleshooting, and documentation of research results.
• Demonstrated experience in data analysis, interpretation of experimental results, and preparation of technical reports, presentations, or scholarly publications.

• Driver license is required.

• Demonstrated proficiency in the design, development, integration, and…