Patent Attorney

Schaeffler is a dynamic global technology company and its success has been a result of its entrepreneurial spirit and long history of private ownership. As a partner to all of the major automobile manufacturers, as well as key players in the aerospace and industrial sectors, we offer you many development opportunities.

About the Role

The successful candidate will serve as a key member of Schaeffler’s Americas (United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, etc.) Intellectual Property team, partnering with engineers, researchers, and business leaders to identify, protect, and maximize the value of the company’s innovations. The attorney will work closely with patent colleagues across Europe, China, and the broader Asia/Pacific region to coordinate global patent strategies, support international patent filings, and ensure consistent protection of Schaeffler’s intellectual property worldwide. This role is responsible for preparing, filing, and prosecuting U.S. patent applications, managing a strategic patent portfolio, and providing practical intellectual property counsel in support of Schaeffler’s mobility, industrial, and manufacturing technologies. The ideal candidate is a collaborative, business-oriented patent professional who is comfortable leveraging advanced AI-enabled tools to drive and protect innovation and enhance intellectual property operations.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications.
• Prepare, file, and prosecute national phase applications claiming priority to foreign-filed patent applications and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications entering the United States.
• Manage and supervise U.S. outside counsel in the preparation, filing, and prosecution of U.S. patent applications to ensure high-quality work product, cost efficiency, and alignment with Schaeffler patent/business strategies.
• Work closely with Schaeffler patent attorneys and intellectual property professionals across Europe, China and the broader Asia Pacific region to coordinate global patent filing strategies, prosecution activities, freedom-to-operate analyses, portfolio development, and intellectual property risk management.
• Work closely with inventors, engineers, and business stakeholders to identify and protect valuable innovations.
• Review invention disclosures and assess patentability, novelty, and strategic value.
• Coordinate and conduct patent decision committees (PDCs) in conjunction with engineering leaders to assess viability and filing decisions of invention disclosure submissions.
• Conduct and supervise patentability, freedom-to-operate, and patent landscape analyses.
• Manage patent portfolios supporting strategic business initiatives and emerging technologies.
• Provide IP counseling to engineering and business teams.
• Support IP agreements, risk assessments, and licensing activities as needed.
• Support IP enforcement activities and defense of third-party infringement lawsuits.
• Engage and successfully master proprietary Schaeffler Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools to prepare and prosecute U.S. patent applications, perform Freedom to Operate investigations, and guide due diligence activities.
• Deliver IP training and guidance to engineering and technical teams.

Qualifications

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state.
• Registered to practice before the USPTO.
• 2-8+ years of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in an in-house or law firm setting, or a combination of both.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Technical Background

• Electrical/Electronics Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related disciplines.
• Demonstrated history in preparing and prosecuting electronics, software, and mechanical patent applications.

Additional Preferred Experience

• Global Patent portfolio management.
• Freedom-to-operate analyses.
• Experience managing outside counsel and directing patent prosecution activities.
• Experience with mobility, industrial automation, robotics/humanoid, software systems, AI, automotive, or electrification technologies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage: medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous retirement savings options: competitive 401(k) matching contributions (up to 6%).
• Professional development opportunities: skill development workshops, ongoing learning and development programs, and access to Schaeffler Academy for comprehensive learning and training.
• Wellness initiatives: wellness programs and resources promoting physical, mental, and emotional health.