Intellectual Property Engineer

About the role
We are seeking a skilled and motivated Intellectual Property (IP) Engineer to join AAK’s global IP team. Reporting directly to the IPR Manager, this role will play a key part in managing and developing AAK’s global patent portfolio, supporting innovation across our research and development organization.
The IP Engineer will work closely with inventors, scientists, and external patent partners to identify, secure, and protect AAK’s intellectual property. The position combines analytical and legal insight with a strong technical understanding — ideally in chemistry, food science, or related engineering disciplines.

Location
This position can be based in one of our offices in Europe. 

Key Responsibilities
- Support the management and administration of AAK’s global patent portfolio in collaboration with the IPR Manager and external partners, focused on our candles product group.  
- Review and evaluate new invention disclosures, participate in meetings with inventors, and align filing strategies with the IPR Manager.
- Conduct and report patentability and novelty analyses; discuss results and recommendations with internal stakeholders.
- Support the drafting and prosecution of patent applications worldwide together with external patent attorneys.
- Assist in preparing responses to office actions and maintaining internal records through the IP management system (Ipendo).
- Participating in freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and communicates potential IP risks and recommendations to relevant stakeholders.
- Establish and maintain competitor monitoring systems; summarize and communicate insights to R&D and management teams.
- Contribute to strategic IP discussions related to innovation projects, new product development, and technology platforms.
- Document work, meetings, and decisions thoroughly and accurately in dedicated case folders.
- Support internal education and awareness on IP processes and best practices across the organization.
- Supporting the integrity, accuracy, and timeliness of patent prosecution and portfolio management activities.
- Ensuring alignment of IP activities with AAK’s innovation and commercial priorities.
- Effective communication with inventors, R&D stakeholders, and external agents.
- Maintaining documentation and records in compliance with AAK’s IP governance standards.

About you
You are analytical, detail-oriented, and curious, with a passion for innovation and intellectual property protection. You thrive in a collaborative, global environment and enjoy translating complex technical ideas into strong patent applications and IP strategies.

- MSc or PhD in organic chemistry, life sciences, or a related engineering discipline.
- At least 3 years of patent experience from industry or private practice, with foundational training in: drafting new patent applications, responding to office actions, conducting novelty and patentability assessments and started or readiness to begin training as a European Patent Attorney.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
- Strong organizational skills, precision, and the ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.
- Excellent communication skills in English (written and spoken).
- High level of flexibility, enthusiasm, and motivation to develop within the IP field.
- Excellent writing and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
- Team-oriented, yet capable of working independently with minimal supervision.
- Motivated by innovative discussions and the creation of intellectual value.
- Structured, process-oriented, and proactive in communication.


Contact and Information
Please apply through our career portal.
For more information about this position, please contact:
Luuck van Kooten, Talent Acquisition Manager Europe @ Luuck.van.kooten@aak.com

About AAK
Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils that are the value-adding ingredients in many of the products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable.
At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development — combining our deep understanding of what better means for each customer with the unique flexibility of our production assets and technical knowledge.
Our 4,000 employees collaborate through 25 regional sales offices, 15 Customer Innovation Centres, and more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.
AAK prohibits discrimination based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, veteran status, or any other class protected under applicable law in any aspect of employment.

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