Senior Associate - Software

Lumenci • Austin, TX

18h • Remote

About The Position

Lumenci is seeking a Senior Associate – Software to support high-impact patent litigation, IP strategy, and monetization engagements across advanced software technologies. This role is ideal for engineers with hands-on experience in software development, system architecture, distributed systems, embedded software, or AI/ML, who are eager to apply deep technical expertise in complex IP and legal environments. Founded in 2018, Lumenci is a premier intellectual property consulting firm specializing in patent litigation, expert witness testimony, and patent monetization for leading corporations and global law firms operating across the semiconductor, software, telecommunications, and emerging technology sectors. A key part of Lumenci’s model is the integration of deep technical expertise with litigation strategy. Our teams support high‑stakes disputes by developing technical narratives, performing rigorous analysis, and partnering with world‑class expert witnesses whose testimony shapes case outcomes in courts and arbitration forums worldwide. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Gurugram, India, Lumenci delivers end‑to‑end support spanning technical analysis, expert strategy, valuation, and monetization execution. Our differentiated approach, which includes combining engineering depth, litigation experience, and operational rigor, has resulted in long‑term partnerships with leading law firms and technology companies navigating complex IP disputes. Lumenci is backed by VSS Capital Partners (“VSS”) and Century Equity Partners (“CEP”). At Lumenci, we prioritize solving for the customer, fostering long-term relationships, and maintaining high standards of quality, ownership, and accountability. We encourage collaboration and a growth mindset, adapting to dynamic requirements and developing new competencies. This is a full-time, exempt position with a remote, US-based work arrangement, allowing candidates to be located anywhere in the United States, provided they are legally authorized to work without sponsorship. The role may require approximately 40% domestic travel for client meetings, expert meetings, lab and teardown visits, design/source code reviews, depositions/trials, and conferences.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on software systems, architectures, or application development.
• 2–4 years of hands-on experience working with software or software-adjacent systems in an R&D, development, systems, test, or consulting role (for example, software development, backend systems, distributed systems, embedded software, or application engineering), including implementing, analyzing, or optimizing software systems or architectures.
• Strong understanding of core software fundamentals, such as data structures, algorithms, system design, operating systems, networking, and software architecture patterns.
• Experience working with software development flows, tools, or reference implementations for one or more domains, such as: Backend / distributed systems (e.g., microservices, cloud platforms, APIs) Embedded or systems software (e.g., real-time systems, firmware) AI/ML systems or data platforms (e.g., model pipelines, data processing frameworks)
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more relevant programming/scripting languages (e.g., Python, Java, C/C++, JavaScript, or similar) for software development, data analysis, or automation.
• Ability to clearly explain complex technical topics in writing and verbally to both technical and non-technical audiences, especially when translating software technical detail into IP and business implications.
• Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced consulting environment.
• Approximately 40% domestic travel (for client meetings, expert meetings, code reviews, depositions/trials, and conferences).

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting IP litigation, licensing, standards-related work, or patent monetization related to software systems, platforms, or applications.
• Familiarity with common software analysis and reverse-engineering workflows, such as static/dynamic code analysis, debugging, instrumentation, protocol analysis, and performance profiling.
• Exposure to standardization activities, industry groups, or open-source ecosystems related to software technologies, platforms, or protocols.
• Experience with software design, development, or system architectures (e.g., distributed systems design, API development, cloud-native architectures, CI/CD pipelines) and familiarity with how these features are represented in patent claims.
• Experience in intellectual property services, such as patent drafting/prosecution support, technical support for licensing negotiations, or patent brokerage, particularly where software or software-adjacent technologies were involved.

Responsibilities

• Contribute as an individual contributor on client projects involving software systems, platforms, applications, and distributed architectures.
• Deliver patent analysis and IP monetization research related to software technologies, including technology due diligence, claim charting/infringement analysis, prior art searching, market research, and target scouting for software portfolios and products.
• Analyze and reverse engineer implementations of software systems and architectures, such as: Backend systems, APIs, and distributed/cloud architectures Embedded and real-time software systems AI/ML models, data pipelines, and algorithmic implementations using industry-standard analysis techniques and tools (e.g., code analysis, static/dynamic analysis, debugging, instrumentation, log analysis, system tracing) as well as custom approaches.
• Design and execute technical analysis plans and experiments to evaluate software architectures, system behavior, performance characteristics, and algorithmic implementations, and connect the resulting findings to patent claims, standards, and accused products.
• Review datasheets, design documentation, system architecture diagrams, API specifications, developer documentation, and standards documents related to software systems, and map technical details to patent claims and commercial implementations.
• Support Expert Witnesses and attorneys on IP litigation matters, including: Technical analysis for expert and consulting reports Review of source code, system architecture, design documentation, and logs Preparation for depositions, hearings, and trials
• Collaborate with project leads and senior consultants to prepare client deliverables and presentations that clearly explain complex software architectures, system designs, and algorithmic concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Assist in maintaining relationships with existing and prospective clients by supporting technical discussions, demos, and workshops focused on software and IP opportunities.
• Collaborate with Lumenci’s product teams to provide input on requirements, testing, and roadmap for technology platforms related to software analysis, technical content build, and IP analytics.
• Contribute to thought leadership in software and IP, including blogs, whitepapers, research summaries, and internal training on software systems, architectures, and IP strategy.
• Collaborate across the organization with in-person and distributed global teams; attend internal and external meetings, workshops, conferences, code reviews, depositions, and trials as needed.

Benefits

• Joining Lumenci means joining a diverse and globally distributed team.
• Opportunities for merit‑based promotions, allowing you to advance your career based on your performance, contributions, and dedication.
• Committed to supporting your professional growth and development, providing the resources and mentorship needed to excel in your role and take on new challenges.
• Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance options with significant company contributions toward employee premiums to support the health of our Luminaries and their families.
• 401(k) program with a competitive employer‑matching contribution, enabling employees to build long‑term financial security.
• Total cash compensation includes a variable pay component designed to reward both individual achievements (KRAs) and overall company success.
• A balanced leave policy that includes accrued Paid Time Off (PTO), designated company holidays, and additional floating holidays for personal or cultural significance.
• Dedicated Wellness Leave to address both physical health and emotional well‑being, as well as paid leave for significant life events like bereavement and parental bonding.
• A flexible, remote‑first work environment that favors autonomy and provides structured support for ongoing professional development and career advancement.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees