We are seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) Manager to join our Digital, Robotics, and Enabling Technologies division (DRE), helping safeguard and develop our diverse product portfolio.

In this role, you will manage patent processes to protect innovations in surgical navigation, cranial, and spine technology while actively collaborating with our R&D team through all phases of product development.

What you will do:

• Oversee the complete patent lifecycle, from preliminary patentability assessments to managing invention disclosures and filing decisions.

• Lead Invention Review Boards, guiding patenting decisions in alignment with divisional strategy.

• Collaborate with external counsel to draft, file, and prosecute patent applications, as well as manage office action responses.

• Conduct IP assessments, including patentability, right-to-use, and prior art searches, to support new product development and ensure compliance.

• Work closely with R&D and cross-functional teams to provide IP guidance across all phases of the new product development process.

• Evaluate the value of patents for commercial applications and manage maintenance decisions for active patents.

• Support IP initiatives for third-party licensing and acquisitions, working with IP Counsel and business leadership.

• Maintain IP metrics and reports and contribute to the ongoing improvement of IP management systems and procedures.

What you will need:

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or equivalent.

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in an engineering related field and minimum of 3 years in the medical device industry, especially in surgical navigation, cranial and spine.

• Strong Stakeholder management experience with the ability to influence others and be appropriately assertive to challenge concepts and inspire innovation.

• Experience working with cross-functional teams in an R&D context.

• Interest in patent processes and legal aspects of IP.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills both English and German.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong knowledge of the USPTO patent prosecution process; understanding of international patent prosecution is a plus.

• Experience conducting IP searches and assessments.

Additional Information

We offer a hybrid working model with flexible home office options, enabling efficient collaboration and task execution within the team. Being 1-3 times a week at our office in Freiburg is beneficial for building sustainable relationships and maintaining personal contact with colleagues and stakeholders.