Automotive Entry-Level Patent Engineer

Job Title:
Patent Engineer

Job Summary:
OEM client is seeking an Entry-Level Patent Engineer for our Superior Township, MI facility, who will be part of a team responsible for identifying, developing, and protecting innovative technology for future OEM vehicles. They will be working 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. The Tech Team promotes innovative technology and new concepts that will enable OEM's Motor Group 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.

Support Patent Process for US R&D facilities which could include:
Guide and support engineers through 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
Liaison with patent team in Korea
Train local staff on internal intellectual property process, facilitate sharing of best practices
Facilitate ideation and invention development workshops
Invention disclosure status tracking and reporting
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 which could include:
Scout new technologies through supplier meetings, trade shows, and other methods
Research and analyze automotive industry trends

Additional areas of responsibility include:
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 of at least having an internship with patents to 2 years overall.
• Some hands-on experience with the patent process.
• 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