Sr. Patent Engineer

About Us

Hanwha Q CELLS Co., Ltd., is one of the world´s largest and most recognized photovoltaic manufacturers for its high-performance, high-quality solar cells and modules. It is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea (Global Executive HQ) and Talheim, Germany (Technology & Innovation HQ). Through its growing global business network spanning Europe, North America, Asia, South America, Africa, and the Middle East, the company provides excellent services and long-term partnerships to its customers in the utility, commercial, government, and residential markets. Hanwha Q CELLS is a flagship company of Hanwha Group, a FORTUNE Global 500 firm and a Top 7 business enterprise in South Korea. 

Our mission is to provide affordable and smart energy solutions through technology and innovation to create a sustainable future for the planet. We are expanding our business by offering revolutionary energy systems to residential customers including ESS, MLPE (power optimizers, micro-inverters), EV charging solutions, and Smart IoT with world-class solutions. 

Position Overview

The Senior Patent Engineer will be responsible for providing regional Intellectual Property (IP) support to the technology teams in the growing US market, with potential additional responsibilities for coordinating global patent evaluation boards. They will ensure that Hanwha Qcells has the freedom to operate and the best possible protection for its intellectual property in the solar and energy solutions markets, in collaboration with the Global Hanwha Qcells IP team and the Hanwa Solutions IP Strategy team.

The ideal candidate will have experience in product/technology development, IP management, and process improvement. Experience working in a global, multi-cultural environment is highly desirable. 

Additionally, we are looking for candidates who thrive in remote settings; while the position is based remotely, we prefer candidates located in the US, specifically within the Pacific or Mountain time zones, to align closely with team schedules and workflows.

This role requires approximately up to 20% travel.

Responsibilities

· Serve as the primary IP focal point for the protection of US-based inventions

· Work with R&D teams to identify inventions

· Evaluate the patentability of inventions

· Serve as liaison between inventors and outside counsel for patent preparation and prosecution, ensuring the broadest possible coverage of Hanwha Qcells’ intellectual property, and ensure alignment with global technology strategy and patent filings

· Serve as the primary IP focal point for freedom to operate (FTO) evaluations for US-based technology development

· Support the new product development process to identify new technologies requiring FTO evaluations

· Ensure FTO analyses are completed in a timely manner, and facilitate resolution of any identified FTO issues

· Train the US-based R&D organization on key IP topics, including the invention disclosure and patent process as well as FTO processes

· Assist the IP Intelligence (IPI) team in supporting US-based R&D teams with timely and insightful information on competitive IP and IP landscapes for target technologies. Serve as regional liaison between IPI and US-based R&D

· Lead Global Patent Review Boards (PRBs) that are responsible for invention disposition and filing strategy across Hanwha Qcells

· Coordinate with regional IP leaders to identify inventions and issues that need to be reviewed by the PRBs

· Organize global PRB meetings, ensuring input is received from key stakeholders, and communicate outcomes of PRB meetings so that regional IP teams can implement decisions made

· Monitor and report key performance indicators (KPIs) of importance to the business

· Support the global team’s initiatives to improve and standardize IP processes and tools

Required Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, or technology

· 5+ years of experience in the IP field as a patent engineer or similar role

· Experience with software patents

· Experience with power electronics

· Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical information clearly with a broad range of stakeholders in a global environment

Desired Qualifications

· Advanced degree in chemistry, physics, engineering or technology

· Registered US Patent Agent

· Experience in the solar and/or renewables industry

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Make a difference: join a group of people who are passionate about renewable energy

Have an impact: the company is still small enough that everyone’s contribution has a significant impact on the success of the company

Many opportunities to lead teams, and projects, and contribute to development

Casual professional working environment: there’s no need to dress up, just present your best self

Work collaboratively in a diverse environment- we commit to reaching better decisions by respecting opinions and working through disagreements

Physical, Mental, & Physical Demands

To comply with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 the essential physical, mental and environmental requirements for this job are listed below. These are requirements normally expected to perform regular job duties. Incumbent must be able to successfully perform all of the functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

Mobility

Standing: 20% of time

Sitting: 70% of time

Walking: 10% of time

Strength

Pulling: up to 10 Pounds

Pushing: up to 10 Pounds

Carrying: up to 10 Pounds

Lifting: up to 10 Pounds

Agility (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Turning: F

Twisting: F

Bending: O

Crouching: O

Balancing: N

Climbing: N

Crawling: N

Kneeling: N

Dexterity (F = Frequently, O = Occasionally, N = Never)

Typing: F

Handling: F

Reaching: F

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.