Role SummaryÂ
We are seeking a technically sharp and strategically minded Staff Patent Engineer to join our team, focused on protecting and advancing our intellectual property portfolio in medium voltage solid-state transformer (SST) technology. In this role, you will serve as a senior IP leader at the intersection of cutting-edge power electronics engineering and patent strategy, driving innovation identification, portfolio development, and IP governance in close collaboration with R&D leaders, product teams, and legal counsel.Â
ResponsibilitesÂ
- Lead patentability strategy for our medium voltage Solid State Transformer product portfolio, working directly with R&D and product teams to identify and protect breakthrough innovations.Â
- Own end-to-end invention disclosure development - from engineering conversations to submission-ready disclosures - and manage prosecution activities in close coordination with outside patent counsel.Â
- Conduct prior art searches and provide expert patentability assessments for new inventions spanning power conversion topologies, control algorithms, magnetics, thermal management, and grid integration.Â
- Define and execute a long-range IP portfolio strategy aligned to our SST product roadmap and business objectives.Â
- Monitor the competitive patent landscape across medium voltage power electronics and SST-adjacent technologies to inform R&D and product strategy.Â
- Mentor engineers across the organization on invention identification, disclosure best practices, and IP awareness to build a strong innovation culture.Â
- Serve as the primary IP interface between engineering teams, business development, and legal counsel throughout the product lifecycle.Â
- Support international patent filing strategies (PCT, EPO) in coordination with outside counsel.Â
QualificationsÂ
- Technical degree in Electrical Engineering, Power Electronics, or a closely related field; Master's or Ph.D. strongly preferred.Â
- 5-8 years of experience in power electronics engineering, with solid expertise in medium voltage systems, solid-state transformers, or advanced converter technologies.Â
- Proven track record of building and managing IP portfolios in a complex, fast-moving technology domain.Â
- Strong working knowledge of power semiconductor devices (IGBTs, SiC MOSFETs), converter topologies (DAB, resonant converters, multilevel), and grid-connected applications.Â
- Demonstrated ability to read, interpret, and strategically evaluate patent claims and technical literature.Â
- USPTO registration as a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney strongly preferred.Â
- Experience using patent search and analytics platforms (Derwent, PatSnap, Espacenet, or similar).Â
- Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias toward action and the ability to drive IP initiatives with a high degree of ownership.Â
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to translate complex engineering concepts into clear, strategically sound patent language.Â
- Willingness and ability to travel up to 10%, including internationally.Â
Please note: This role requires working on-site 5 days a week. We do not offer hybrid or remote options.Â
Salary: $170,000-$210,000/annual DOE and location