Associate Director, Intellectual Property Counsel (remote)

Overview

A leading aerospace organization is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property (IP) legal professional to join their global team. This role 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 position offers a fully remote working arrangement with occasional travel and proximity to a facility is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead IP engagement within the business and provide timely, clear 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, prepare and prosecute patent applications, and protect trade secrets.
• Monitor third-party patents and applications to assess infringement risks and validity.
• Advise senior management on potential infringement issues and oversee litigation as necessary.
• 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 senior legal leadership as appropriate.
• Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time.

Requirements

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and 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 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 as an 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, commensurate with experience.
• 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

• This is a remote position based in the United States.
• Candidates living near a company facility may have some onsite presence as determined by management.
• U.S. citizenship is required.

Additional Information

• The employer is an equal opportunity/affirmative action organization.
• The application window is approximately 40 days from the posting date but may be adjusted based on business needs.
• Candidates may be required to attend some interview steps in person.
• Benefits and compensation may vary based on business unit and collective bargaining agreements.
• This role is subject to U.S. employment laws and regulations.