Patent Engineer

Job Description: Experienced Patent Engineer – Rock Breaking Technologies

Position based in India-Bengaluru | 8-10 Years Patent Experience Required

Introduction

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Patent Engineer with significant experience in the patents field, to join our specialized team dedicated to the evolution and execution of our intellectual property (IP) strategy for Epiroc and Epiroc India. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced individual to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of IP management in the rapidly advancing field of rock breaking technologies.

As our Patent Engineer, you will work at the intersection of technology, innovation, and legal strategy, ensuring that Epiroc's groundbreaking products and solutions are protected and positioned for global success. You will be part of a small, passionate team based in India, and you will have ample space to influence both your role and the evolving responsibilities of the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Patent Strategy Execution: Develop, refine, and execute patent strategies in close collaboration with R&D, product management, and legal teams, with a primary focus on rock breaking technologies and innovations. Ensure alignment with business objectives and the overall IP strategy for Epiroc globally and locally.
• Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) and Technology/Product Clearance: Initiate and support technology and product clearance work, identifying and mitigating risks linked to potential patent infringement. Analyze patent landscapes to ensure that new products brought to market do not infringe on third-party rights and advise stakeholders accordingly.
• Patent Creation and Opportunity Capture: Identify and analyze patent opportunities within ongoing R&D projects. Drive the creation of robust, high-value patent portfolios by capturing inventions and converting them into well-drafted, enforceable patent applications.
• Coordination and Quality Assurance: Take responsibility for coordinating and providing quality assurance of patent work performed by external partners, law firms, and patent agents during the patent application and prosecution process. Ensure all deliverables meet Epiroc's standards of excellence and internal requirements.
• Patent Drafting and Prosecution: Moderating external agents in their drafting and prosecution work; analysis, reporting, and office action responses for selected jurisdictions.
• Risk Assessment and Mitigation: Drive patent risk assessments related to infringement, validity, and scope analyses. Advise on risk mitigation strategies and support decision-making around product development and market entry.
• Collaboration and Support: Proactively reach out to and support colleagues across departments. Participate in cross-functional teams, act as a trusted advisor, and foster a culture of curiosity, collaboration, and innovation.
• Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the ongoing development of IP processes, systems, and best practices within the organization. Stay abreast of changes in patent law, emerging technologies, and market trends relevant to rock breaking and adjacent fields.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s, Master’s or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline.
• 8-10 years of hands-on experience in the patent field, with significant exposure to both consultancy and in-house patent engineering in large industrial settings strongly preferred.
• In-depth experience with risk assessment, patent drafting, and prosecution in at least two of the following jurisdictions: European Patent Office (EP), United States (US), Australia (AU), and China (CN). Experience in all four jurisdictions highly advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience supporting R&D and product development projects with IP strategy, clearance, and invention harvesting activities.
• Strong track record of successfully managing external patent partners, including patent counsel, law firms, and agents, with proven quality assurance capabilities.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear IP strategies and recommendations.
• Collaborative mindset with a willingness to reach out, share knowledge, and support colleagues across functions and geographies.
• Demonstrated curiosity, adaptability, and a proactive approach to continuous learning and process improvement.
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken. Additional language skills are welcome.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with rock breaking technology, mining equipment, or closely related fields is highly desirable.
• Registered Patent Agent or Attorney in India.
• Exposure to, or direct participation in, IP strategy formulation and implementation at the corporate level.
• Familiarity with IP management software and systems, as well as effective use of patent databases and analytics tools.

Personal Attributes

• Curiosity and Growth Mindset: You are eager to learn, explore new territories, and seek innovative solutions to complex IP challenges.
• Collaborative Spirit: You thrive in team settings, value diverse perspectives, and enjoy working in an inclusive, multicultural environment.
• Initiative and Accountability: You take ownership of your work, proactively address challenges, and drive results with minimal supervision.
• Communication: You are able to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively to technical and non-technical audiences alike.

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a small, dynamic, and forward-thinking IP team at Epiroc India, with strong ties to global operations and leadership.
• Directly influence the design and execution of our IP strategy in one of the world’s leading technology sectors for rock breaking and mining equipment.
• Work closely with top innovators and R&D professionals, at the cutting edge of industrial technology.
• Benefit from a flexible, collaborative, and empowering work culture, with ample opportunities for professional growth and specialization.
• Help shape the future of a company in transformation, defining your own role and contributing to the team's shared success.