Sr. Patent Agent

QuantumScape Corporation•San Jose, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

QuantumScape is seeking a Sr. Patent Agent to play a hands-on role in protecting the innovations behind their solid-state lithium-metal battery technology. This role is part of a fast-growing, collaborative legal team focused on protecting and advancing the company's technologies. The Sr. Patent Agent will work closely with R&D, legal, and external partners to drive impactful results, translating complex ideas into strong IP and helping build a strategic patent portfolio.

Requirements

Master’s degree in a scientific or engineering field (Ph.D. a plus)
USPTO registration required
At least 5 years of experience in patent prosecution, ideally with a mix of law firm and in-house roles
Strong writing and analytical skills
Interest in working directly with inventors and staying close to science.

Nice To Haves

You enjoy being part of a collaborative, fast-paced environment where priorities can shift.
You’re practical, thoughtful, and focused on delivering high-quality work.
You can work independently but are always ready to jump in and support the team.
You understand the bigger picture and how IP fits into it.

Responsibilities

Partner with R&D and engineering teams to identify new inventions and capture them early in the development lifecycle.
Support collaborative projects by working with external partners to document and protect joint IP.
Lead inventor interviews, prepare invention disclosures, and provide IP training with a focus on patents and trade secrets.
Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
Manage and guide outside counsel to ensure our filings reflect both technical accuracy and strategic goals.
Help shape our IP strategy through competitive landscape reviews and freedom-to-operate assessments.
Contribute to documentation practices that support clear inventorship, ownership, and long-term value creation.