Public summary
Join a cutting-edge quantum computing technology company as Head of Intellectual Property. Lead and scale the IP function including management of an existing patent portfolio across quantum error correction, atom transport architectures, laser systems, and software innovations. Collaborate directly with R&D teams, CTO, founders, and external patent counsel. Own patent strategy, portfolio development, licensing and IP structuring globally, while building a small team. This role requires strong expertise in IP management, patent prosecution, and negotiation in a deep-tech environment. Fluent English is required; German proficiency or intention to learn is important for working with German authorities and firms. Hybrid work with base in Garching, Germany.
Location and work setup
- Location
- Garching bei München
- Remote status
- Hybrid
- German requirement signal
- Unclear
- Detected job language
- English
Responsibilities
Lead and manage the company's entire intellectual property (IP) strategy aligned with technological roadmaps. Evaluate and direct patent portfolio development including filing, prosecution, maintenance, and enforcement decisions globally. Handle IP related to both hardware and software, including computer-implemented inventions and trade secrets. Oversee freedom-to-operate assessments, competitor monitoring, oppositions and cross-licensing. Manage IP aspects of collaborations, research consortia, licensing-in and out-licensing deals. Design and maintain group IP and licensing structures across jurisdictions. Direct relationships with external patent counsel and IP agents, set budgets and priorities. Establish internal processes for invention disclosure, IP management systems, and employee invention administration. Build and grow an internal IP team as filing volumes increase.
Qualifications
Degree in physics, optics/photonics, electrical engineering, computer science, applied mathematics or closely related field; PhD advantageous but not mandatory. Qualified German Patent Attorney and/or European Patent Attorney or extensive in-house IP experience in technology companies, especially with a strong track record in patent prosecution at EPO and DPMA, and familiarity with US patent law. Proven experience negotiating IP terms in joint development, consortium and collaboration agreements. Ability to make strategic IP decisions under budget and uncertainty. Comfortable engaging with highly technical quantum technology concepts. Fluent English is required; proficiency in German sufficient for working with German patent offices and employee-invention law or clear motivation to acquire it. Additional experience in quantum tech, optics, semiconductor IP, opposition practice, software IP, and startup environments is a plus. Strong leadership, initiative, communication skills and positive team attitude are essential.