Patent Specialist

Patent Specialist (Engineering / IP Focus)

Vancouver, BC - $90,000 – $170,000 CAD

A global, innovation-driven organization in the consumer products space is seeking a Patent Specialist to join its Vancouver-based engineering team. This role sits at the intersection of engineering and intellectual property , helping to identify, protect, and strategically manage innovations across a diverse product portfolio.

This is an exciting opportunity for either:

• IP professionals with hands‑on patent experience, or
• Engineers looking to transition into intellectual property, with support through mentorship and formal training.

Invention & Disclosure Management

• Collaborate with engineering teams to identify and extract patentable ideas
• Translate technical concepts into structured invention disclosures
• Act as a key liaison between engineering teams, global IP stakeholders, and external counsel

Patent Evaluation & Filing

• Conduct or coordinate prior art and patentability searches
• Evaluate novelty, commercial value, and competitive positioning
• Support patent drafting and filing in partnership with external counsel
• Ensure timely and high‑quality prosecution processes

Freedom to Operate (FTO) & Risk Management

• Conduct or support FTO analyses during product development
• Identify potential infringement risks and recommend mitigation strategies
• Partner with stakeholders to develop design‑around solutions
• Monitor competitor activity and emerging IP risks

Portfolio & Process Management

• Maintain patent databases and track IP portfolio performance
• Support decisions around continuations, abandonments, and licensing opportunities
• Manage IP‑related costs and timelines
• Improve IP processes and integrate IP into product development workflows

Training & Collaboration

• Educate engineering teams on IP awareness and best practices
• Foster strong cross‑functional partnerships across technical and legal teams

Required:

• Degree in Engineering or related technical field, or equivalent IP experience

Preferred Experience:

• Patents, invention disclosures, or prior art research
• Product design or development engineering
• Freedom to Operate (FTO) analysis
• IP database/search tools (e.g., Patricia or similar)
• Patent Agent qualification or relevant IP coursework (asset)
• U.S. IP law experience with ~5+ years in clearance/prosecution (asset for senior candidates)

• Strong technical curiosity and passion for innovation
• Ability to translate between engineering and legal concepts
• High learning agility and adaptability
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong organization and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Detail-oriented with a disciplined, process‑driven mindset

• Work at the forefront of innovation and product development
• Gain exposure to a global IP strategy and portfolio
• Opportunity for career development and specialization in IP
• Collaborative, cross‑functional environment

Our client is committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of background or identity. TRS is an equal opportunity company.