In-house Patent Agent

About the role

Are you passionate about cutting-edge technology and working with world-class researchers? Do you enjoy intellectually challenging patent work in a collaborative environment?

D-Wave is seeking an experienced Patent Agent / Patent Specialist to join our Intellectual Property (IP) team and support the growth of our quantum computing research and development. This role will support our expanding presence in New Haven, CT, and Boca Raton, FL, and will require regular onsite support at our New Haven facility, with occasional travel to Boca Raton. You will contribute to the integration of our new locations and the development of IP strategy at the intersection of gate and annealing based quantum computing technologies. 

The successful candidate will be hired as either a Staff or Principal Patent Specialist, based on their expertise and demonstrated technical impact.

What you'll do

• Lead IP education initiatives and promote IP best practices tailored to the needs of the New Haven and Boca Raton research and development teams.

• Develop a solid understanding of company technology and partner with research and development teams to identify and capture valuable innovations

• Draft and prosecute high-quality patent applications across diverse technical areas.

• Coordinate effectively with external patent counsel.

• Build strong partnerships across technical teams.

• Support the growth, management, and continuous improvement of D-Wave's patent portfolio.

• Recommend and implement improvements to IP processes.

• Anticipate challenges, recommend solutions, and escalate when appropriate.

• Monitor developments in quantum technologies and evolving IP law to inform strategy.

About You

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Physics, Mathematics, Computing Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical field.

• Experience drafting and prosecuting patents before a Patent Office.

• Proven experience in patent drafting, prosecution, and portfolio management.

• Registration as a U.S. Patent Agent or Patent Attorney (or equivalent certification) is an asset.

• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and sound judgment.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset.

• Experience building collaborative relationships across a variety of technical backgrounds.

• Experience mentoring junior professionals is an asset.

Level Expectations

Staff Patent Specialist

You are an experienced patent professional who has a proven history of expertly managing complex patent matters and applying strong technical and IP expertise to patent drafting and prosecution. You are a thought leader within the team, contributing to improving IP practices and continuing to build expertise as a trusted partner, providing feedback to others and seeking growth opportunities within and outside the team. You efficiently prioritize a varied workload, anticipate and develop solutions to challenging problems, and collaborate effectively across technical and business teams to support innovation and business objectives. Typically gained through 6+ years of relevant experience. Pay Range: 137,000.00 - 188,000.00 USD per year

Principal Patent Specialist

You are a highly experienced patent professional who has wide-ranging experience successfully drafting and prosecuting patent applications and can contribute creative and strategic expertise to grow and strengthen D-Wave’s patent portfolio. You are prepared to independently lead significant IP initiatives, build alignment across diverse stakeholders, and proactively identify gaps in best practices. You bring a growth mindset, regularly solicit feedback from others, and contribute to a team culture of excellence. You bring strong judgment, creativity, and the ability to anticipate future technology and market needs, as well as a proven ability to balance a diverse workload and anticipate and develop solutions to future challenges. Typically gained through 8+ years of relevant experience. Pay Range: 157,000.00 - 216,000.00  per year

A D-Waver's DNA

• We look at the future and say “why not”; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
• We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
• We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.
• As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.

Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful:

We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team. 

During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture). The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.   

Inclusion: 

We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.

The Fine Print: 

No 3rd party candidates will be accepted

It is D-Wave policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.