Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property

Overview

A growing clean energy company is seeking a Senior Counsel, Intellectual Property (IP) to join their Legal team. This role is integral to building out the organization's intellectual property function, focusing on patent strategy and prosecution within the advanced nuclear technology sector.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the patent program, including patent strategy, conducting patent mining sessions with inventors, drafting and refining claims, and managing outside counsel for patent filings and prosecution
• Manage the existing patent portfolio, including decisions on renewals, international filings, annuities, and potential patent sales
• Collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to provide training on patentability and IP best practices
• Lead IP-related licensing and contracting negotiations, including discussions with National Laboratories, federal agencies, contractors, and commercial partners
• Support freedom-to-operate analyses, IP due diligence, and other IP-related matters across the business
• Build scalable IP processes and policies to support company growth
• Lead IP-related diligence for potential investments, mergers and acquisitions, and patent portfolio acquisitions

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
• Admission to practice law in at least one U.S. state
• Admission to the U.S. Patent Bar
• 5-7 years of intellectual property experience at a large law firm or in-house legal department
• Experience drafting patent claims and managing patent prosecution
• Experience negotiating IP licensing and technology transfer agreements
• Technical background in nuclear, electrical, or chemical engineering (via degree or substantial work experience)
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage and prioritize multiple matters simultaneously

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in-house at a high-growth or startup company
• Experience managing IP or licensing discussions with the U.S. government, National Laboratories (e.g., INL, ANL, LANL), or other federal research institutions
• Experience building or managing a patent portfolio at a comparable company
• Experience with joint ventures and/or project finance
• Interest in leveraging AI and other tools to support a lean IP function
• Experience with nuclear or nuclear-adjacent technologies or renewables

Competencies

• Deep knowledge of patent prosecution and IP licensing with relevant technical expertise
• Strategic thinker focused on protecting key inventions
• Effective at triaging, prioritizing, and project managing cross-functional tasks
• Excellent communicator able to explain legal concepts clearly to engineers and non-lawyers
• Agile and eager to learn new areas quickly
• Detail-oriented while working efficiently in a fast-paced environment
• Passionate about clean energy and advanced fission technology
• Resourceful, inquisitive, and comfortable in a startup environment

Work Style

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic team player
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, lean team without extensive guidance
• Creative problem solver who can handle open-ended challenges
• Strong focus on quality, consistency, and clear communication

Travel Requirements

• Remote employees are required to travel to headquarters in Santa Clara, CA twice per quarter for team meetings, off-sites, and company events
• First two weeks of onboarding require in-person presence at headquarters in Santa Clara, CA

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary range: $200,000 - $225,000
• Flexible time off
• Bonuses and equity
• Competitive pay
• 401(k) plan
• Health insurance, FSA, HSA
• Flexible work hours
• Wellness credits and other benefits

Additional Information

• This position may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control laws; only applicants who meet the definition of a U.S. person under applicable laws are eligible.
• Employment may be contingent upon successful completion of a drug screening and may be subject to drug testing in accordance with company policy and applicable laws.

Location

Remote with required travel to Santa Clara, California headquarters as specified.