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.
This is a fully in-office role requiring strong technical fluency, precision in drafting, and the ability to operate in close partnership with engineering. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated to contribute to best-in-class legal and engineering teams.
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.
- Assist 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.
- Coordinate with outside counsel on international filings and prosecution
- Perform 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.
- This is a fully onsite position (5 days per week in Las Vegas, NV), but the candidate must have the ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time, including travel to other Company locations and meetings with internal stakeholders or external partners.
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.
