Patent Specialist (Engineering / IP Focus)

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

About the Opportunity

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 prospect for either:

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

What You’ll Be Doing

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

What You Bring

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)

Key Skills & Attributes

- 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

Why This Role?

- 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

Diversity & Inclusion

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.

📌 Patent Specialist (Vancouver)
🏢 TRS Staffing Solutions
📍 Vancouver