D-Wave
Lead Patent Specialist (UK, Germany)

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About the Role
Are you passionate about working with cutting-edge technology, collaborating with world-class minds, and guiding intellectual property through evolving product lifecycles? Do you enjoy intellectually challenging patent drafting and prosecution in a collaborative, supportive environment?
Join D-Wave's Intellectual Property (IP) team as an In-house Patent Attorney / Lead Patent Specialist, bringing a European perspective to support our growing patent portfolio. This role is suited for an emerging leader with clear communication skills, capable of managing complex work and collaborating across teams.
You will partner with senior stakeholders to support and help shape our European patent strategy, while working closely with external counsel and internal technical experts. You’ll operate with a high degree of independence—proactively identifying roadblocks, managing priorities, and exercising sound judgment on when to escalate. This role may also provide a future team leadership opportunity and the potential to shape the growth of a European-based team.
What You'll Do
- Draft and prosecute patents across a range of technical areas
- Build strong working relationships across IP, legal, and technical teams
- Contribute knowledge of European best practices to IP team evolution
- Develop a solid understanding of company technology and collaborate with inventors to identify and assess valuable innovations
- Clearly communicate IP education and guidance to internal stakeholders; coordinate effectively with external counsel
- Contribute to the management and continuous improvement of the IP portfolio
- Proactively identify and recommend process improvements to enhance efficiency and quality
- Independently manage a varied workload, balancing priorities and timelines
- Anticipate challenges, propose solutions, and escalate when appropriate
- Continuously build expertise in the quantum technology landscape and stay current in IP best practices
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
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Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
About You
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in physics, math, computing science, electrical engineering, or a related field
- 6+ years of experience in patent drafting and prosecution before the European Patent Office
- Registration as a European Patent Attorney (or equivalent) is an asset
- Strong analytical thinking and sound judgment in solving complex problems
- Clear and effective communication skills adaptive to a variety of audiences
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Demonstrated initiative, accountability, and a solutions-oriented mindset
- Interest in mentoring or supporting junior team members
A D-Waver's DNA
We look at the future and say “why not”; we see possibilities where others see problems or routines. We show the way ahead and are committed to achieving ambitious goals.
We practice straight talk and listen generously to each other with empathy. We value different opinions and points of views. We ensure that we connect outside as well as inside to learn from others and inspire each other.
We hold ourselves accountable for delivering results. We make decisions & take responsibility so that we can act & support each other.


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As leaders we motivate & engage our teams to undertake beyond what they originally thought possible, by developing our teams & creating the conditions for people to grow and empower themselves through enabling & coaching.
Our Compensation Philosophy is Simple but Powerful
We believe providing D-Wavers with company ownership, competitive pay, and a range of meaningful benefits is the start of creating a culture where people want to give the best they’ve got — not because they’re simply making money, but because they’ve fallen in love with our vision, mission, values, and team.
During the interview process, your Recruiter will review our total rewards (base, equity, bonus, perks, benefit, culture). The final offer is determined by your proficiencies within this level.
Inclusion
We celebrate diverse perspectives to drive innovation in our pursuit. Our employees range from distinguished domain experts with decades of experience in their respective fields, to bright and motivated graduates eager to make their mark. Our diverse and innovative team will make you feel appreciated, supported and empower your career growth at D-Wave.
The Fine Print
No 3rd party candidates will be accepted
It is D-Wave Systems Inc. policy to provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state/provincial, local law.
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