Patent manager

Patent Engineer/Manager- Join Wärtsilä’s IPR Services Team

We are always on the lookout for a talent with a growth mindset – are you the one?  

Do you seek to understand how things work, even when technology is new and requires step-by-step learning? Do you ask precise technical questions, analyse engineering ideas, and identify what makes a solution valuable? This role may suit you.

This role combines technology, innovation, legal aspects, and business. You will work with engineers, R&D teams, business stakeholders, and external patent attorneys to identify, shape, and protect inventions that support Wärtsilä’s strategy.

Our five-member patent team covers all Wärtsilä technologies. You will often enter unfamiliar areas, so you must learn quickly, ask focused questions, and build understanding with experts.

You do not need deep expertise in both patents and technology from the start. We value curiosity, technical thinking, structured analysis, and motivation to link technology, patents, and business value. An R&D or engineering background provides a strong foundation for developing patent expertise.

The preferred office location is Vaasa.

What you will do:
You will help Wärtsilä identify and protect technical solutions that support business and technology strategy. You will:

• Work with engineers and R&D teams on new developments and inventions
• Support invention harvesting and disclosure discussions
• Analyse prior art and assess patentability
• Collaborate with external patent attorneys on drafting and prosecution
• Review patent claims and technical descriptions
• Prepare patent summaries for decision-making

What we are looking for:
We seek candidates with a technical background in engineering, R&D, product development, testing, system design, or similar fields.

You may be a good fit if you:

• Show curiosity about how technical solutions differ from earlier ones
• Work across technologies and learn quickly through clear questions
• Hold a technical degree or equivalent experience
• Understand engineering principles and technology development
• Read and analyse technical documents, drawings, and system descriptions
• Work in a structured and careful manner
• Show interest in patents, innovation protection, and technology strategy
• Collaborate effectively with engineers and experts
• Show willingness to learn patent law
• Communicate fluently in English; other languages are an advantage

Experience in patent searches, invention disclosures, drafting, prosecution, freedom-to-operate analysis, or claim interpretation is an advantage but not required.

Why this role suits an R&D professional
Many patent professionals start in technology roles. Your engineering judgement helps you identify what is new and worth protecting. You explain technical concepts clearly to decision-makers.

You will not specialise in one technology. Instead, you will work across a broad range with domain experts. You will structure discussions, build understanding, and identify key technical differences.

We support your development through practical cases, proven methods, mentoring, and experienced colleagues, several of whom hold European patent qualifications.

If you want to assess technical improvements, compare them with earlier solutions, evaluate their protection value, and explain them clearly, this role offers a strong next step.

What we offer
We offer the opportunity to develop into an IPR professional in a global technology company. You will work with meaningful technologies, experienced colleagues, and business-relevant innovation topics through real cases, mentoring, and team collaboration.

Why you and us?   

You are valued – as your true self. At Wärtsilä YOU matter. We value diversity and are committed in supporting inclusive work community.   

Your growth is supported. We believe in continuous learning & teamwork. Wärtsilian community has your back when it comes to development opportunities – so you can develop beyond your potential.  

You get to make a difference. Innovation and sustainability are important for us. Every day, we - Wärtsilians - put our hearts and minds into enabling sustainable societies through innovation in technology and services into reality.   

Contact & next steps  
  

Please submit your application before the application deadline 16th of October 2026 through our Careers portal. Applications through email will not be considered. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email.

In case of any questions regarding the position, reach out to:

Mikael Mäkelä

Director IPR
mikael.makela1@wartsila.com
+358 40 145 7489

Last application date: 16/10/2026 

At Wärtsilä we value, respect and embrace all our differences, and are committed to diversity, inclusion and equal employment opportunities; everyone can be their true self and succeed based on their job-relevant merits and abilities. 

Please note that according to Wärtsilä policy, voluntary consent for a security check may be required from candidates being considered for this position, depending on the applicable country.

This is Wärtsilä 

Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle solutions for the marine and energy markets. Our team of 18,300 professionals, in more than 230 locations in 77 countries, shape the decarbonisation transformation of our industries across the globe. Read more on www.wartsila.com.