Associate Director, Intellectual Property Counsel (remote)

RTX•Cedar Rapids, IA

4d•Remote

About The Position

Are you interested in joining a dynamic global team that has a great impact on the Collins Aerospace organization? If so, then this is the job for you! Each of Collins Aerospace’s five strategic business units (SBUs) focus on a particular suite of aerospace technologies that span a range of commercial and military aerospace systems, including avionics solutions, aircraft & engine sensors, advanced structures, power and control systems, fire protection systems, space systems, landing systems, and many others. Each represents a multinational client base and a diverse mix of business models and customers. In addition to supporting aspects of at least one SBU, this position requires a though leader for IP that is skilled in investigating and analyzing complex and multi-dimensional problems / issues, proposing strategies and solutions, communicating with senior leadership, and negotiating with external parties. This skill set provides for endless individual and professional growth opportunities within Collins and the other Raytheon Technologies companies. This position provides flexibility for a fully remote working arrangement. Proximity to a Collins facility is a plus.

Requirements

Typically requires a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) unless prohibited by local laws/regulations and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
U.S. citizenship U is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract
Must have a Juris doctor degree
Admitted to the Bar of one or more US States
5 + years of IP legal experience
Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office

Nice To Haves

Aerospace (e.g., as an engineer, in-house attorney, or patent prosecutor)
Law firm and in-house IP legal experience
IP contract negotiation experience (customer and supplier)
Patents: preparation & prosecution; transactions, and litigation
US government contracts intellectual property
Engineering experience is beneficial

Responsibilities

Driving IP engagement within the business
Providing effective, concise and timely advice to senior management, general legal counsel, engineers and commercial colleagues on IP matters, particularly in the areas of patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright law, and related disputes.
Negotiating and advising management and colleagues on various IP agreements and IP aspects of broader agreements with customers, suppliers and partners.
Collaborate with clients to develop and implement IP strategies for key enterprises, products and technologies aligned with business objectives. Active engagement on IP issues throughout product development processes.
Interacting with engineers and outside counsel as needed with regards to identifying protectable inventions, assessing invention disclosures, preparing, and prosecuting patent applications, and protecting trade secrets.
Monitoring and assessing third party patents and applications, particularly with regards to questions of infringement risk and/or validity, with goal of addressing legal risks before products are brought to market.
Working with engineers to monitor competitor products and advising as to whether competitors infringe Collins Aerospace patents.
Advising Senior Management as to potential infringement issues and overseeing litigation as required.
Learning and implementing current IP department tools and policies, and working willingly with members of IP department with the goal of continuous improvement of department processes.
Utilize various internal and third-party tools to improve legal operations.
Develop SBU IP strategies that support the business goals.
Reviewing and clearing IP-related content for publication.
Conducting IP due diligence with regards to M&A matters in technical areas of responsibility.
Striving to independently resolve issues arising in area of responsibility but consulting with peers, the Chief IP Counsel and the General Counsel when appropriate
Must be willing and able to travel 10% of the time

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees
Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option
Tuition reimbursement program
Student Loan Repayment Program
Life insurance and disability coverage
Optional coverages you can buy pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection
Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits
Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning
Adoption Assistance
Autism Benefit
Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 10 free counseling sessions
Healthy You Incentives, wellness rewards program
Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits
Bright Horizons, child and elder care services
Teladoc Medical Experts, second opinion program