IP Specialist I Patent Strategy & IP Development (m/f/d)

We are building an entirely new system and with it, a large share of the IP that will define REPS for the next decades. Intellectual property is at the core of our value, and we want to create it deliberately, not just file what happens to come out of development.

That is why this role goes beyond managing patents. As our in-house IP Specialist, you work side by side with our engineers from the concept stage, help them develop ideas into protectable inventions and shape the new system so that its key innovations are patentable and clearly differentiated. You are the bridge between our engineering team and our patent attorneys: you translate technical concepts into strong patent applications, and legal and prior-art feedback back into engineering decisions. At the same time, you own our patent strategy end to end and make sure REPS stays free to operate in every market we enter.

IP development with Engineering

• Work embedded in the engineering team from the concept phase of the new system: join design reviews and technical workshops and spot inventions early
• Run invention harvesting and ideation sessions, and help engineers develop ideas into patentable inventions, alternative embodiments and design-arounds
• Bring prior-art and patent landscape insight into development, so that key innovations are protectable and differentiated from what already exists
• Turn technical concepts into invention disclosures and prepare or co-draft patent applications
• Act as the interface between engineers and external patent attorneys: brief attorneys, review drafts for technical accuracy and coordinate responses to office actions

Patent strategy and portfolio

• Develop and own the IP strategy in line with the product roadmap, target markets and business models
• Manage the patent portfolio end to end: new filings, prosecution, country selection, maintenance and IP budget
• Decide together with management what to patent, what to keep as a trade secret and what to let go

Freedom to operate and enforcement

• Monitor competitors and the patent landscape in road energy, energy harvesting, hydraulics and magnetic bearings
• Run freedom-to-operate analyses for new designs, components and target markets
• Handle oppositions, objections and potential infringements together with external counsel

IP in contracts, partners and supply chain

• Draft and review IP provisions in partner, licensing, joint development, supplier and customer agreements and NDAs
• Protect know-how and design data across the international supply chain and with manufacturing partners
• Prepare IP documentation for financing rounds and due diligence

IP organisation

• Build scalable processes for invention disclosures, trade secrets, trademarks and IP documentation
• Raise IP awareness across the team, especially in Engineering and Sales

• Degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics, physics or a comparable technical field
• 5+ years of experience in patent work, in-house at an industrial or technology company and/or at a patent law firm; R&D or engineering experience is a strong plus
• Proven ability to work with engineers on invention development: invention harvesting, patent-informed development, alternative embodiments
• Hands-on experience in drafting and prosecuting patents at the EPO and USPTO, including PCT and international filing strategies
• Experience with freedom-to-operate analyses, patent landscaping and oppositions
• Experience with IP clauses in commercial agreements (licensing, joint development, supply and partner contracts)
• Technical understanding of hydraulics, electrical machines, energy technology or mechanical systems is a strong plus
• European Patent Attorney or national patent attorney qualification (or in progress) is a plus
• Strong communicator who translates between engineering and legal language
• Entrepreneurial, hands-on mindset; fluent in English and preferrably German

• The chance to shape the IP of an entirely new energy system from the concept stage
• Real ownership and direct collaboration with the Founder & CEO and our engineering team
• A highly motivated, interdisciplinary team building technology with real-world impact
• Flexible working hours and hybrid working
• A competitive salary package