Technology Commercialization Manager

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory•Laurel, MD

About The Position

The Technology Commercialization Manager joins the Legal and Commercialization Branch at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). The role manages and licenses a portfolio of engineering, scientific, information processing, and other technology-focused intellectual property, analyzing, recommending, and implementing IP protection and transfer or transition strategies in coordination with the Tech Transfer Group Supervisor and other branch staff. The manager works with APL innovators, leadership, and fellow commercialization managers to assess, market, and license APL intellectual property to industry and other nongovernmental organizations. The role negotiates with licensees to close high-impact license agreements and supports efforts to create technology start-up companies that license APL IP. It also provides end-to-end portfolio management for technologies developed in engineering, life-science, and physical-science domains; conducts research and analysis on patenting trends, commercial viability, technology landscapes, and technology-transfer practices; engages industry and investors to promote innovation and business and research opportunities; and coordinates with patent counsel to secure and maintain IP protection. The manager guides the portfolio in alignment with APL’s strategic objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, computer science, life science, or an engineering field.
At least 7 years of industry or technical experience.
At least 5 years of direct experience in technology licensing and intellectual property, focused on commercial licensing.
Strong leadership, communication, research and analytical, organizational, creative, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interact positively, productively, and proactively with APL innovators, APL leadership, and industry contacts.
Proven ability to prioritize IP and assess its impact, generate licensing opportunities, negotiate terms, and execute agreements.
Ability to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by the start date and ultimately obtain a Top Secret clearance; U.S. citizenship is required for eligibility.
Willingness and ability to travel up to 10% of the time.

Nice To Haves

An additional degree beyond the required degree, such as a Master of Science, Master of Business Administration, Juris Doctor, or Doctor of Philosophy.
Experience working with the U.S. Department of War or other federal government agencies.
Experience in marketing and communications campaigns, especially technology marketing.
An active Secret or higher-level security clearance.

Responsibilities

Assess, market, and license APL intellectual property to industry and other nongovernmental organizations.
Negotiate with licensees to pursue high-impact license agreements.
Support APL efforts to facilitate the creation of technology start-up companies licensing APL IP.
Manage assigned IP portfolios from inception through completion for technologies developed in engineering, life-science, and physical-science domains.
Research and analyze strategic patenting trends, innovation commercial viability, technology landscapes, and technology-transfer and transition best practices.
Engage with industry and the investment community to stimulate innovation, present business and research opportunities, and promote staff engagement with APL’s commercialization process.
Coordinate with APL patent counsel to evaluate, secure, and maintain IP protection for relevant innovations.
Guide the portfolio to align with APL strategic objectives.