Patent Engineer

Optimal; Superior (MI); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Optimal is seeking a Patent Engineer in Superior Township, MI to join the Technology Strategy Team. The role focuses on identifying, developing, and protecting innovative automotive technology, guiding invention disclosures through the patent process, and collaborating with engineers across North American R&D.

Responsibilities include supporting patent filings, prior art searches, and coordinating with Korea-based patent teams, while training local staff on internal IP processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, science, or similar.
• 1–3 years of experience.
• Hands-on experience with the patent process.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.

Responsibilities

• Support patent process from idea to issued patent.
• Review inventions with engineers to identify high-value concepts.
• Create and refine invention disclosures with inventors.
• Perform prior art searches and assess patentability.
• Collaborate with patent attorneys and engineers on patent documents.
• Coordinate with patent team in Korea and train staff on IP processes.
• Facilitate invention workshops and track disclosure status.
• Prepare technical reports and present findings as needed.

Skills

Patent process experience

Technical communication

Independent / team work

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering/science

Tools

MS Office

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

Job Title: Patent Engineer

Job Summary: OEM client is seeking a 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 identi?es 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 1-3 years.
• 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
• Pro?ciency with MS Office, especially PowerPoint and Excel

Desired - some combination of:

• Knowledge of the automotive industry and the trends and in?uences that drive it
• Knowledge of automotive research, design, and engineering