Patent Agent

Location: Knoxville, TN
Role: Permanent, full time
Salary: Highly competitive plus bonus and benefits

ORAU is conducting the search on behalf of Type One Energy for a permanent, fulltime Patent Agent in Knoxville, TN.

About Type One Energy

Type One Energy Group is mission-driven to provide sustainable, affordable fusion power to the world. Established in 2019 and venture-backed in 2023, the company is led by a team of globally recognized fusion scientists with a strong track record of building state-of-the-art stellarator fusion machines, together with veteran business leaders experienced in scaling companies and commercializing energy technologies

If you are searching for the best new ideas and share our vision, join us as a Patent Agent. This is what you need to know:

Your role in the mission:

We are seeking an in-house Patent Agent who will be responsible for leading the end-to-end preparation, filing, and prosecution of patent applications across our fusion technology portfolio. This role plays a critical part in shaping and executing the organization's intellectual property strategy, ensuring that innovations are strategically protected in alignment with business objectives, R&D priorities, and long-term commercialization plans.

Working closely with inventors, engineering and research teams, and external patent counsel, the Patent Agent will translate complex technical concepts into high-quality patent disclosures and claims. The role requires strong technical acumen, excellent written communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple filings across jurisdictions while maintaining rigorous standards of quality and compliance.

Prepare and file patent applications with the USPTO.
• Assist with office action responses and manage communications with the USPTO and outside counsel.
• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and prior art searches.
• Coordinate invention disclosure reviews and inventor interviews.
• Assist with the maintenance and updating of the internal IP database and patent tracking systems.
• Support strategic IP initiatives, including landscape analysis and white space identification.

* Advanced degree in physics, engineering, materials science, computing, or related scientific field

* Active registration as a USPTO Patent Agent.

* Minimum 1-3 years of experience in patent prosecution, preferably in-house.

* Proficiency in IP management and research tools.

* Excellent writing and analytical skills.

* Excellent communication and collaboration skills

* Experience working in a fast-paced environment with rapid turnaround times

* Strong attention to detail

Preferred

* Knowledge and/or experience in nuclear fusion or related background

* Experience coordinating across an interdisciplinary team

* In-house experience managing a large IP portfolio a plus