Patent Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Patent Engineer will be a key member of AtriCure’s Patent Team which manages all matters patent related while working collaboratively within AtriCure’s Legal Group. The Patent Team works closely with the Product Development and Research & Technology teams within AtriCure to protect all new technology being developed within the company’s various Centers of Excellence.   The goal of the Patent Team is to identify ideas and innovations early and develop strategies to protect these innovations by closely working with outside law firms to prepare and file patent applications worldwide.

The Patent Engineer is responsible for harvesting and reviewing inventions that will contribute to the development of AtriCure’s patent portfolio. The ideal candidate will help identify, understand and capture inventions from AtriCure’s technical teams, including drafting invention disclosures, conducting prior art searches and evaluating the results, and communicating the results of this work to audiences of varied technical competency.  Additionally, the ideal candidate will assist in the drafting and prosecution of patent applications.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Conduct patent mining sessions and work with engineers to identify patentable inventions
• Communicate inventions to members of the intellectual property review team for consideration and approval
• Conduct landscape, patentability and Freedom-to-Operate searches
• Assist in the identification of whitespace opportunities
• Draft invention disclosures on behalf of engineers
• Prepare drafts of patent applications and assist in patent litigation matters when and as necessary
• Find and execute ways to encourage innovation within AtriCure, including, but not limited to, leading invention brainstorming sessions
• Other duties as assigned, depending upon candidate’s unique skillsets, as the Patent Team grows and expands

ADDITIONAL ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Regular and predictable work performance
• Ability to work under fast-paced conditions
• Ability to make decisions and use good judgement
• Ability to prioritize various duties and multitask as required
• Ability to successfully work with others
• Additional duties as assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• This is an awesome opportunity for anyone with experience (work or education) in mechanical engineering or life sciences that will apply your knowledge in a nonconventional way
• Basic understanding of US and foreign patent laws
• Demonstrated ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing with attorneys, staff, and external contacts
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize a heavy workload in a dynamic and complex environment to meet deadlines and daily requirements, while maintaining exceptional accuracy
• Ability to provide quality client service to both internal and external contacts
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both independently and with others in a cooperative, enthusiastic and friendly manner to accomplish position functions and participate in team efforts
• Must be confident, goal-oriented, self-motivated and a team player with a service-focused mindset
• Ability to network with technical teams to mine for patentable inventions and to lead invention brainstorm sessions.
• Demonstrated ability to encourage innovation
• Computer proficient with experience with Microsoft programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Independent worker with a willingness to learn and take on new challenges
• Up to 15% travel possibility

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's or PhD in a related field
• 3+ years of experience in the patent field
• Prior experience assisting inventors with invention disclosures a strong plus
• Registered before the USPTO Patent Bar (or willing to sit for the exam within 12 months of hire)
• Proficiency with USPTO systems (PAIR, PatFT, EFS Web) as well as other commercially available software platforms

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to regularly walk, sit, or stand as needed
• Ability to occasionally bend and push/pull as needed
• Ability to regularly lift up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift over 25 pounds
• Ability to pass pre-employment drug screen and background check

#LI-KN1