Patent Engineer

OEM client is seeking a Patent Engineer for our Superior Township, MI facility.

About the role

This role is part of a team responsible for identifying, developing, and protecting innovative technology for future OEM vehicles. The Patent Engineer will work closely with engineers across all North American R&D departments to review and develop invention disclosures and guide them through OEM’s patent process. The Patent Engineer will be a member of OEM’s Technology Strategy Team, which promotes innovative technology and new concepts to meet the needs of current and future North American customers. In addition to managing OEM’s patent process, the Tech Team coordinates technology development and university engagement, performs technology and trend scouting, and identifies and develops new concepts and vehicle features.

Responsibilities

• Guide and support engineers through the patent process, from initial idea to issued patent
• Review inventions with engineers to help identify and develop high-value concepts as needed
• Collaborate with inventors to create detailed invention disclosures
• Evaluate invention patentability by performing prior art searches and researching related technologies
• Work with patent attorneys and engineers to develop robust patent documents
• Liaise with the patent team in Korea
• Train local staff on internal intellectual property processes and facilitate sharing of best practices
• Facilitate ideation and invention development workshops
• Track and report invention disclosure status
• Keep current with automotive and technology news and trends for use in evaluating invention value
• Analyze patent data to identify trends and process improvement opportunities
• Assist in new feature and technology development through innovation activities, including scouting new technologies through supplier meetings, trade shows, and other methods
• Research and analyze automotive industry trends
• Support company-wide technology activities such as technical paper reviews, technology show coordination, project information sharing, supplier meetings, etc.
• Create and present technical reports as necessary
• Plan and monitor project budgets as required
• Perform administrative functions such as purchasing requests, timecard, vacation requests, travel requests, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, or similar
• Experience ranges from zero to 2 years; recent college graduates with internship experience are encouraged to apply
• An open mind, a passion for technology, and the desire to help OEM’s Motor Group become a leading global smart mobility provider
• The ability to work effectively with all levels of employees
• The ability to work independently and in small teams in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
• The ability to adapt to rapidly changing business requirements
• Excellent time management and organization skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Proficiency with MS Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel

Desired

• Some combination of knowledge of the automotive industry and the trends and influences that drive it
• Knowledge of automotive research, design, and engineering