IP Counsel

Mariana Minerals • San Francisco, CA

1d • $130,000 - $185,000

About The Position

Mariana Minerals is seeking an experienced Intellectual Property Counsel to join its growing legal team. This is a hands-on, generalist IP role supporting a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company developing technology for critical mineral supply chains. The attorney will own a broad range of intellectual property matters, including patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyright, domain names, open source, and IP aspects of commercial transactions.

As the company’s first IP-focused hire, the role will build the policies, processes, templates, and outside counsel relationships needed to protect Mariana’s technology and software platforms. The position reports to the General Counsel and partners with legal colleagues, engineers, scientists, and cross-functional teams. The role may be based in San Francisco, California; Houston, Texas; or remotely, and may include limited travel as needed.

Requirements

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
• At least 6 years of intellectual property experience in a law firm and/or in-house, with breadth across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyright.
• Demonstrated experience managing patent prosecution and portfolios, including working directly with inventors and directing outside counsel.
• Experience drafting and negotiating IP-related commercial agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, technology and software agreements, and IP provisions in broader commercial contracts.
• Technical fluency and ability to engage deeply with engineers and scientists on complex processes, hardware, and software and translate technical detail into sound IP strategy.
• Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills, including the ability to calibrate risk and explain complex legal issues as clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with limited direction.
• High ownership and accountability, with a collaborative, low-ego approach and willingness to see matters through from start to finish across projects large and small.

Nice To Haves

• Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• A technical degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field.
• Experience in a fast-paced startup or similar organization, ideally including building an IP function or program from the ground up.
• Experience with IP in mining, energy, chemicals, advanced materials, industrial processing, robotics, or other physical or deep-tech industries.
• Experience with international filing strategy, including PCT practice, trade secret programs, and open-source governance.
• Experience with IP due diligence, licensing transactions, and IP disputes or litigation support.
• Experience building or improving processes from scratch, including by leveraging software and/or AI.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead an IP strategy aligned with the company’s technology roadmap and business objectives in collaboration with the broader legal team.
• Build and manage the patent portfolio, from invention capture through prosecution.
• Establish a trade secret protection program, including guidance on when to patent versus protect information as a trade secret.
• Oversee trademark, brand, and domain name portfolios.
• Draft, review, and negotiate intellectual-property provisions in commercial agreements, including licenses, strategic partnerships, joint development and research collaborations, software agreements, and purchase agreements.
• Lead IP due diligence for financings, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
• Partner with cross-functional project teams to identify risks early and align legal strategy with operational realities.
• Provide general legal support across the business as the company grows.
• Build the infrastructure for the IP function, including policies, processes, templates, and outside counsel relationships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree