Patent Agent

Position Overview

The Patent Agent sits within the Legal department and works directly under the supervision of the Vice President, Associate General Counsel (IP). The Patent Agent will play a critical role in identifying, protecting, and strengthening the Company’s intellectual property portfolio, with a particular focus on materials science, process technology, and manufacturing methods.

Position Responsibilities

• Partner with the VP, Associate General Counsel (IP) to support execution of the Company’s patent strategy aligned with core technologies and long-term business priorities.
• Aid in building and managing a high-value global patent portfolio focused on advanced materials, magnetics, and manufacturing processes.
• Conduct invention harvesting sessions with engineers and technical teams, with an emphasis on identifying protectable process innovations and performance improvements.
• Draft high-quality U.S. patent applications, including specifications and claims, for complex technologies.
• Prosecute U.S. patent applications before the USPTO, including preparation of responses to Office Actions.
• Cook up with outside counsel on international filings and prosecution.
• Coordinate patentability searches, landscape analyses, and competitive intelligence reviews.
• Support freedom-to-operate and risk assessments by gathering and synthesizing relevant technical and patent information for review by supervising counsel.

Other Functions

• Translate technical findings into clear, actionable summaries for Legal and business stakeholders.
• Develop a deep understanding of the Company’s core technologies and workflows.
• Support internal education efforts to improve invention disclosure quality and IP awareness.
• Support IP aspects of commercial and strategic transactions (e.g., licensing, joint development, supply arrangements) by preparing technical summaries and patent-related materials.
• Assist with IP due diligence efforts, including portfolio review and documentation support.
• Help refine and scale internal IP processes, including invention disclosure intake, review, and tracking.

Basic Qualifications

• Registered to practice as a patent agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
• Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field (advanced degree strongly preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, preferably with exposure to advanced materials or chemical systems and industrial processes or manufacturing technologies.

Desired Qualities

• Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality patent applications in technically complex subject matter.
• Experience managing or supporting global patent portfolios and coordinating with foreign counsel.
• Prior in-house experience or experience supporting industrial/manufacturing clients is strongly preferred.
• Ability to align IP work with commercial priorities and operational realities.
• Clear and effective communicator with engineers, operators, and senior leadership.
• Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.