--- title: What Does an Agricultural Engineer Do? Careers & Qualifications description: Learn what agricultural engineers do, the skills and education required, and career opportunities in agricultural equipment, technology, and food production. image: https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/a9172fa0-e535-4520-b821-3a881255015a.jpg --- [![AgHires\_Logo\_Black\_no\_tag-1](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Logos/AgHires_Logo_Black_no_tag-1.png)](https://aghires.com/) - [JOBS](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs) - [SEARCH JOBS](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs) - [SUBMIT YOUR RESUME](mailto:resumes@aghires.com) - [INTERNSHIPS](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs/internship) - [CAREER ADVICE](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/career-advice) - [FIND COMPANIES](https://jobs.aghires.com/organizations) - [CREATE ACCOUNT](https://jobs.aghires.com/user/login) - [HIRE TALENT](https://aghires.com/#hiring-solutions) - [POST A JOB](https://jobs.aghires.com/products) - [RECRUITING SERVICES](https://aghires.com/recruiting-services) - [EXECUTIVE SEARCH](https://aghires.com/executive-recruiting) - [POST INTERNSHIPS FOR FREE](https://jobs.aghires.com/free-internship-job-postings) - [BACKGROUND CHECKS](https://aghires.com/background-checks) - [ADVERTISE ON AGHIRES](https://aghires.com/advertising-opportunities) - [INDUSTRIES WE SERVE](https://aghires.com/#industries) - [HIRING TIPS](https://aghires.com/resources) - [RESOURCES](https://blog.aghires.com) - [BLOG](https://blog.aghires.com) - [VIDEO LEARNING](https://www.youtube.com/user/AgHiresJobs) - [AG EDUCATORS & ADVISORS](https://aghires.com/ag-classroom-resources) - [AG HIRING TRENDS](https://aghires.com/agriculture-workforce-key-hiring-trends) - [ABOUT US](https://aghires.com/about-us) - [ABOUT AGHIRES](https://aghires.com/about-us) - [WORK AT AGHIRES](https://aghires.com/careers) - [TESTIMONIALS & CASE STUDIES](https://aghires.com/testimonials) - [CONTACT](https://aghires.com/contact) - [SIGN UP/SIGN IN](https://jobs.aghires.com/user/login) # What Does an Agricultural Engineer Do? Careers & Qualifications ![Clock Image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4130406/B2B%20Theme/Clock-3.png) 7 Minute Read Posted by [Sarah Bauermeister](https://blog.aghires.com/author/sarah-bauermeister) Tags: [Career Advice](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/career-advice), [Featured Jobs](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/featured-jobs) ![Agricultural engineer working on tablet next to tractor](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/a9172fa0-e535-4520-b821-3a881255015a.jpg) Agricultural engineers design, develop, and improve equipment, technologies, and systems used in agriculture and food production. They apply engineering principles to challenges involving farm machinery, irrigation, automation, agricultural facilities, and food processing. Their work helps agricultural businesses improve efficiency, safety, and productivity. Agricultural engineering offers career opportunities across equipment manufacturing, agricultural technology, government agencies, research, and food production. Whether you're exploring engineering degree programs or considering a career in agriculture, understanding the responsibilities, qualifications, and career paths can help you determine if this field is right for you. ## What Is Agricultural Engineering? Agricultural engineering is a branch of engineering that applies mechanical, electrical, environmental, and biological engineering principles to agricultural systems. Agricultural engineers develop solutions that improve how equipment operates, resources are managed, and agricultural products are produced. Their work can range from designing harvesting equipment and automated machinery to improving irrigation systems and food processing operations. Agricultural engineering plays a role in several industries, including: - Agricultural equipment manufacturing - Precision agriculture and agricultural technology - Food production and processing - Irrigation and water management - Livestock and agricultural facility design - Federal and state government agencies - Universities and agricultural research institutions - Research and product development ## What Does an Agricultural Engineer Do? Agricultural engineers design, develop, test, and improve equipment, technologies, and systems used throughout agriculture and food production. Their daily responsibilities vary depending on their specialty, employer, and work environment. Common agricultural engineering responsibilities include: - **Equipment Design:** Design and improve agricultural machinery, equipment, and mechanical systems. - **Research & Development:** Develop, test, and evaluate agricultural products and technologies. - **Precision Agriculture:** Integrate sensors, GPS, automation, and data collection systems into agricultural equipment. - **Water Management:** Design irrigation, drainage, and water conservation systems. - **Production Efficiency:** Improve equipment and processes used in agricultural operations and food processing. - **Equipment Testing:** Evaluate machinery performance, reliability, and safety under operating conditions. Agricultural engineers often collaborate with manufacturers, technicians, agricultural producers, and other engineering professionals to develop solutions that perform in real-world conditions. ## What Skills Do Agricultural Engineers Need? Agricultural engineers combine technical engineering knowledge with analytical abilities and practical problem-solving skills. Employers often look for candidates with the following qualifications: - **Engineering & Design:** Knowledge of mechanical systems, equipment design, and engineering principles. - **Technical Software:** Experience with computer-aided design (CAD), modeling, and engineering analysis tools. - **Problem-Solving:** Ability to identify technical challenges and develop practical solutions. - **Agricultural Knowledge:** Understanding of agricultural machinery, production practices, or operating environments. - **Communication:** Ability to collaborate with engineers, technicians, manufacturers, and agricultural producers. - **Project Management:** Ability to organize projects, evaluate results, and coordinate technical work. Depending on the position, experience with automation, programming, sensors, or equipment testing may also be valuable. ## What Education Do You Need to Become an Agricultural Engineer? Most agricultural engineering positions require a bachelor's degree in agricultural engineering, biological systems engineering, or a related engineering discipline. Agricultural engineering degree programs typically include coursework in mathematics, physics, engineering design, mechanical systems, and biological sciences. Students may also study agricultural machinery, environmental systems, automation, and water resource management. Internships and hands-on engineering projects can provide valuable experience, particularly for students interested in agricultural equipment manufacturing, product development, or agricultural technology. A Professional Engineer (PE) license is not typically required for entry-level positions, but it may be beneficial or necessary for certain advanced engineering responsibilities. ## What Jobs Can You Get With an Agricultural Engineering Degree? An agricultural engineering degree opens the door to careers in equipment manufacturing, precision agriculture, food production, irrigation, and agricultural technology. Depending on their interests and technical expertise, graduates can pursue several specialized engineering roles. ### Agricultural Equipment Engineer Designs, develops, and improves machinery used for planting, harvesting, and other agricultural operations. May also test equipment and troubleshoot mechanical systems. ### Precision Agriculture Engineer Develops technologies such as GPS guidance, automated controls, and sensors to improve equipment performance and support data-driven farming practices. ### Product Development Engineer Designs, tests, and refines agricultural equipment and technologies, often working on projects from initial concepts through production. ### Irrigation Engineer Designs and improves irrigation, drainage, and water management systems to support efficient agricultural production. ### Agricultural Systems Engineer Develops and improves integrated systems involving automation, environmental controls, equipment, and agricultural production processes. ### Field Test Engineer Tests agricultural machinery and technologies under real-world operating conditions to evaluate performance, reliability, and safety. With experience, agricultural engineers may advance into engineering management, research and development leadership, or technical product management. ## How to Become an Agricultural Engineer If you're interested in pursuing a career in agricultural engineering, these steps can help you get started: 1. **Earn a Relevant Degree:** Explore agricultural engineering, biological systems engineering, or related engineering programs. 2. **Gain Practical Experience:** Pursue internships or entry-level opportunities involving agricultural equipment, manufacturing, or engineering projects. 3. **Develop Technical Skills:** Build experience with CAD, equipment testing, automation, and engineering analysis. 4. **Explore Engineering Specialties:** Identify areas of interest such as machinery design, precision agriculture, irrigation, or agricultural systems. 5. **Search for Career Opportunities:** Explore engineering positions with agricultural equipment manufacturers, food producers, government agencies, and agricultural technology companies. ## Agricultural Engineering Career FAQs ### What Does a Typical Agricultural Engineer's Workday Look Like? An agricultural engineer's daily responsibilities vary depending on their specialty and work environment. Some spend their days designing equipment, analyzing data, or developing new technologies, while others work in the field testing machinery, troubleshooting systems, and evaluating performance. Many collaborate with technicians, manufacturers, and agricultural producers to develop practical solutions that improve efficiency and productivity. ### Do Agricultural Engineers Work on Farms? Some agricultural engineers work directly in agricultural settings to test equipment, evaluate systems, or oversee projects. Others primarily work in offices, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or research environments. Work environments depend on the employer and engineering specialty. ### What Is the Difference Between Agricultural Engineering and Agronomy? Agricultural engineering focuses on designing and improving equipment, technologies, and systems used in agricultural production. Agronomy focuses on crop production, soil health, and plant management. The two fields frequently work together. For example, an agronomist may identify a crop management challenge, while an agricultural engineer develops equipment or technology to help address it. *Interested in crop science? Read our* [*Guide to Careers in Agronomy*](https://blog.aghires.com/what-does-an-agronomist-do)*.* ### Can You Become an Agricultural Engineer Without a Degree? Most agricultural engineering positions require a bachelor's degree in engineering. However, individuals without an engineering degree may qualify for related agricultural technician, equipment testing, or technical support positions, depending on employer requirements. ### What Industries Hire Agricultural Engineers? Agricultural engineers work across private industry, government, and research institutions. Common employers include agricultural equipment manufacturers, engineering firms, food processors, agricultural technology companies, universities, and federal and state government agencies. Government agencies are a significant employer of agricultural engineers, with positions focused on soil and water conservation, irrigation, environmental protection, agricultural infrastructure, and research. Agencies such as the USDA offer opportunities to apply engineering expertise to natural resource management and agricultural production challenges. ## Explore Agricultural Engineering Jobs With AgHires Agricultural engineering combines technical expertise with opportunities to improve how agricultural businesses operate. From equipment design and automation to precision agriculture and food production, engineers play an important role in developing solutions for the industry. At AgHires, we connect job seekers with employers across agriculture, food production, agricultural equipment manufacturing, and agricultural technology. [**Explore Engineering Jobs on AgHires**](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs?search=engineer) to discover career opportunities that match your skills, experience, and interests.   Explore careers in agricultural engineering, from designing farm equipment to developing precision agriculture technology. Learn about common responsibilities, essential skills, and career opportunities across the industry. ![Sarah Bauermeister](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Facetune_21-10-2026-10-51-40.jpg) ### [Sarah Bauermeister](https://blog.aghires.com/author/sarah-bauermeister) Sarah Bauermeister is the Sales Support & CRM Specialist at AgHires. Raised in northeast Indiana, she developed a strong connection to agriculture while working on her family’s hobby farm and showing cattle and swine through 4-H. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences from Purdue University, then worked in swine nutrition research and agricultural technology before joining AgHires. Today, Sarah brings her agricultural background and industry experience to supporting the sales team and CRM operations, helping connect agricultural businesses with recruiting resources. [mailto:sarah.bauermeister@aghires.com](mailto:sarah.bauermeister@aghires.com) ### Categories - [Ag Fun and Facts (223)](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/ag-fun-and-facts) - [Career Advice (203)](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/career-advice) - [Hiring Advice (120)](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/hiring-advice) - [For Students (55)](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/for-students) - [Case Studies (13)](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/case-studies) - [Featured Jobs (3)](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/featured-jobs) ### Subscribe ### Related Articles **[Is Agricultural Chemicals a Good Career Path?](https://blog.aghires.com/is-agricultural-chemicals-a-good-career-path)** **[Tips for Setting Agricultural Career Goals](https://blog.aghires.com/tips-for-setting-agricultural-career-goals)** ## **Search Jobs** Search from thousands of jobs in agriculture and food production. Create a job seeker account to manage all jobs, easily apply to jobs, or be found by companies looking to hire. [**Find Jobs**](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLLFfg9529YaiOv%2BkPY8xs2b1qJdNsPVEdisLibckFjKRV8G7gfihP1yQj9p2B1reoa15IgwtCQDWWAV6g%2B%2FYvY0x%2FCN7%2Fi%2BvLE3n5AWyzAK6FaEcLvAnVwaYNCWLGywU%2BsMUhp1Qge9iHRB72ogKpfRYffesiN%2FjzTP4pX%2FDczq&portalId=8483802) ## **Find Talent** Let us help you develop optimized job postings, create targeted social media recruitment campaigns, and/or have our expert Recruiters headhunt passive candidates. [**Find Candidates**](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIi1KTIJiSLGDw6zpgUxjuqHk8BncR7Z5M2ScV0XTJr5JHxJ4w4MNCyfwG0iJUKtyi%2FcWFxTQBi%2Bs27HUAvoiNKP1tf4HUsCLK6IVX0jwDwVHp6PHoMHnhusqwyNOcDfPwgO43JRd9YaM7mqNjtWg5jUZoiy2ZPWHfv3Y6eueqhsMkOsA%3D%3D&portalId=8483802) [![AgHires\_Logo\_215x87-2](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/AgHires_Logo_215x87-2.png)](https://aghires.com/) © AgHires ###### Find Talent - [Professional Recruiting](https://info.aghires.com/professional-recruiting) - [Executive Search](https://info.aghires.com/executive-recruiting) - [Job Postings & Advertising](https://aghires.com/main/clients/products) ###### Employers - [The AgHires Difference](https://info.aghires.com/why-aghires) - [Hiring Advice](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/hiring-advice) - [Background Checks](https://info.aghires.com/background-checks) ###### Job Seekers - [Find a Job](https://aghires.com/candidate/job_search/quick/results) - [Job Alerts](https://aghires.com/main/static/signIn) - [Career Advice](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/career-advice) ###### Contact Us ![ag-phone](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/ag-phone.png) [(1-844-244-4737)](tel:18442444737) ![email-icon](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Imported%20images/email-icon.png) [sales@aghires.com](mailto:sales@aghires.com) Contact Us 24 / 7 / 365 ###### Join Our Newsletter [Privacy](https://aghires.com/privacy) [Terms & Conditions](https://aghires.com/terms) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Sarah Bauermeister", "url" : "https://blog.aghires.com/author/sarah-bauermeister" }, "dateModified" : "2026-10-21T14:56:03.119Z", "datePublished" : "2026-10-21T14:54:43.000Z", "headline" : "What Does an Agricultural Engineer Do? Careers & Qualifications", "image" : [ "https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/a9172fa0-e535-4520-b821-3a881255015a.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.aghires.com/what-does-an-agricultural-engineer-do", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Logos/AgHires_Logo_Black_no_tag-1.png" }, "name" : "AgHires" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/AgHires_Logo_215x87-2.png#logo", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "US", "addressLocality" : "Lambertville", "addressRegion" : "MI", "postalCode" : "48144", "streetAddress" : "PO Box 706" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 41.75290880000001, "longitude" : -83.624201 }, "image" : "https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/AgHires_Logo_215x87-2.png", "name" : "AgHires", "openingHoursSpecification" : { "@type" : "OpeningHoursSpecification", "closes" : "17:00", "dayOfWeek" : [ "Monday", "Tuesday", "Wednesday", "Thursday", "Friday" ], "opens" : "08:00" }, "priceRange" : "$", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/AgHiresJobs/", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/aghires", "https://www.instagram.com/aghiresjobs/", "https://www.youtube.com/user/AgHiresJobs" ], "telephone" : "(1-844-244-4737)", "url" : "https://blog.aghires.com/" } ```