> Does anyone have any advise on how I can protect myself? Has anyone here
had
> to sign similiar agreements. Is there a source of sample contracts that
are
> more balanced, or favor the engineer?


Only once has this happened to me.  Same situation, I was already employed
there, and this form shows up.. "You gotta sign this".  It said that they
own everything I invent etc etc... I trashed the form.  I finally quit the
company, about 6 years later, over too much of similar BS.

Check with your lawyer, it may not be legal for them to attempt or
enforcable if you sign..