Patent Engineer (m/f/d) – Thalheim , Germany

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative Patent Engineer to support Hanwha Qcells’ GmbH IP operations, including strategy, portfolio management, and innovation protection in the solar and energy solutions markets.

This is a critical role within our Global Technology organization, ensuring our freedom to operate while securing the best possible protection for our intellectual property. The successful candidate will be a member of the Global IP team and work closely with the Thalheim PV R&D Team to execute IP processes to patent new innovations and minimize business risk through freedom to operate.

The ideal candidate is:

• A fast learner with a strong technical background in Solar Technology, who quickly grasps new technical concepts
• Collaborative and transparent, able to work with R&D members, patent attorneys, and leaders to align IP activities to business needs and legal requirements
• Energetic, self-motivated and adaptable , willing to learn and continuously improve
• Humble and open to feedback , contributing to a culture of growth and innovation
• Service-oriented, recognizing that the IP team serves the R&D organization in support of business objectives
• Team-Player , demonstrating the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Hands-on mentality , actively engaging in problem-solving
• Attentive to details, ensuring proper diligence within IP activities
• Able to juggle multiple projects and priorities within a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Freedom to Operate studies in key, newly developed solar technologies .
• Identify, document, and protect new inventions in collaboration with R&D teams and outside patent attorneys.
• Oversee and optimize the creation and maintenance of a robust patent portfolio , ensuring timely, strategic filings aligned with business objectives.
• Support licensing and enforcement activities, as needed.
• Partner with inventors to prepare high-quality invention disclosures , enabling strong patent applications .
• Foster a sense of urgency in protecting novel inventions , balancing speed and quality.
• Develop and deliver IP training to R&D teams, enhancing their ability to protect innovations and design around competitive IP.
• Collaborate with IP Intelligence researchers to conduct competitor IP analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Global IP and R&D teams to implement efficient, scalable IP processes and tools that are integrated with the Technology Development Process.
• Drive continuous improvement in IP management operations and workflows, ensuring agility, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering (Advanced degree preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in solar cell and module technologies
• 2+ years of direct exposure to IP concepts & activities (patentability, freedom to operate, prior art searching)
• Eagerness to learn about patent law and IP portfolio management
• Excellent English and German language skills , with strong written communication abilities with technical content.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired but not required!)

• Some understanding of patent law and IP portfolio management, particularly in the EU and US.
• Experience in a global company , collaborating on projects across international teams (Germany, Korea, US, and India).
• Proficiency in Korean or Mandarin .

Why Join Us?

Be at the forefront of solar innovation , protecting cutting-edge technologies.
Operate in a fast-paced, global environment , working with top technical experts.
Drive meaningful impact , shaping the future of renewable energy.
Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement .
Location: Bitterfeld-Wolfen, OT Thalheim, Germany (Relocation support available)
Employment Type: Full-time , On-site

If you are interested in this exciting challenge, please send your application internally to recruiting-ip@q-cells.com by 30 June 2025 .

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