In-house Patent Agent

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NASDAQ: QBTS) is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. It is the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the only company to offer dual-platform quantum computing products and services, spanning both annealing and gate-model quantum computing technologies. D-Wave’s mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum today through enterprise-grade systems available on-premises and via its Leap™ quantum cloud service, which offers 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations across commercial, government, and research sectors trust D-Wave to address complex computational challenges using quantum computing.

About the role

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. This is a hybrid role out of our New Haven, CT location.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Requirements

• 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 with 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.

Principal Patent Specialist

• You are a highly experienced patent professional with 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

• Staff Patent Specialist: 137,000.00 - 188,000.00 USD per year
• Principal Patent Specialist: 157,000.00 - 216,000.00 USD per year

Benefits

D-Wave offers company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits designed to create a culture where employees are motivated and engaged. During the interview process, your Recruiter will review total rewards including base salary, equity, bonus, perks, benefits, and culture.

Inclusion

D-Wave celebrates diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Employees range from distinguished domain experts to motivated graduates, creating a diverse and innovative team where everyone feels appreciated, supported, and empowered in their career growth.