Patent Engineer

Patent EngineerThe Patent Engineer supports the patent and innovation process by partnering with engineers across North American research and development groups to identify inventions, develop patent disclosures, research new technologies, and guide ideas through the corporate patent process. This role blends engineering, technology research, innovation strategy, technical writing, and project coordination to help transform emerging concepts into protected intellectual property and future product features.ResponsibilitiesGuide engineers through the full patent process from initial invention disclosure through patent issuance.Review new inventions and help identify high-value patent opportunities that align with strategic technology priorities.Collaborate closely with inventors to prepare clear, detailed, and technically accurate invention disclosures.Conduct prior art and technology research to evaluate patentability and support patent filing decisions.Work with patent attorneys and engineering teams to develop and refine patent applications.Coordinate activities and communication with the global patent team to ensure alignment and timely progress.Track invention disclosures, patent filings, and overall patent activity to maintain accurate records and status updates.Provide training and guidance on internal intellectual property processes to engineering and cross-functional teams.Facilitate innovation and ideation workshops to help generate new patentable ideas and technology concepts.Research emerging automotive technologies and industry trends to support innovation and patent strategy.Scout new technologies through supplier meetings, trade shows, and research activities, and assess their relevance.Analyze technology and patent trends to identify new opportunities for intellectual property development.Support concept development and innovation initiatives by contributing technical insights and research findings.Support technical paper reviews and technology showcase activities to highlight key innovations.Prepare and deliver technical reports and presentations for internal stakeholders and leadership.Assist with project budget planning and tracking related to innovation and patent activities.Support various administrative and project coordination tasks to ensure smooth operation of technology and patent programs.Essential SkillsBachelor's degree in engineering or a related field.Strong written and verbal communication skills for preparing disclosures, reports, and presentations.Strong organizational and time-management abilities to handle multiple projects and deadlines.Ability to communicate effectively with engineers and cross-functional stakeholders at different levels.Demonstrated passion for technology, innovation, and emerging mobility solutions.Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within team environments.Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.Ability to adapt to changing priorities and evolving business needs.Additional Skills & QualificationsUnderstanding of automotive technologies and current industry trends.Exposure to automotive engineering, research, design, or product development environments.Interest in intellectual property, patents, innovation strategy, or technology planning.Prior internship, co-op, or research experience in engineering environments.Experience presenting technical information to technical and non-technical audiences.Experience conducting technology or patent-related research.Interest in technology scouting and future mobility concepts.Work EnvironmentThe role operates in a professional research and development environment focused on automotive technology, innovation, and future mobility solutions. The Patent Engineer collaborates closely with engineers, patent attorneys, and cross-functional stakeholders across North American R&D groups and coordinates with a global patent team. Work typically involves regular use of Microsoft Office tools, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, as well as other standard office and collaboration technologies. The position requires flexibility to manage shifting priorities, support multiple projects simultaneously, and occasionally attend supplier meetings, trade shows, or technology showcases as part of technology scouting and innovation activities.Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Ypsilanti, MI.Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $33.00 - $33.00/hr.Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following: • Medical, dental & vision • Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital • 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available • Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) • Short and long-term disability • Health Spending Account (HSA) • Transportation benefits • Employee Assistance Program • Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Ypsilanti, MI.Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Sep 10, 2026.About ActalentActalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email View email address on click.appcast.io for other accommodation options.San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools. Actalent