Patent Engineer (m/f/d)

Job Description Summary

As the Patent Engineer embedded in a global team of Intellectual Property professionals related to Wind Turbines, you will spearhead the protection and strategic development of our wind turbine technology, encompassing new features, products, tools, transport, repowering, PowerUp, and retrofit solutions. You will continuously analyze global patent literature to the assigned area of technology to maintain a competitive edge and act as a critical partner to engineering experts and business IP Counsel, proactively influencing design phases to guarantee Freedom to Operate (FTO). Beyond technical oversight, you will cultivate an environment of innovation, inspiring engineering teams to generate high-value inventions that strengthen our world-class patent portfolio. You will serve as the primary point of contact for inventors in Germany, ensuring the accurate valuation and remuneration of breakthrough ideas. Leveraging deep insight into assigned patent landscape, you will manage strategic initiatives to maximize portfolio value, managing complex FTO requirements in alignment with global program objectives.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities

• Contact person for engineering, management and IP counsel concerning various IP topics, coordinating all FTO activities in assigned field of technology proactively
• Plan and execute IP landscaping, enable competitor IP awareness in technical teams and reveal “white space” uncovered with IP for own IP generation
• Perform IP clearance programs on assigned technical developments (NPI / NTI / DTO / RCA) and ensure freedom to operate, in cooperation with a global team and IP counsel
• Monitor industries’ patent applications with focus on Wind Turbine technology, Distribute the relevant publications to engineering teams, track patents of potential concern. Use patent search tools and databases, like Patsnap, USPTO PAIR, Espacenet, Anaqua, IPRally, etc
• Be an active and influencing host of Patent Evaluation Board to assess new disclosed inventions and provide filing recommendations. Track and update metrics on invention status for assigned cases until final decision is made
• Support the identification and compensation of legitimate claims for inventor remuneration in accordance with the German Law on Employee’ Inventions and established process
• Identify opportunities for continuous improvements of processes and apply LEAN concepts to enable changes where appropriate

Qualifications/ Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree from an accredited university in Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Physics or equivalent
• Significant work experience in an engineering organization for mechanical components, development, project management or service or installation, preferably related to wind turbines
• Registered Patent Agent, or strong work experience in an engineering organization or patent department as IP engineer, or equivalent, with proven experience in IP clearance, patent literature search, inventions
• Affinity to verbal explanation of technical matters. Very good text comprehension skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in German and English language
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional and global environment
• Conscientious, accountable and organized work style, motivating and tactful, and with a mindset of continuous improvement

Desired Characteristics

• Knowledge about Wind Turbine design and its mechanical systems
• Successful work experience in a global team (India, China, USA, Germany, Spain).
• Effective communication verbally and in writing, respect to different cultures.
• Commitment to timely deliverables without compromising quality, continuous improvement mindset

Additional Information