Patent Engineer (m/f/d) – Thalheim, Germany

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic, forward-thinking, and collaborative Patent Engineer to support Hanwha Qcells’ GmbH IP operations, including strategy, portfolio management, and innovation protection in the solar and energy solutions markets.

This is a critical role within our Global Technology organization, ensuring our freedom to operate while securing the best possible protection for our intellectual property. The successful candidate will be a member of the Global IP team and work closely with the Thalheim PV R&D Team to execute IP processes to patent new innovations and minimize business risk through freedom to operate.

The ideal candidate is:

• A fast learner with a strong technical background in Solar Technology, who quickly grasps new technical concepts
• Collaborative and transparent, able to work with R&D members, patent attorneys, and leaders to align IP activities to business needs and legal requirements
• Energetic, self-motivated and adaptable, willing to learn and continuously improve
• Humble and open to feedback, contributing to a culture of growth and innovation
• Service-oriented, recognizing that the IP team serves the R&D organization in support of business objectives
• Team-Player, demonstrating the ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Hands-on mentality, actively engaging in problem-solving
• Attentive to details, ensuring proper diligence within IP activities
• Able to juggle multiple projects and priorities within a fast-paced and dynamic environment

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Freedom to Operate studies in key, newly developed solar technologies.
• Identify, document, and protect new inventions in collaboration with R&D teams and outside patent attorneys.
• Oversee and optimize the creation and maintenance of a robust patent portfolio, ensuring timely, strategic filings aligned with business objectives.
• Support licensing and enforcement activities, as needed.
• Partner with inventors to prepare high-quality invention disclosures, enabling strong patent applications.
• Foster a sense of urgency in protecting novel inventions, balancing speed and quality.
• Develop and deliver IP training to R&D teams, enhancing their ability to protect innovations and design around competitive IP.
• Collaborate with IP Intelligence researchers to conduct competitor IP analyses to identify trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with the Global IP and R&D teams to implement efficient, scalable IP processes and tools that are integrated with the Technology Development Process.
• Drive continuous improvement in IP management operations and workflows, ensuring agility, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, or Engineering (Advanced degree preferred).
• 3+ years of experience in solar cell and module technologies
• 2+ years of direct exposure to IP concepts & activities (patentability, freedom to operate, prior art searching)
• Eagerness to learn about patent law and IP portfolio management
• Excellent English and German language skills, with strong written communication abilities with technical content.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired but not required!)

• Some understanding of patent law and IP portfolio management, particularly in the EU and US.
• Experience in a global company, collaborating on projects across international teams (Germany, Korea, US, and India).
• Proficiency in Korean or Mandarin.

Why Join Us?

🚀 Be at the forefront of solar innovation, protecting cutting-edge technologies.
🌍 Operate in a fast-paced, global environment, working with top technical experts.
💡 Drive meaningful impact, shaping the future of renewable energy.
🎯 Contribute to a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
📍 Location: Bitterfeld-Wolfen, OT Thalheim, Germany (Relocation support available)
💼 Employment Type: Full-time, On-site

If you are interested in this exciting challenge, please send your application internally to recruiting-ip@q-cells.com by 30 June 2025.

Datenschutzhinweise nach Art. 13 DSGVO für Stellenausschreibungen

Im Rahmen Ihrer Bewerbung verarbeiten wir Ihre personenbezogenen Daten (z. B. Kontaktdaten, Lebenslauf, Zeugnisse) ausschließlich zum Zweck der Durchführung des Bewerbungsverfahrens. Verantwortlich ist die

Hanwha Q CELLS. GmbH
OT Thalheim
Sonnenallee 17 - 21
06766 Bitterfeld-Wolfen
Deutschland

Rechtsgrundlage ist Art. 6 Abs. 1 lit. b DSGVO. Ihre Daten werden vertraulich behandelt und nach Abschluss des Verfahrens spätestens nach 6 Monaten gelöscht, sofern keine gesetzliche Aufbewahrungspflicht besteht. Sie haben das Recht auf Auskunft, Berichtigung, Löschung, Einschränkung der Verarbeitung sowie Beschwerde bei einer Datenschutzaufsichtsbehörde. Bei Fragen wenden Sie sich bitte an datenschutz@q-cells.com.