Intellectual Property & Funding Officer (m/f/d)

Shape the future of renewable energy with us!

ZF Wind Power is one of the world’s leading providers of wind turbine gearboxes and is currently being established as an independent entity within the ZF Group – with the clear goal of responding even more effectively to market and customer needs while enabling further growth. This step increases entrepreneurial flexibility and strengthens our role as a global technology leader in wind energy.

We have the world’s largest installed capacity of +8 MW offshore wind turbine gearboxes. Since entering the wind industry in 1979, we have delivered more than 85,000 gearboxes, powering over 200 GW wind turbines, covering more than 25% of the total installed capacity of geared-driven wind turbines worldwide. Together with our partners, we continuously invest in the wind market to empower a sustainable future together.

Because ZF Wind Power keeps on growing, we are looking for an IP & Funding Officer (m/f/d), to join our IP & Innovation Management team in our office in Antwerp, Belgium.

What you can expect as Intellectual Property & Funding Officer (m/f/d):

As an IP & Funding Officer (m/f/d), you will play a key role in safeguarding our innovation, strengthening our patent strategy, and securing funding for cutting edge R&D projects. This versatile role offers exposure to both the technical and strategic side of innovation in the renewable energy sector.

Intellectual Property (IP) Support

• Work closely with the IP & Innovation Manager to manage and expand our patent portfolio for gearbox and powertrain technologies in wind turbines.
• Support the entire patent lifecycle—from invention disclosure to granted patent, including interaction with external patent law firms. 
• Conduct technology scouting using detailed patent searches and AI-based tools to identify relevant third party patents, technology trends, and potential risks.
  • Present findings in expert review sessions, allowing you to dive into the areas of gear and bearing systems, mechanical connections, casting technologies, gearbox and powertrain concepts

Funding & Subsidy Management

• Identify and screen relevant regional, national, and EU funding programs for R&D and investment projects.
• Prepare high quality funding applications, coordinate submissions, and monitor progress.
• Manage reporting obligations to funding authorities for ongoing projects.
• Participate in meetings with funding agencies to defend applications and provide in depth reporting—combining your technical understanding with strong business insight.

Your profile as Intellectual Property & Funding Officer (m/f/d):

• Bachelor’s degree and preferred also a master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or comparable field of study – recent graduates are welcome
• Knowledge of drive train technology, gearbox technology as well as digital solutions for wind turbine gearboxes and powertrains
• Confident use of MS Office 365 as well as very good English skills
• Ability to quickly absorb and filter complex information
• Entrepreneurial thinking, digital mindset, team spirit, analytical skills, quick comprehension, solution-oriented and independent working style and strong communication skills.