IP and Patent Engineer - 100%

Lightium AG; Zürich; On-site; CHF 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock option plan (ESOP)

Competitive compensation and benefits

Job summary

Lightium AG is seeking an IP and Patent Engineer to grow its patent portfolio around the thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) platform. You will work with R&D to extract IP, draft disclosures, and coordinate with patent attorneys to ensure strong, defensible filings.

You will track docket numbers, assess FTO, and report findings while collaborating across design, PDK, and test teams. This role requires startup agility and global coordination.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in a relevant field.
• At least 3 years in photonics or integrated photonics.
• Experience drafting and filing patents, and improving IP portfolios.
• Proficiency with patent management tools (e.g., PatSnap, PatOffice).

Responsibilities

• IP extraction and disclosure drafting across R&D teams.
• Liaise with internal/external patent attorneys for claims drafting.
• Monitor freedom-to-operate and track competitor IP and docket numbers.
• Collaborate with design, PDK, process, and testing teams to grow the portfolio.
• Document findings and establish SOPs; support training.

Skills

English fluency

Collaboration

Adaptability

Organizational skills

Education

Advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Communications, Integrated Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics or related field

Tools

PatSnap

PatOffice

Job description

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 Summary

As 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 Responsibilities

IP 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 bring

Educational 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 Offer

• A 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.