Autonomous Vehicle Testing Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Position Title:Field Operations and Test EngineerJob Group:Professional & ScientificRequired Minimum Qualifications:Bachelor's degree and 5 years of related experienceJob Description:

Build the Future of Agriculture

If you want your work to matter beyond the lab and shop-on real machines, in real field conditions, and supporting technologies that are deployed across agriculture-this is the role for you.

Who We Are

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab at Iowa State University partners with leading agricultural companies to design, build, and deploy next-generation technologies for agriculture. Our team works at the intersection of applied engineering, industry collaboration, and the land-grant mission, moving ideas from concept to prototype to field deployment.

Our vision is bold: to be the premier thought leader and partner in ag innovation.

Our mission guides everything we do: Innovate. Educate. Outreach.

• We innovate with partners to create technology solutions that drive value into agriculture and our communities.

• We educate to inspire and develop students and professionals to ensure a thriving workforce that drives success within our industry.

• We outreach to share knowledge with farmers and ag businesses and promote practices that enhance their success.

We operate with four core values: Passion. Innovation. Collaboration. Excellence.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a Field Operations & Test Engineer to support testing, validation, equipment deployment, and field operations across the Digital Ag Innovation Lab portfolio. This role serves as a shared engineering resource, partnering with multiple project teams to plan and execute field trials, operate agricultural equipment, develop test methodologies, collect performance data, and ensure technologies are successfully validated in real-world environments.

This is a highly hands-on role that combines engineering, equipment operation, troubleshooting, and field execution. The successful candidate will play a critical role in enabling project success by helping teams move technologies from prototype to validated field-ready systems.

What You'll Do

• Plan and execute field trials across multiple Digital Ag Innovation Lab projects.

• Operate agricultural equipment during planting, application, harvest, and technology validation activities.

• Build, modify, instrument, and troubleshoot prototype equipment and test systems.

• Install sensors, controls, and data acquisition hardware to support field testing.

• Collect, analyze, and document field and system performance data while supporting diagnostics and root-cause analysis.

• Develop test plans, document test procedures, and prepare technical reports summarizing field performance and validation results.

• Coordinate shared testing resources, equipment, and field operations across multiple project teams.

• Maintain testing equipment, instrumentation, and shared field support assets.

• Support sponsor demonstrations, field days, customer visits, and technology evaluations.

• Mentor students and promote safe, efficient, and effective field testing and engineering best practices.

What You Bring

• Hands-on experience operating, testing, and troubleshooting agricultural or off-road equipment

• Experience conducting field trials, equipment evaluations, or product validation activities

• Ability to diagnose mechanical, hydraulic, electrical, and control-related issues

• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, and performance measurement systems

• Strong mechanical aptitude with experience building, calibrating, and maintaining equipment and test systems

• Ability to independently organize and execute testing activities across multiple projects

• Strong communication and collaboration skills

• Willingness to work in outdoor environments

• Commitment to safety, quality, and continuous improvement

Technology & Systems You May Work With

Projects in the Digital Ag Innovation Lab involve testing and validating a wide range of agricultural systems and technologies. Depending on the project, you may work with:

• Agricultural and off-road mobile equipment

• Precision agriculture technologies (guidance, rate control, telemetry, automation)

• Mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical systems

• Sensors, instrumentation, and data acquisition systems

• Vehicle communication networks (CAN Bus, ISOBUS, Ethernet)

• Spray, seeding, harvesting, and material handling equipment

• Autonomous, robotic, and unmanned agricultural systems

• Prototype systems, test stands, and validation platforms

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Agricultural, Biosystems, Mechanical, Electrical Engineering, or related field

• Experience operating and troubleshooting agricultural or off-road equipment

• Experience with sensors, instrumentation, data acquisition, and validation systems

• Experience building and modifying prototype equipment and test systems

• Experience conducting and coordinating field trials, product evaluations, or performance benchmarking activities

• Experience working with OEMs, agricultural technology companies, or applied research organizations

• Commercial applicator, UAV, CDL, or other equipment certifications

Although this is a term position, it is expected to offer long-term opportunity, with the option for renewal.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.

The candidate will be hired as an Engineer III.

This position will remain open until filled.

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on "Apply" and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:

Resume/Curriculum Vitae

Letter of Application/Cover Letter

Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans

• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

• Life insurance and long-term disability

• Flexible Spending Accounts

• Various voluntary benefits and discounts

• Employee Assistance Program

• Wellbeing program

If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu, or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.

Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)Proposed End Date or Length of Term:August 16, 2029Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work PeriodTime Type:Full timePay Grade:PS811Original Posting Date:July 2, 2026Posting Close Date:Job Requisition Number:R19551

Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu.

General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.