Inventor Onboarding Checklist

Inventor Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Inventor starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Engineering onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Inventor, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Inventor onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Inventor Onboarding Checklist

1. Introduction to the company: The inventor should be provided with a comprehensive introduction to the company, including its history, mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Familiarization with company policies and procedures: The inventor should be given a thorough overview of the company’s policies and procedures, including those related to intellectual property, safety, and confidentiality. This task is usually performed by the HR department or legal team.

3. Introduction to the engineering team: The inventor should be introduced to the engineering team, including key members and their roles. This task is typically performed by the engineering manager or a designated team lead.

4. Access to necessary tools and resources: The inventor should be provided with access to all the tools, software, and resources necessary to carry out their work effectively. This may include CAD software, prototyping equipment, and relevant databases. The IT department or engineering manager usually handles this task.

5. Review of ongoing projects: The inventor should be briefed on any ongoing projects within the company that they may be involved in or need to be aware of. This task is typically performed by the engineering manager or project lead.

6. Introduction to the company’s innovation process: The inventor should be familiarized with the company’s innovation process, including how ideas are generated, evaluated, and implemented. This task is usually performed by the innovation or R&D department.

7. Training on company-specific engineering methodologies: The inventor should receive training on any specific engineering methodologies or processes used within the company. This may include design for manufacturing (DFM), failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), or other relevant methodologies. The engineering manager or a designated trainer typically handles this task.

8. Introduction to relevant stakeholders: The inventor should be introduced to key stakeholders within the company, such as executives, project managers, and other engineers. This task is typically performed by the engineering manager or a designated team lead.

9. Review of relevant industry standards and regulations: The inventor should be briefed on any industry standards and regulations that are relevant to their work. This may include safety standards, quality control requirements, or specific engineering codes. The engineering manager or a designated compliance officer usually handles this task.

10. Mentoring and guidance: The inventor should be assigned a mentor or experienced engineer who can provide guidance and support as they navigate their new role. This task is typically coordinated by the engineering manager or HR department.

11. Introduction to the company’s innovation culture: The inventor should be immersed in the company’s innovation culture, including any initiatives, events, or programs aimed at fostering creativity and collaboration. This task is usually performed by the innovation or R&D department.

12. Performance expectations and goal setting: The inventor should have a clear understanding of the company’s performance expectations and be involved in setting goals that align with their role and the company’s objectives. This task is typically performed by the engineering manager or HR department.

13. Ongoing professional development opportunities: The inventor should be made aware of any professional development opportunities available within the company, such as training programs, conferences, or certifications. The HR department or engineering manager usually handles this task.

14. Introduction to the company’s patenting process: If applicable, the inventor should be familiarized with the company’s patenting process, including how to document and protect their inventions. This task is typically performed by the legal department or a designated patent specialist.

15. Integration into the company’s communication channels: The inventor should be integrated into the company’s communication channels, such as email groups, project management tools, and collaboration platforms, to ensure effective communication and collaboration with colleagues. The IT department or engineering manager typically handles this task.

16. Performance feedback and evaluation: The inventor should be informed about the company’s performance feedback and evaluation processes, including how and when feedback will be provided, and how performance will be assessed. This task is typically performed by the engineering manager or HR department.

17. Introduction to company benefits and perks: The inventor should be provided with information about the company’s benefits and perks, such as healthcare plans, retirement savings options, and any unique offerings. The HR department usually handles this task.

18. Introduction to the company’s social and cultural activities: The inventor should be introduced to any social or cultural activities within the company, such as team-building events, volunteer opportunities, or employee resource groups. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated social committee.

19. Review of company success stories and past inventions: The inventor should be familiarized with the company’s success stories and past inventions to gain insights into the company’s innovation track record and potential areas of focus. This task is usually performed by the innovation or R&D department.

20. Introduction to the company’s project management methodologies: The inventor should receive an overview of the company’s project management methodologies, such as Agile or Waterfall, to understand how projects are planned, executed, and monitored. This task is typically performed by the project management office or a designated project manager.

Overall, these onboarding tasks aim to provide the inventor with a comprehensive understanding of the company, its engineering processes, and the resources available to them, ensuring a smooth transition into their new role and maximizing their potential for innovation within the organization

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Inventor checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Inventor up to speed and working well in your Engineering team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.