Sr Patent Consultant (Patent Attorney)

MAHLE•Farmington Hills, MI

About The Position

As a U.S. Patent Attorney, the Sr Patent Consultant helps protect and maximize MAHLE's intellectual property portfolio. The position works closely with engineering, business, and legal stakeholders to support innovation initiatives, secure patent rights, assess intellectual property risks, and contribute to MAHLE's global IP strategy. It offers exposure to a broad range of intellectual property matters and collaboration with colleagues across the United States, Germany, China, and Japan. The role manages and prosecutes U.S. and international patent applications, identifies and protects intellectual property aligned with business and innovation objectives, and supports Freedom-to-Operate analyses and patentability assessments. It also supports IP agreements, disputes, enforcement, and litigation activities; collaborates with teams to identify inventions and develop protection strategies; monitors competitor patent activity and emerging technologies; contributes to portfolio development and monetization; and provides internal IP training and awareness. MAHLE describes a collaborative environment, exciting assignments, and ongoing personal and career development opportunities. The interview process typically includes a screening call followed by personal interviews. MAHLE welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and states it is not currently hiring candidates who require employment-based non-immigrant or immigrant visa sponsorship for this position.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
Active membership in at least one U.S. State Bar.
Registered Patent Attorney before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, or a related technical field.
Experience supporting patent preparation and prosecution.
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to collaborate with engineering, business, and legal stakeholders.

Responsibilities

Manage and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications in collaboration with inventors, engineers, and external counsel.
Identify, develop, and protect intellectual property rights aligned with MAHLE's business and innovation objectives.
Conduct and support Freedom-to-Operate (FTO) analyses to assess intellectual property risks and support business decisions.
Provide guidance on patentability assessments and competitive IP landscapes.
Support IP-related agreements, including licensing, confidentiality, technology collaboration, and other intellectual property contracts.
Assist with intellectual property disputes, enforcement matters, and litigation support activities as needed.
Collaborate with engineering and business teams to identify inventions and develop effective IP protection strategies.
Partner with global IP colleagues to align intellectual property strategies across regions.
Monitor competitor patent activity and emerging technologies relevant to MAHLE's business.
Contribute to development and monetization of MAHLE's patent portfolio, including licensing opportunities where applicable.
Provide IP training and awareness to internal stakeholders.