Technology Development Engineer

MIDREX TECHNOLOGIES INC•Charlotte, NC

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Technology Development Engineer is an engineering-first, IP-second role supporting Midrex research, innovation, technology development, and intellectual property activities. Approximately 50% of the role supports R&D analysis and innovation through technical evaluation, data interpretation, structured problem solving, and innovation engineering methods; approximately 50% supports IP through invention identification, technical disclosures, coordination with legal and patent counsel, Office Action support, and portfolio administration. Strong chemical engineering fundamentals—particularly thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and process analysis—are essential; prior IP experience is beneficial but trainable.

Requirements

Strong chemical engineering fundamentals, including thermodynamics, phase and chemical equilibrium, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, fluid mechanics, and material and energy balances; ability to apply enthalpy, entropy, Gibbs free energy, equilibrium, and reaction kinetics to practical industrial problems
Demonstrated applied engineering experience in industrial processes, manufacturing, operations, equipment or process development, commissioning, troubleshooting, or applied R&D, with ability to interpret flow diagrams, technical drawings, simulation and control data, calculations, operating data, and test results
Ability to use structured innovation methods to define problems, generate concepts, evaluate alternatives, and advance innovation initiatives
Strong technical writing, analytical, and communication skills; ability to document complex engineering concepts clearly, learn unfamiliar technologies, and establish credibility across engineering, R&D, legal, and business teams
Ability to manage multiple technical, innovation, and IP-related assignments while meeting deadlines and learn required engineering, innovation, patent-search, and docketing tools
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering required; Chemical Engineering strongly preferred. Other engineering disciplines may be considered with demonstrated strength in thermodynamics and industrial process engineering
Minimum of 5 years of applied engineering experience in industrial process technology, operations, equipment or process development, commissioning, troubleshooting, applied R&D, innovation engineering, or a related industrial role
Demonstrated application of engineering fundamentals and sound technical judgment to industrial processes, equipment, experimental programs, operating data, troubleshooting, or technology-development decisions, including clear technical documentation

Nice To Haves

Prior IP experience is beneficial but trainable.
Experience in industrial process technology, direct reduction, metals or gas processing, hydrogen, carbon capture, high-temperature systems, or heavy industry, including process simulation or controls, plant operations, equipment design, commissioning, troubleshooting, applied R&D, process development, or scale-up
Experience preparing invention disclosures or patent application, reviewing technical literature or patents, working with patent counsel, or supporting patentability, freedom-to-operate, patent drafting, prosecution, or corporate IP activities; USPTO registration or formal IP training is beneficial but not required

Responsibilities

Provide technical support to the Innovation Team and Intellectual Property Committee and develop a working knowledge of Midrex process technologies through collaboration with R&D, process analysis, engineering, and technical teams.
Apply engineering fundamentals—including thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, reaction kinetics and equilibrium, fluid mechanics, materials science, and metallurgy—to analyze process performance, simulations, experimental and operating data, calculations, test results, and new technology concepts.
Assess technical feasibility, risk, technology readiness, development needs, and next steps for R&D and technology-development activities.
Use innovation engineering methods to define problems, facilitate ideation, evaluate alternatives, and advance promising concepts.
Work with engineers, scientists, and project teams to challenge assumptions, clarify the engineering basis, identify protectable inventions, and prepare technically complete invention disclosures.
Serve as the technical liaison among engineering and R&D teams, the internal legal team, and external patent counsel; review patent applications, drawings, prior art, and Office Action responses for technical accuracy and completeness.
Evaluate technical literature, prior art, and competitor patents for novelty, process advantages, design alternatives, risks, and opportunities; support freedom-to-operate assessments by comparing claim requirements with Midrex technology and practices.
Support IP strategy and administration, including invention tracking, domestic and international filings, patent annuities, maintenance fees, prosecution deadlines, related records, due diligence, confidentiality, trade secrets, and protection of proprietary technology.
Develop, maintain, and administer the Company's intellectual property database and related records in collaboration with other teams to ensure accurate tracking of invention disclosures, patent filings, and prosecution activities.