Summer Internship - Intellectual Property

Type One Energy Group•Knoxville, TN

About The Position

Type One Energy is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented Intellectual Property Intern to join its growing Legal and IP team in Knoxville, Tennessee. This 12-week internship is scheduled for Summer 2027, beginning May 24, and pays $30 per hour for 40 hours per week. The intern reports to the Intellectual Property Counsel. The position offers hands-on experience at the intersection of law, technology, and innovation. The intern will help develop the company’s internal IP infrastructure, support IP data and landscape analyses, and create programs and resources that support commercialization efforts. The role is intended for a law student with a strong interest in intellectual property law, innovation management, and the commercialization of advanced technologies. Type One Energy develops an optimized stellarator fusion energy system using advanced manufacturing methods, computational physics, and high-field superconducting magnets. Its FusionDirect development program aims to pursue a low-risk, short-schedule path to a fusion power plant through a partner-intensive and capital-efficient strategy. The company is committed to community engagement in developing and deploying clean energy technology. The position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws. Employment offers may be contingent on the company’s ability to comply with those laws and obtain required authorizations. For U.S.-based positions, the company participates in E-Verify, and new hires must complete Form I-9 employment eligibility verification. The company is an equal opportunity employer and processes applicant information for recruitment and related lawful purposes.

Requirements

Currently enrolled in a Juris Doctor (JD) or LL.M. program.
Strong interest in intellectual property law and innovation strategy.
Excellent research, analytical, and writing skills.
Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Goal-oriented, proactive, and self-starting, with a willingness to take ownership of projects.

Nice To Haves

Currently in the second year of a JD or LL.M. program; students in year two are encouraged to apply.
Technical background or coursework in engineering, physics, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Assist in building and organizing the internal IP intranet page, including guidance materials, resource libraries, and helpful links.
Curate and structure internal knowledge so employees can access IP-related information easily.
Support development of the Badgerwerks IP platform, including policies, organizational structures, and frameworks.
Collaborate with legal, engineering, and R&D teams to align the platform’s structure with company goals.
Conduct data-driven analyses of IP strategy, competitor patent portfolios, and IP landscapes.
Learn and use patent search and analysis tools to support strategic decision-making.
Summarize key insights in reports and presentations for internal stakeholders.
Draft legal memoranda, templates, and internal policy documents related to IP and commercialization.
Research areas of IP law relevant to company initiatives, such as licensing, trade secrets, and technology transfer.
Develop and present a Lunch & Learn session on an IP-related topic, translating research into practical company resources.