Research Engineer - Spray Analysis

This position is located in River Falls, WI.

Provides technical support and daily operation of laboratory equipment and assist in experimental setup and execution for the research scientists. Will be involved in supporting experiments critical to the daily function of the Winfield United Innovation Center and to delivering upon our strategy: to provide our owners with the most innovative and rigorously validated agricultural products in the industry.  Will also conduct periodic maintenance of equipment and laboratory space. Develop quantitative and qualitative methods for investigating new products and supporting current portfolios.  Applies analytics to solve problems and effectively communicate to the product development team.   

Will also effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders involving cross functional collaboration with research staff, customers, and marketers. Position will assist research managers in conducting experiments to meet the needs of the product development groups in areas of Green House, Growth Chamber, and local field testing.

Scientific Responsibilities (60%)

Responsible for set up and support of experimental equipment including:

• Benchtop analytical equipment
• Creation and setup of test fixtures
• Arrangement of high-speed photography equipment
• Alignment of laser diagnostic equipment
• Chemical sample preparation
• Plant specimen preparation
• Validation of instruments, calibration
• Assist with methodology development based on physical principles
• Execution of spray atomization and deposition experiments in low speed and high-speed wind tunnels.
• Oversee research projects by coordinating project objectives, organizing research efforts within the lab, and communicate project status to stakeholders

Maintenance of laboratory and equipment including:

• Routine cleaning of laboratory equipment
• Verification of equipment operation, monthly calibrations
• Understands resource planning and assists in any data management needed for the process
• General laboratory upkeep

Data Analysis (20%)

Assist with interpreting and presenting data insights and responsible for certain aspects of product development projects.  

Utilize instruments to gain better understanding of pesticide droplet movement as impacted by various variables (nozzles, tank mix partners, environments, crop, adjuvant components). 

Support Marketing and Safety Effort (20%)

Support marketing efforts by highlighting value provided by laboratory capabilities

Represent Winfield at professional societies and contribute to industry standards development

Support lab tours

Support to other research laboratories and programs within the Innovation Center, including:

• Controlled environments (greenhouse & growth chamber)
• Field research
• Chemistry
• Materials characterization

Follow all laboratory rules and regulations, including health and safety policies, to guarantee the highest quality results.  

Assist with the authorship of SAS SOP’s Attend safety meetings, staff meetings, and trainings.

Other support duties as assigned

Required Qualifications: 

Experience and Education

• Bachelor’s degree in physical sciences or engineering
• 1 year of experience working in a technical or mechanical support role - including working in a lab environment
• Experience following detailed technical procedures or processes
• Ability to wear PPE for extended periods while working with pesticides and around mechanical systems
• This work will be performed in both an office and lab setting. Must be able to lift 50 lbs. and stand for extended periods of time in a lab environment

Preferred Qualifications: 

Experience and Education

• Masters' degree in engineering or physical sciences with 3+ years of experience or doctoral degree in engineering or physical sciences
• Experience in a laboratory research role with an emphasis in analytical equipment and physical measurements
• Experience with electromechanical design and sensor operation and integration

Competencies & Other Skills

• Experience with experimental design and data interpretation
• Experience with fabrication and rapid prototyping techniques
• Experience with mechanical design for simple mechanisms
• Comfort with public speaking to present complex subjects and laboratory results to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Proactively improves work processes and practices
• Labview software for system controls and sensor integration
• Experience programming in C, C++, Python, R, or Matlab
• Wiring, electronic, and plumbing design
• Video setup, capture, and editing for marketing collateral
• Documentation of new methods
• Laser safety awareness training
• Experience with phase Doppler interferometry, particle image velocimetry, quantitative shadowgraphy, aerosol sampling and quantitative fluorometry
• Familiarity with agriculture

Salary range: $69,040 - $103,560 (in most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges) 

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.