Associate Director, Intellectual Property Counsel (remote)

Overview

This role involves providing intellectual property (IP) leadership within a major aerospace organization. The position supports multiple strategic business units focused on aerospace technologies including avionics, sensors, advanced structures, power and control systems, fire protection, space systems, and landing systems. The role requires expertise in investigating complex IP issues, advising senior leadership, negotiating agreements, and collaborating with engineers and external counsel.

This is a fully remote position with occasional travel (up to 10%). Proximity to a company facility is a plus but not required.

Responsibilities

• Drive IP engagement across the business units.
• Provide timely and effective advice on IP matters including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyrights, and related disputes.
• Negotiate and advise on IP agreements and IP aspects of broader contracts with customers, suppliers, and partners.
• Collaborate with clients to develop and implement IP strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Engage actively on IP issues throughout product development.
• Work with engineers and outside counsel to identify protectable inventions, assess disclosures, and manage patent prosecution and trade secret protection.
• Monitor third-party patents and applications to assess infringement risks and validity.
• Advise senior management on potential infringement issues and oversee litigation as needed.
• Utilize internal and third-party tools to improve legal operations and department processes.
• Develop strategic IP plans supporting business goals.
• Review and clear IP-related content for publication.
• Conduct IP due diligence for mergers and acquisitions in relevant technical areas.
• Independently resolve issues within area of responsibility, consulting with peers and senior counsel as appropriate.
• Willingness to travel approximately 10% of the time.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree.
• Admission to the Bar of one or more U.S. states.
• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• Minimum 5 years of IP legal experience.
• Typically requires a STEM degree or advanced degree in a related field with at least 10-12 years of relevant experience.
• U.S. citizenship is required due to program/contract access restrictions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in aerospace industry (engineer, in-house attorney, or patent prosecutor).
• Background in both law firm and in-house IP legal roles.
• Experience negotiating IP contracts with customers and suppliers.
• Expertise in patent preparation, prosecution, transactions, and litigation.
• Knowledge of U.S. government contracts intellectual property.
• Engineering experience is beneficial.

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $157,200 to $298,800 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Three weeks of vacation for new employees.
• Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and additional retirement contributions.
• Tuition reimbursement and student loan repayment programs.
• Life insurance and disability coverage.
• Optional insurance coverages including pet, home, auto, critical illness, group legal, and ID theft protection.
• Parental leave, adoption assistance, fertility and family planning support.
• Employee assistance program with counseling sessions.
• Wellness incentives and virtual doctor visits.
• Child and elder care services.
• Second opinion medical program.

Location

• Remote position based in the United States.
• Candidates may be expected to travel occasionally to company sites or for interview processes.

Additional Information

• This role requires U.S. citizenship.
• The employer is an equal opportunity employer and provides affirmative action for qualified individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
• The application window is approximately 40 days from the posting date but may be adjusted based on business needs.
• Compensation and benefits may vary depending on business unit and collective bargaining agreements.
• Annual incentive compensation programs may be available depending on position level and performance but are not guaranteed.