IP Engineer / IP Engineeress

Join Our Team as an IP and Patent Engineer

Are you passionate about pushing the boundaries of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) technology? Lightium, a pioneering photonics startup, is on the lookout for a skilled IP and Patent Engineer to lead its patent drafting and intellectual property (IP) management activities related to our proprietary thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) technology. This role presents a unique opportunity to contribute to the next generation of photonics solutions by protecting the components, technology, and solutions of Lightium’s proprietary TFLN technology while ensuring our freedom to operate by collaborating with top patent and law firms in the field.

Position Summary

As an IP and Patent Engineer, you will play a critical role in expanding Lightium’s patent portfolio and securing freedom-to-operate for Lightium and its customers. Leveraging your experience in photonics and your background as a patent professional or your acquired skills in patent drafting and filing, you will make significant contributions to the integrated photonics realm and our TFLN platform.

Key Responsibilities

• IP Extraction and Disclosure Drafting: Collaborate with various teams in the R&D organization—including design, PDK, process development, characterization, and testing—to support the extraction of IP-relevant information. Act as an ambassador by providing training to enhance the quality and quantity of disclosures.
• Interaction with Patent Law Firms: Facilitate the drafting process by acting as Lightium’s sparring partner for internal and external patent attorneys. Drive claims and figure drafting of patent applications while ensuring high-quality standards.
• Monitoring of Competitor IP and Freedom-to-Operate: Utilize advanced patent analysis software tools to track freedom-to-operate (FTO) and analyze competing IP. Define response strategies and engage with external law firms to take necessary countermeasures against conflicting IP.
• Tracking of Docket Numbers of Patent Families: Work with external patent firms and patent offices (e.g., USPTO, EPO) to monitor the timelines of various docket numbers. Collaborate to take office actions and file responses to examination reports with inventors.
• Collaboration: Collaborate closely with R&D teams from design to optical testing and characterization, contributing to cross-functional projects to advance our patent portfolio.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain thorough documentation, report findings, and establish standard operating procedures while training new colleagues.
• Innovation: Stay up-to-date on the latest advancements in photonics, integrating new techniques and technologies into our R&D landscape while contributing to Lightium’s IP portfolio.

What You’ll Bring

• Educational Background: An advanced degree (PhD preferred) in Communications, Integrated Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Experience Level: A minimum of 3 years of work experience in photonics, integrated photonics, or applied physics. Experience with integrated photonics platforms such as TFLN, silicon photonics, SiN, or InP is a plus.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in patent management tools like PatSnap, PatOffice, or similar.
• Organization & Documentation: Strong organizational skills, exceptional oversight, and a keen eye for detail. Maintain confidentiality and professionalism when interacting with external law firms.
• Collaboration: Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team. Cultural awareness while communicating with international partners.
• Adaptability: Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment, demonstrating flexibility and resilience amidst change.
• Language Skills: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of German, French, or any Asian language is an advantage.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to lead a cutting-edge manufacturing initiative in the rapidly growing field of photonics.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP), designed to reflect your experience and expertise.
• The chance to become a key player in an early-phase startup and to be part of a young, motivated, and energetic team. You will have the opportunity to grow and develop your professional skills rapidly.

If you're passionate about building new technology from the ground up and thrive in a collaborative and innovative environment, we’d love to hear from you. Apply online using the form below. Please note that only applications matching the job profile will be considered.

Lightium is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.