Lead Patent Specialist (UK, Germany)

About the role

Are you passionate about working with cutting-edge technology, collaborating with world-class minds, and guiding intellectual property through evolving product lifecycles? Do you enjoy intellectually challenging patent drafting and prosecution in a collaborative, supportive environment? Join D-Wave's Intellectual Property (IP) team as an In-house Patent Attorney / Lead Patent Specialist, bringing a European perspective to support our growing patent portfolio. This role is suited for an emerging leader with clear communication skills, capable of managing complex work and collaborating across teams.

You will partner with senior stakeholders to support and help shape our European patent strategy, while working closely with external counsel and internal technical experts. You’ll operate with a high degree of independence—proactively identifying roadblocks, managing priorities, and exercising sound judgment on when to escalate. This role may also provide a future team leadership opportunity and the potential to shape the growth of a European-based team.

What you'll do

• Draft and prosecute patents across a range of technical areas
• Build strong working relationships across IP, legal, and technical teams
• Contribute knowledge of European best practices to IP team evolution
• Develop a solid understanding of company technology and collaborate with inventors to identify and assess valuable innovations
• Clearly communicate IP education and guidance to internal stakeholders; coordinate effectively with external counsel
• Contribute to the management and continuous improvement of the IP portfolio
• Proactively identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality
• Independently manage a varied workload, balancing priorities and timelines
• Anticipate challenges, propose solutions, and escalate when appropriate
• Continuously build expertise in the quantum technology landscape and stay current in IP best practices

About You

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in physics, math, computing science, electrical engineering, or a related field
• 6+ years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution before the European Patent Office
• Registration as a European Patent Attorney (or equivalent) is an asset
• Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment in solving complex problems
• Clear and effective communication skills adaptive to a variety of audiences
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
• Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset
• Interest in mentoring or supporting junior team members

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 Systems Inc. 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.