IP and Patent Engineer

Lightium AG; Schlieren; Remote; CHF 120.000 - 170.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

ESOP

Competitive compensation package

Zusammenfassung

Lightium AG is seeking an IP and Patent Engineer to drive patent drafting and IP management for its proprietary transparent thin‑film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. You will collaborate with R&D teams to extract IP, work with patent attorneys on claims, and monitor FTO while tracking patent portfolios for Lightium and customers.

The role involves cross‑functional collaboration across design, PDK, process development and characterization teams, with occasional travel to firms and partners.

Qualifikationen

• Advanced degree in Communications, Integrated Photonics, Electrical Engineering or Physics.
• Minimum 3 years in photonics or integrated photonics.
• Experience drafting and filing patent applications.

Aufgaben

• IP extraction and disclosure drafting with R&D teams.
• Coordinate with internal/external patent attorneys for drafting.
• Track docket numbers and respond to examinations with inventors.
• Monitor competitor IP and analyze FTO landscape.
• Maintain documentation and SOPs; train colleagues.

Kenntnisse

Patent drafting

Patent tools

English fluency

Cross-functional collaboration

Attention to detail

Ausbildung

Master’s degree in related field

PhD preferred

Tools

PatSnap

PatOffice

Jobbeschreibung

IP and Patent Engineer

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a leading-edge photonics startup, is looking for a skilled IP and Patent Engineer to spearhead its patent drafting and IP management activities related to Lightium’s proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions by IP protecting the components, technology and solutions of Lightium’s proprietary TFLN technology and by securing Lightium’s freedom to operate by working with leading patent and law firms in the field.

Position SummaryAs a IP and Patent Engineer, you will be responsible for growing Lightium’s patent portfolio and securing freedom-to-operate for Lightium and its customers. You will have the opportunity to leverage your previous experience in the field of photonics and your education as patent professional or otherwise acquired skills in patent drafting and patent filing to the field of integrated photonics and Lightium’s TFLN platform.

Key ResponsibilitiesIP extraction and disclosure drafting: You will actively working with the different teams in the R&D organization including design team, PDK team, process development team, characterization team and test team to support extraction of IP relevant information. You’ll act as ambassador and will be responsible for the training the team in the field of disclosure drafting and preparation of documents for the patent professionals. Foster a culture of IP excellence by training and coaching Lightium’s staff for improved disclosure quality and quantity.

Interaction with patent law firms: In order to facilitate the drafting process, you’ll act as Lightium’s sparing partner with internal and external patent attorneys. You’ll actively drive claims drafting and figure drafting of the patent applications with a keen eye on details. With your passion and your rigor you’ll guarantee the quality of Lightium’s patent application process.

Monitoring of competitor IP and freedom-to-operate: You will track freedom-to-operate (FTO) for Lightium’s business with state-of-the-art patent analysis software tools. You’ll be responsible for the analysis of the identified competing IP and their detailed analysis. You’ll define the response strategy and will engage with external law firms to take counter-measures against conflicting IP.

Tracking of docket numbers of patent families: You will interact with external patent firms and patent offices (USPTO, EPO, etc.) to track the timelines of the various docket numbers. You will work with patent and law firms to take office actions and file responses to examination reports together with the inventors. You will define the timeline and the content of divisional patent applications depending on examination reports. Secure the fastest and largest possible coverage of Lightium’s IP in the designated countries.

Collaboration: Work closely with the R&D teams from design to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our patent portfolio. Occasional travel to Lightium’s law firms and partners.

Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation and report findings, as well as establishing standard-operating procedures and training new colleagues.

Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, incorporating new techniques and technologies into our R&D landscape. Contribution to Lightium’s IP portfolio.

What you’ll bringEducational Background: An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Communications, Integrated Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or a related field.

Experience Level: At least 3 years work experience in the field of photonics, integrated photonics or applied physics. Prior experience with integrated photonics, such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, InP or related photonics platforms including microwave photonics is a plus. Advanced training as European or US patent attorney is a plus. Track record of filing patent applications either as inventor or in growing patent portfolios of companies. Experience in patent litigation process is a plus.

Technical Skills: Proficiency in patent management tools like PatSnap, PatOffice or similar.

Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills with excellent oversight and a keen eye for details, use best practices to maintain confidentiality and professional way of interacting with external law firms.

Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to communicate effectively in a multidisciplinary team and with international customers. Cultural awareness and tailoring of communication style to US, European and Asian partners.

Adaptability: The ability to thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience in the face of change.

Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German, French or any Asian language is an advantage. Proficient in understanding and speaking in patent language.

What We OfferA unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.

Competitive compensation and benefits package, including employee stock option plan (ESOP), reflective of your experience and expertise.

Become a key player in an early-phase startup and be part of a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the unique opportunity to create, grow, and develop your professional skills at a fast pace.

We'd love to hear from you if you're passionate about building new tech from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment. Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

• Work location 8952 Schlieren (ZH)
• Workload 100%
• Employment start Immediately
• Employment duration Permanent
• Work form Home-based work

• Qualification skilled
• Work experience More than 3 years
• Education Master’s degree from a university or equivalent

• English Orally : Very good knowledge Written : Very good knowledge
• German Orally : Good knowledge Written : Good knowledge
• French Orally : Good knowledge Written : Good knowledge

• By online Online form