Associate Director, IP Counsel at Collins Aerospace

This position provides flexibility for a fully-remote or a hybrid (mix of on-site and remote) working arrangement. Accessibility to Cedar Rapids is a plus, since that is where the strategic business units you initially will support are headquartered. Each of Collins Aerospace's six strategic business units focuses on a particular suite of aerospace technologies. The two - Avionics and Mission Systems - supported by this position span a range of commercial and military aerospace systems, including avionics solutions, aircraft & engine sensors, fire protection systems, space systems, intelligence, surveillance & reconnaissance, and many others. Each represents a multinational client base and a diverse mix of business models. This position will involve intellectual property (IP) responsibility for aspects of each of the Avionics and Mission Systems portfolios. But the career possibilities are numerous within Collins and the other Raytheon Technologies companies. Primary responsibility involves a broad mix of protecting the businesses' IP, transactional work, and client counseling, including:
Driving IP engagement within the business Providing effective, concise and timely advice to senior management, general legal counsel, engineers and commercial colleagues on IP matters, particularly in the areas of patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright law, and related disputes. Negotiating and advising management and colleagues on various IP agreements and IP aspects of broader agreements with customers, suppliers and partners. Collaborate with clients to develop and implement IP strategies for key enterprises, products and technologies aligned with business objectives. Active engagement on IP issues throughout product development processes. Interacting with engineers and supervising outside counsel with regard to identifying protectable inventions, assessing invention disclosures, preparing and prosecuting patent applications, and protecting trade secrets. Monitoring and assessing third party patents and applications, particularly with regard to questions of infringement risk and/or validity, with goal of addressing legal risks before products are brought to market. Working with engineers to monitor competitor products and advising as to whether competitors infringe Collins Aerospace patents. Advising Senior Management as to potential infringement issues and overseeing litigation as required. Learning and implementing current IP department tools and policies, and working willingly with members of IP department with goal of continuous improvement of department processes. Reviewing and clearing IP-related content for publication. Conducting IP due diligence with regard to M&A matters in technical areas of responsibility. Striving to independently resolve issues arising in area of responsibility but consulting with peers, the Chief IP Counsel and the General Counsel when appropriate. Basic
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree or higher in electrical, mechanical, aerospace or comparable engineering Juris doctor 5 plus years of IP legal experience Admitted to the Bar of one or more US state Preferred
Qualifications:
Aerospace (e.g., as an engineer, in-house attorney, or patent prosecutor) Law firm and in-house IP legal experience Patents:
preparation & prosecution; transactions, and litigation Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office US government contracts intellectual property Engineering experience is beneficial 10+% travel may be required Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies company, is a leader in technologically advanced and intelligent solutions for the global aerospace and defense industry. Collins Aerospace has the capabilities, comprehensive portfolio and expertise to solve customers' toughest challenges and to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global market. Collins Aerospace Diversity & Inclusion Statement:
Diversity drives innovation; inclusion drives success. We believe a multitude of approaches and ideas enable us to deliver the best results for our workforce, workplace, and customers. We are committed to fostering a culture where all employees can share their passions and ideas so we can tackle the toughest challenges in our industry and pave new paths to limitless possibility. WE ARE REDEFINING AEROSPACE. Some of our competitive benefits package includes:
Medical, dental, and vision insurance Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees Generous 401(k) plan that includes employer matching funds and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option Tuition reimbursement Life insurance and disability coverage Optional coverages you can buy:
Pet Insurance, Home and Auto, additional life insurance, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal Ovia Health, fertility and family planning Employee Assistance Plan, including up to 5 free counseling sessions Redbrick - Incentives for a Healthy You Autism Benefit Doctor on Demand, virtual doctor visits Adoption Assistance Best Doctors, second opinion program And more! Nothing matters more to Collins Aerospace than our strong ethical and safety commitments. As such, all U.S. positions require a background check, which may include a drug screen. Note:
Background check and drug screen required (every external new hire in the U.S.) Drug Screen only performed on re-hires who have been gone for more than 1 year At Collins, the paths we pave together lead to limitless possibility. And the bonds we form - with our customers and with each other -- propel us all higher, again and again. Apply now and be part of the team that's redefining aerospace, every day.
Salary Range:
$200K -- $250K
Minimum Qualification
Legal & RegulatoryEstimated Salary: $20 to $28 per hour based on qualifications.