Position SummaryLCI is seeking a dedicated Quality Manager to support a long-term contract with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). This role is focused on ensuring the highest level of accuracy and compliance for patent submissions and intellectual property (IP) documentation. You will serve as the firm's primary authority on USPTO guidelines, leading a dedicated QC team to safeguard the integrity of legal filings. This role balances strategic process development with hands-on technical review, ensuring our patent applications are error-free and fully compliant with evolving federal regulations.
Individual must be able to attain and maintain a valid U.S. Government Public Trust security clearance.
Duties & Responsibilities- Lead and manage the Quality Control department, providing direct supervision, mentorship, and training to staff to maintain internal and USPTO standards.
- Oversee QC processes for all patent submissions, ensuring documents are technically sound and compliant with USPTO guidelines.
- Develop and implement QC strategies, policies, and SOPs to enhance accuracy, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
- Perform rigorous reviews of patent applications, amendments, and IP-related documentation prior to filing.
- Partner with patent attorneys, agents, and paralegals to resolve discrepancies and streamline the submission lifecycle.
- Monitor key quality KPIs, identify error trends, and execute corrective action plans.
- Stay current on USPTO policy changes and "Manual of Patent Examining Procedure" (MPEP) updates, communicating impacts to the broader team.
- Drive process optimization initiatives within the quality assurance systems to reduce cycle times and filing errors.
- Lead internal and external audits to ensure ongoing adherence to legal and industry standards.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. He or she will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other duties requested by his or her supervisor
Education & Experience Requirements- Bachelor's degree in a Technical field (Engineering, Science), Pre-Law, or Business Administration. A JD or Master's degree is a plus.
- Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in a management or supervisory role within a law firm or corporate IP department.
- Extensive, demonstrable experience working directly with USPTO guidelines and electronic filing systems (EFS-Web/Patent Center)
- Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Tier 1 Investigation (Low Risk).
Skill & Certification Requirements- USPTO Registered Patent Agent or USPTO Bar admission is highly preferred.
- Deep mastery of MPEP guidelines and 37 CFR regulations.
- Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to spot subtle legal or formatting discrepancies.
- Strong ability to translate complex regulatory updates into actionable training for staff and attorneys.
- Experience with IP Management Software (e.g., FoundationIP, Anaqua, or AppColl) and USPTO search databases.
- Possess excellent communication skills (e.g., excellent written and verbal communication skills acquired via customer service work).
- Personnel must possess administrative and project management skills. The USPTO uses Microsoft Project Professional for all project management needs and Microsoft SharePoint for documentation version control and repository needs.
- Staff should be skilled with these tools to electronically update project plans and upload documents to our EMS.
- Ability to establish professional rapport, active listening, and the ability to explain complex technical matters to non-
- technical personnel.
- Ability to produce accurate, clear, and straightforward documentation.
- Skilled in Microsoft Project Professional.
- Skilled in Microsoft SharePoint for version control and repository management.
- Ability to uphold USPTO interests and influence others by making valid, relevant points in a professional manner.
- Must be able to see things from the customer's perspective and maintain a high standard of customer service.
