Senior Patent Specialist

D-Wave Quantum Inc.; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading quantum computing company based in Burnaby is searching for an experienced Senior Patent Specialist. The successful candidate will collaborate with inventors and cross-functional teams to manage the company's intellectual property portfolio. Responsibilities include drafting and prosecuting patents, identifying innovative technologies, and advising colleagues on IP processes. Applicants should have a relevant bachelor's degree and at least 4 years of patent application experience. A competitive compensation package is offered.

Benefits

Company ownership

Competitive pay

Meaningful benefits

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications before a patent office.
• Registration as a Canadian patent agent or equivalent qualifications is an asset.
• International patent prosecution experience is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Draft and prosecute patents across a range of technical disciplines.
• Develop a deep understanding of the company’s technology to identify protectable innovations.
• Manage and support a portion of the company’s IP portfolio.

Skills

Effective written and verbal communication skills

Strong organizational skills

Ability to manage priorities and deadlines

Curiosity and a growth mindset

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher in software, physics, math, computer science, or electrical engineering

Job description

D-Wave (NYSE: QBTS), D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. We are the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the only company building both annealing and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum, today. Our quantum computers — the world’s largest — feature QPUs with sub-second response times and can be deployed on-premises or accessed through our quantum cloud service, which offers 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations trust D-Wave with their toughest computational challenges. With over 200 million problems submitted to our quantum systems to date, our customers apply our technology to address use cases spanning optimization, artificial intelligence, research and more. Learn more about realizing the value of quantum computing today and how we’re shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow: www.dwavequantum.com.

You can read more about our company and our innovations in the pages of The Wall Street Journal, Time Magazine, Fast Company, MIT Technology Review, Forbes, Inc. Magazine, Wired and across many whitepapers.

At D-Wave, we’re helping customers realize the value of quantum computing today and are shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow.

About the role

D-Wave is seeking a Senior Patent Specialist to join our Intellectual Property (IP) department.

The Senior Patent Specialist is an experienced, collaborative professional who works independently and with sound judgement to identify key innovations and apply best practices to preparing and prosecuting patent applications and supporting daily IP processes. This role serves as a trusted resource to inventors and cross‑functional partners, works closely with external IP counsel, and contributes meaningfully to the strength and direction of the company’s IP portfolio and strategy.

What you’ll do

• Draft and prosecute patents across a range of technical disciplines, exercising judgment in strategy and execution.
• Develop a deep understanding of the company’s evolving technology and identify valuable, protectable innovations through collaboration with inventors.
• Build strong, trusted relationships with the IP team, technical teams, and other stakeholders to support effective cross‑functional collaboration.
• Manage and support a portion of the company’s IP portfolio, including identifying risks, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Educate and advise non‑IP colleagues on IP best practices, processes, and considerations.
• Manage a substantial and varied workload, ensuring timely, high‑quality execution aligned with team and business priorities.
• Proactively identify process improvements within IP workflows and contribute ideas to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

About you

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in software, physics, math, computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications before a patent office.
• Registration as a Canadian patent agent or equivalent qualifications is an asset.
• International patent prosecution experience is an asset.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain IP concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proven ability to build and maintain productive cross‑departmental relationships.
• Strong organizational skills, sound judgment, and the ability to manage priorities, deadlines, and evolving requirements.
• Curiosity, a growth mindset, and a genuine interest in innovative technology and IP strategy.

A D‑Waver's DNA

• We look at the future and say “why not”; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
• We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of view. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
• We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.
• As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.

Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful

We believe providing D‑Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team.

During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture). The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.

Inclusion

We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.

The Fine Print

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

It is D-Wave Systems Inc. policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.