Technology Development Engineer

At Midrex you will do work that matters alongside people who believe you matter. The work wont be easy but it will be worth it. Youll be part of a great teamwith plenty of autonomyto bring out your best. And youll be well compensated and have a best-in-class benefits package. Take a look:

Since 1987 Midrex has been the world leader in direct reduction technology offering the best proven method for decarbonization in the iron and steel industry available today. Our rapid growth is transforming the steel industry and our planet. And none of it would be possible without our people who bring vision compassion and extraordinary expertise to this work every day. So if youre looking to do big work in a small-team environment Midrex is just the place for you.

POSITION SUMMARY: 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 fundamentalsparticularly thermodynamics heat and mass transfer reaction engineering and process analysisare essential; prior IP experience is beneficial but trainable.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Work with multi-disciplinary groups to implement assigned research innovation engineering analysis and intellectual property tasks.

DUTIES/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 fundamentalsincluding thermodynamics heat and mass transfer reaction kinetics and equilibrium fluid mechanics materials science and metallurgyto 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 Companys intellectual property database and related records in collaboration with other teams to ensure accurate tracking of invention disclosures patent filings and prosecution activities.

SKILLS/ABILITIES:

Required:

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

Preferred:

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

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Required:

Bachelors 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

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

5% to 15% International and Domestic if necessary.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be physically able to move around inside and outside of the facility including climbing stairs.

Able to reach above shoulders and to lift 20 lb.

OTHER DUTIES:

Please note this position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Midrex is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified individuals without regard to race color religion sex national origin age disability or any other protected status in accordance with all applicable compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Midrex will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the People and Culture department.