IP Engineer

Komatsu is an indispensable partner to the construction, mining, forestry, forklift, and industrial machinery markets, maximizing value for customers through innovative solutions. With a diverse line of products supported by our advanced IoT technologies, regional distribution channels, and a global service network, we tap into the power of data and technology to enhance safety and productivity while optimizing performance. Komatsu supports a myriad of markets, including housing, infrastructure, water, pipeline, minerals, automobile, aerospace, electronics and medical, through its many brands and subsidiaries, including TimberPro, Joy, P&H, Montabert, Modular Mining Systems, Hensley Industries, NTC, and Gigaphoton.

Job Overview

In this role, the incumbent with assist the IP team with the development and deployment of the IP strategy and provide support to Technical Centers across the Komatsu America region.

Scope

This role will support the technical centers across the United States and will interface with a broader group professional IP Teams who are located in Japan. The role will cover soft-rock, hard-rock, and other specialist component groups such as Hensley.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Assist Komatsu inventors and engineering teams with the necessary evaluations to enable patent filings
• Review invention disclosures by performing patentability searches and writing opinions on patentability
• Organize Patent Approval Committee meetings with Inventor(s) and Sr. Management for filing approval
• Review draft patent applications and responses to office actions and provide instructions to outside patent counsel
• Review new designs with engineering in consideration of the IP of other parties and the freedom to operate
• Develop basic competitor IP reports (intellectual property, i.e., patents)
• Review competitor patents and classify them accordingly
• Perform patent searches and investigate competitor technology
• Analyze and evaluate patents, and advise business and engineering teams with respect to currently patented technologies
• Engage with multiple, cross-functional teams on IP topics
• Assist with the tracking and evaluation of the patent portfolios for one or more business units
• Willing to work to timelines and to execute on-time to coordinated project plans
• Capable to work independently

Qualifications/Requirements

• BS Degree in Engineering or other science from an accredited University (preferably with some level of IP experience)
• 0-3 years of experience in related field, preferably design and development of construction / agricultural or mining equipment and successful demonstration of key responsibilities and knowledge as presented above.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and works closely with people with varying technical and organizational backgrounds
• Strong analytical thinking with attention to engineering detail
• Ability to work independently and with engineering teams
• Strong IT skills (particularly important to have SharePoint skills)
• Self-starter and motivated to be successful

Additional Information

Komatsu is an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.