Director, Technology Intelligence and Intellectual Property

Robbins Recruiting•Houston, TX

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Robbins Recruiting Solutions is partnering with a global engineering and manufacturing organization to identify a Director of Technology Intelligence & Intellectual Property Strategy. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced engineering and intellectual property professional who enjoys working at the intersection of product development, innovation, competitive technology intelligence, and patent strategy. This is not a traditional legal or people-management position. Rather, this individual will serve as a highly visible technical and strategic advisor, partnering with engineering, product development, executive leadership, and external patent counsel to help protect innovation and guide future product development. The position is based in Houston, Texas and will include some international travel, particularly during the initial onboarding period and as needed to collaborate with global teams.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Chemical Engineering, or a related technical discipline
7+ years of relevant experience within engineering, product development, innovation, intellectual property, patent strategy, or a related technical field
Strong understanding of mechanical systems, physical products, and product functionality
Experience analyzing patents, technical documentation, engineering drawings, or similar technical materials
Experience working with patents and the intellectual property process
Ability to communicate complex technical and IP concepts to both engineering and executive audiences
Strong analytical, research, and communication skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating across a global organization

Nice To Haves

Patent strategy and portfolio management
Patentability and prior-art analysis
Freedom-to-operate (FTO) analysis
Design-around strategy
Competitive patent or technology landscape analysis
Invention disclosures and patent prosecution support
Working directly with patent attorneys or outside IP counsel
Patent claim analysis or claim-chart development
U.S. patent bar registration
Global patent portfolios
Industry experience involving engineered products, manufacturing, retail fixtures, shelving systems, material handling, plastics, metal fabrication, consumer products, industrial equipment, or related physical products

Responsibilities

Monitor competitor patents, patent applications, continuations, and emerging technologies
Conduct patent landscape and competitive technology intelligence analysis
Partner with engineering and product development teams to identify potentially patentable innovations
Support preliminary freedom-to-operate (FTO) and design-around assessments
Analyze patents and translate technical claims into practical guidance for engineering teams
Identify potential IP risks and opportunities during the product development process
Support invention disclosures and the patent development process
Coordinate technical activities with external patent counsel
Help establish a repeatable internal patent intelligence and IP strategy process
Develop technology intelligence reporting and recommendations for executive leadership
Monitor global technology and patent developments that could impact the company's products and competitive position