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Ag Engineer Jobs in Brainerd, MN (NOW HIRING)

Ag Engineer information

See Brainerd, MN salary details

$38.2K

$99.6K

$134.5K

How much do ag engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for ag engineer in Brainerd, MN is $99,556.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an ag engineer?

Ag Engineers, or Agricultural Engineers, are professionals who apply engineering principles to solve problems related to agriculture, such as improving farming equipment, developing irrigation systems, and optimizing crop production. They work to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural processes by integrating technology and environmental concerns. Their work can also involve soil and water conservation, renewable energy, and food processing innovations. Ag Engineers often collaborate with farmers, agronomists, and environmental scientists to address challenges in modern agriculture.

What projects does an ag engineer work on, and how do they collaborate with other professionals?

Ag Engineers often work on projects related to improving agricultural machinery, designing irrigation systems, or developing sustainable farming solutions. These projects usually require close collaboration with agronomists, farmers, environmental scientists, and sometimes government agencies to ensure designs meet both practical and regulatory needs. Teamwork is essential, as Ag Engineers must integrate feedback from field tests and coordinate with manufacturing or construction teams. This collaborative environment helps deliver effective solutions that address real-world agricultural challenges.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ag engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Agricultural Engineer, you need a strong background in engineering principles, agricultural science, and a bachelor's degree in agricultural or biological engineering. Familiarity with CAD software, GIS systems, and industry standards like ASABE certification is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with farmers and multidisciplinary teams. These skills enable agricultural engineers to design sustainable solutions, improve productivity, and address complex challenges in modern agriculture.

What is the difference between Ag Engineer vs Agronomist?

AspectAg EngineerAgronomist
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Agricultural Engineering or related field; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Agronomy, Agriculture, or Plant Science; certifications like Certified Crop Adviser (CCA) beneficial
Work EnvironmentDesigning equipment, irrigation systems, and farm infrastructure; often in labs, offices, or on-siteResearching crop production, soil health, and plant management; primarily in labs, fields, or research stations
Employer & Industry UsageFarms, agricultural equipment companies, government agencies, consulting firmsFarms, research institutions, government agencies, agribusiness companies

Ag Engineers focus on designing and improving agricultural systems and equipment, while Agronomists specialize in crop and soil management to optimize plant growth. Both roles require related credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their core responsibilities differ significantly.

Do agricultural engineers make good money?

Agricultural engineers typically earn a median annual salary that is competitive within engineering fields, with salaries varying based on experience, location, and employer. They often work in roles involving design, research, and development related to farming systems, machinery, and environmental sustainability. Advanced skills and certifications can lead to higher earning potential.

What does an agricultural engineer do?

An agricultural engineer designs and develops equipment, systems, and processes to improve farming efficiency, sustainability, and safety. They work on areas such as irrigation, machinery, soil and water conservation, and environmental impact, often using tools like CAD software and requiring knowledge of biology and engineering principles.

What cities near Brainerd, MN are hiring for Ag Engineer jobs?

Cities near Brainerd, MN with the most Ag Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Ag Engineer job openings in Brainerd, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,556 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Control Systems Developer I - Brainerd, MN

Interstates

Brainerd, MN

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday


Interstates rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

As a Control Systems Developer I, you'll play a hands-on role in designing, programming, and launching automation solutions for diverse manufacturing clients. You'll collaborate with a talented, multidisciplinary team to deliver projects that make an impact on our clients' operations every day. Joining Interstates means becoming part of a family-one that supports your growth and values your contributions.

Responsibilities:

  • PLC Programming: Develop, test, and implement PLC code for industrial automation systems.
  • HMI Development: Design and configure Human Machine Interface (HMI) applications for process control and monitoring.
  • Project Documentation: Create thorough and accurate project documentation, including system descriptions, operator manuals, and change logs.
  • Team Collaboration: Work closely with clients, electrical engineers, control system programmers, and information system specialists to deliver integrated solutions.
  • On-Site Implementation: Commission and launch control systems on-site; provide troubleshooting, technical support, and operator training to ensure project success.
  • Client Interaction: Build lasting relationships by communicating professionally, anticipating needs, and exceeding expectations.
  • Continuous Learning: Stay up-to-date on industry trends and technologies to drive continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Other Duties as Assigned: Flex and grow with a supportive team, tackling new challenges and learning every day.

Pay Range for role: $65,000.00 to $90,000.00

Preferred skills or industry knowledge:

  • Value-add Ag such as: Ethanol, Seed Oil, Petfood
  • Food & Bev
  • Continuous Process

Knowledge and Expertise for this Role

  • Bachelor's degree (B.A., B.S.) from four-year college or university with an emphasis in some branch of Engineering (Electrical, Mechanical, Chemical, etc.) or Associate's degree (A.A., A.S.) from a two-year community college or technical school with an emphasis in Instrumentation and Controls preferred.
  • Or equivalent combination of education and related experience/training
  • Experience in programming in the Industrial Environment, implementing Industrial Control Software (Startup) and experience in dealing with customers regarding system requirements
  • Experience with object oriented programming, user interface development, database systems, and system integration

Location: This position and individual will be based out of the Brainerd, MN region.

Travel: The amount of travel will vary according to business requirements (may be up to 35%). 

Benets You Can Depend On:

In addition to highly competitive pay and quality benets, Interstates strives to oer opportunities for education and career development, empowering you to have a career that's built to last. Some of our benets include:

  • Competitive pay
  • Bonus incentives
  • 401(k)
  • Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance
  • PTO and Holiday Pay
  • Disability and Life Insurance
  • Parental Leave
  • Advancement Opportunities

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