Technology Development Engineer

Job DetailsJob Location: Research and Development - Pineville, NC 28134Position Type: Full TimeJob Category: Professional ServicesAt 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.QualificationsPOSITION 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 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: · Bachelor’s 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 laws. In 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.