Division patent officer, motion drive products (multiple locations)

At ABB, we help industries run leaner and cleaner—and every person here makes that happen. You’ll be empowered to lead, supported to grow, and proud of the impact we create together. Join us and help run what runs the world.

This position reports to: R&D Global Unit Lead

ABB Motion, a global leader in motors and drives, is at the core of accelerating a more productive and sustainable future. We innovate and push the boundaries of technology to contribute to energy efficient, decarbonizing and circular solutions for customers, industries and societies. With our digitally enabled drives, motors and services we support our customers and partners to achieve better performance, safety and reliability. To help the world’s industries outrun – leaner and cleaner, we deliver motor-driven solutions for a wide range of applications in all industrial segments. Building on over 140 years of domain expertise in electric powertrains, our more than 22,000 employees across 100 countries learn and improve every day. go.abb/motion

Location

This role is open globally, but location is set in China (Beijing or Nanjing), Estonia (Juri), Finland (Helsinki), Germany (Heidelberg), India (Bangalore), US (New Berlin). The work model is hybrid #LI-hybrid.

Key Responsibilities

In this role you’ll have the opportunity to shape IP strategy across MODP R&D and work at the intersection of technology, business, and intellectual property. You’ll collaborate with R&D, business, Legal IP, and global teams, influence decisions across the organization, and help protect and strengthen ABB’s technology and innovation position.

This position reports to the Global Technology Manager, Motion Drive Products.

You will be accountable for:

• Lead overall IP activities within MODP R&D, developing non-legal IP strategies and policies aligned with business and technology strategies, and working closely with the division technology manager on priorities, decisions, and escalations.
• Lead IP protection activities within MODP R&D, ensuring appropriate IP processes are in place for R&D projects, supporting IP risk assessment, and overseeing the IP aspects of key R&D projects.
• Manage the MODP R&D patent portfolio, driving portfolio shaping and pruning, coordinating cross-organizational portfolio matters with relevant stakeholders, and ensuring that IP investment is aligned with the IP strategy.
• Support the exploitation and enforcement of ABB’s IP rights in coordination with IP Legal and monitor the competitive technology and IP landscape to identify opportunities, risks, and relevant developments.
• Act as the interface between MODP R&D and the Legal IP organization, BA Patent Officer, and other relevant functions, providing IP advice to the organization and ensuring appropriate IP training, awareness, processes, and tools are available.

Qualifications

Bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering, Science, Technology, Intellectual Property, or a related field.

5–8 years of relevant experience in intellectual property, preferably in an R&D or technology-driven environment.

Broad knowledge of intellectual property rights, patent portfolio management, IP strategy, and IP processes, combined with a strong understanding of technology and business.

Strong stakeholder management and communication skills, with the ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with global teams across R&D, business, Legal IP, and other functions.

A mindset to innovate, take ownership, and drive continuous improvement.

What's in it for you?

We empower you to take the lead, share bold ideas, and shape real outcomes. You’ll grow through hands-on experience, mentorship, and learning that fits your goals. Here, your work doesn’t just matter, it moves things forward. Contribute to a collective vision. This is where progress takes flight, teams turn ideas into impact, and we define what’s next. Run What Runs the World.

Building a cleaner, smarter future takes all kinds of minds: the curious, the courageous, and the creative. That's why we welcome people from all backgrounds and experiences.

Ready to make an impact? Apply today or visit https://www.abb.com to learn more about the impact of our solutions across the globe.