System Software Engineer (Tegra/BSP)

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Job Description:

The Digital Ag Innovation Lab (www.isudigitalag.org) at Iowa State University (ISU) is seeking an R&D Engineer III - System Software Engineer to contribute to the design, development, and implementation of software-driven engineering systems that support the next generation of Digital Ag. 

This role emphasizes applied software development while spanning domains such as robotics, computer vision, sensing, controls, data analysis, and embedded systems.  The engineer will work on interdisciplinary projects that integrate software with physical agricultural platforms, enabling data-driven decisions in real world environments.  

As an R&D Engineer, you will work in a collaborative, learning-focused environment that values innovation, experimentation, and practical impact.  You'll engage with innovative projects that push the boundaries of engineering, offering excellent opportunities for professional advancement and making a significant impact on the future of digital agriculture.

Digital Ag’s vision to be the premiere thought leader and partner in ag innovation is reinforced by our mission to innovate, educate, and outreach by bridging the gap between ideas and practical application, cultivating a culture of continuous learning, and elevating individuals and organizations to adopt advanced ag tech solutions for a more sustainable and efficient future.  Strengthened by a team of service driven and abundant thinkers, passionate about agriculture and striving for excellence, we are committed to combining technological advancement with practical solutions, emphasizing Digital Ag’s role in driving positive impact in the agricultural industry. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Design, develop, and maintain software for embedded, robotic, and cyber-physical systems using languages and tools such as C, C++, Python and Yocto.

• Architect and maintain a custom Yocto distribution for Tegra SoCs, replacing standard L4T samples with a minimal, hardened, and high-performance BSPs.

• Optimize data pipelines sourcing from CAN, Ethernet, GMSL2, MIPI, I2C, SPI, and UART.

• Calibrate and tune ISP parameters to optimize image quality for computer vision tasks.

• Provide hardware-level guidance on lens selection, sensor integration, and thermal management for camera modules.

• Develop software that integrates sensing, perception, controls, data processing, and actuation on mobile and vehicle-based platforms.

• Manage sensor data (e.g., vehicle telemetry, imaging, environmental data) for analysis, visualization, and decision making

• Design custom electronic control systems, software, and integration of electrical, mechanical, and fluid power components commonly used on agricultural and off-road equipment

• Facilitate the full software development life cycle, including requirements, system design, implementation, testing, and documentation

• Manage components of project planning and execution through Agile or iterative development methods.

• Summarize results and communicate outcomes with internal and external stakeholders

As an experienced member of the team, the engineer will independently manage deliverables within complex, externally funded projects and contribute technical expertise across multiple areas of system design and development. This role will also provide leadership in project planning, execution, and communication with industry and academic partners.

The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work independently and collaboratively; complete projects within a specified timeline; meet project design criteria; communicate effectively and provide technical leadership to design team members; and ensure a safe working environment for project staff. 

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.

This posting will remain Open Until Filled.  

The selected candidate will be hired as an R&D Engineer III.

Follow us here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digital-ag-innovation-lab.

Example of Duties
• Leads complex research and engineering projects and may provide direction to and coordination of other staff.
• Designs, develops, tests, debugs, and implements software that runs computers, devices, networking equipment, or machinery independently.
• Determines systems requirements and design specifications.
• Participates in all aspects of the software development life-cycle from requirements building, to programming and high-level system design.
• Breaks down and prioritizes work and collaborates to verify successful outcomes.
• Conducts research and development activities related to the design, development, manufacture, modification, installation, and testing of systems involved in cutting-edge scientific research.
• Determines design approaches and parameters, conducts tests, and evaluates results.
• Develops frameworks, training models, performance models and algorithms.
• Applies engineering and computer science principles to design and develop robotic systems.
• Develops and coordinates communications, presentations, etc., for external stakeholders such as sponsors, donors, and funding agencies.
• Creates technical documentation and reports.
• Creates grant proposals acting as PI or Co-PI and may manage client relations.
• Participates in decision-making at a program level for complex issues.
• Mentors and guides engineers and project contributors.

Level Guidelines
• Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals
• Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude
• Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action
• Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices
• Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff
• May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)
• May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist
• Provides guidance to students

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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:

1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae
2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter

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.

Why Choose ISU?

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

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