Technology Development Engineer

Technology Development Engineer

Research and Development
- Pineville, NC 28134

At Midrex, you will do work that matters alongside people who believe you matter. The work won't be easy, but it will be worth it. You'll be part of a great team—with plenty of autonomy—to bring out your best. And you'll be well compensated and have a best-in-class benefits package. Take a look:

Competitive benefits effective from Day 1 - Dollar-for-dollar 401(k) matching (up to 6%)

Profit sharing with 401(k) kicker
- Generous overtime for qualified positions

4 weeks of paid vacation
- Tuition reimbursement

Raffles for professional sports tickets
- Half-day Fridays

Flexible home/office work practices
- Paid time to volunteer

Employee recognition awards

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 you're 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 fundamentals—particularly thermodynamics, heat and mass transfer, reaction engineering, and process analysis—are 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 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…