Associate Director, IP Counsel (Hybrid)

RTX•Charlotte, NC

21h•Hybrid

About The Position

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. Collins Aerospace is a leader in technologically advanced, intelligent solutions that help redefine the aerospace and defense industry. With a comprehensive portfolio and deep technical expertise, we help customers meet the demands of the global market. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense. This is a hybrid position located in either our Charlotte, NC - Cedar Rapids, IA - or Windsor Locks, CT facilities.

Requirements

Typically requires a University Degree and minimum 12 years prior relevant experience or an Advanced Degree in a related field and minimum 10 years of experience
Must have a Juris doctor degree
Must have a USPTO Registration Number
5 + years of IP legal experience
Admitted to the Bar in one or more US States
U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are authorized to access information under this program/contract.

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
Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
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 regarding questions of infringement risk and/or validity, with the 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.

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 Program, 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
Eligible for relocation assistance
Annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs