ABOUT THE TEAMThe Legal Operations team is responsible for optimizing the efficiency and effectiveness of the Legal Department at Anduril and works cross-functionally to streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, implement best practices and support regulatory compliance efforts. With the overarching aim of supporting the Company's overall strategic goals, the Legal Operations team acts as a bridge between legal, the Company's business units, and outside counsel.
ABOUT THE JOBWe are looking for a Senior Associate, Legal Operations (non-lawyer position) specializing in Intellectual Property to join our rapidly growing team in Orange County, California. This role reports directly to the Legal Operations Manager while working day-to-day under the direct substantive direction and guidance of in-house IP Counsel.
This role is critical to building and scaling Anduril's IP function from the ground up-supporting the operational infrastructure for our intellectual property portfolio, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secret management. IP at Anduril touches nearly every corner of the company and interacts continuously with diverse business lines and practice areas-including Engineering, Software, Product Design, Marketing, Government Contracts, Corporate, Employment, Compliance, Security, and Export Control, among others.
As someone with deep operational and procedural IP expertise, you will build scalable workflows, establish internal playbooks, and optimize handoffs across teams and external partners. If you thrive on solving ambiguous multi-system problems, building scalable processes from scratch, and operating with high ownership, this role is for you.
WHAT YOU'LL DOIP Portfolio & Operations (Primary Focus)- Build and scale Anduril's IP operations, establishing foundational processes, systems, and workflows for patent, trademark, and copyright prosecution and management.
- Partner closely with in-house IP counsel to carry out the execution of company-wide IP portfolio strategy and asset management aligned with core business objectives.
- Manage the company-side administrative programs supporting IP prosecution - including invention disclosure intake, inventorship verification, assignments, declarations, and formal document execution in coordination with outside counsel.
- Conduct trademark clearance searches, monitoring, and brand enforcement workflows.
- Drive accountability for IP document review, docketing, and processing across the asset lifecycle; evaluate incoming IP filings and correspondence to determine next steps, validate accuracy, and escalate substantive legal issues to in-house counsel.
- Prepare and organize IP portfolio reports and metrics for business line leads and key stakeholders.
Process & System Implementation- Create, maintain, and update internal IP guidance, standard operating procedures (SOPs), templates, and comprehensive "playbooks" in coordination with in-house IP Counsel.
- Establish IP data governance and records management protocols ensuring compliance and accessibility.
- Create standardized workflows for inventor engagement, invention harvesting, and IP asset lifecycle management.
- Lead the implementation, configuration, and maintenance of IP management technology solutions, evaluating vendors and driving internal adoption.
- Continuously optimize IP workflows end-to-end, with particular focus on the handoffs between Engineering, in-house Legal, and outside counsel - identifying bottlenecks and implementing process improvements.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Training - Serve as a key operational liaison between IP Legal and cross-functional teams across the company-including Engineering, Software, Product, Marketing, People/Employment, Corporate, Government Contracts, Security, and Export Control.
- Partner with R&D and Product teams to foster an active invention disclosure culture and educate teams on IP submission best practices.
- Drive resolution of complex IP operational matters across business units, independently addressing process questions and escalating strategic legal issues with clear recommendations to in-house counsel.
- Design and deliver IP onboarding and training programs for new hires and technical teams regarding Anduril's IP administrative workflows, systems, and policies.
Strategic Operations & Problem Solving- Tackle ambiguous, multi-system problems requiring tailored approaches as you build and refine the IP operations infrastructure.
- Proactively identify risks and opportunities in IP portfolio development, proposing data-driven solutions and mitigation strategies.
- Manage IP vendor operations, including outside prosecution firms, search vendors, and annuity/maintenance services.
- Manage intake, capacity, and matter allocation across the IP docket to balance turnaround times and prevent deadline risks.
- Track and assist with compliance obligations regarding government-funded inventions, subject invention reporting (e.g., iEdison), and export control restrictions related to IP filings.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS- At least 7+ years of relevant experience, preferably in IP legal operations, IP paralegal support, or patent/trademark prosecution management (in-house or law firm).
- Bachelor's degree.
- Broad subject-matter expertise in patent and trademark prosecution workflows, USPTO/foreign filing procedures, docketing systems, and general IP lifecycle management.
- Experience in reviewing patent and trademark prosecution documents and counsel deliverables to validate accuracy, identify required actions, and escalate ambiguous or high-stakes matters to counsel with solutions-oriented recommendations.
- Familiarity with government patent rights obligations, subject invention reporting protocols (such as FAR/DFARS clauses and iEdison), and data rights assertions.
- Experience assisting with trademark clearance coordination, brand monitoring, and enforcement support alongside legal counsel.
- Demonstrated track record of building or significantly scaling IP operations programs, including creating internal SOPs, templates, and playbooks.
- Proven ability to solve complex, ambiguous operational challenges and develop creative solutions.
- Experience leading the implementation of IP management systems or workflows
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage complex workloads and tight filing deadlines with high attention to detail.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; comfortable presenting operational updates and building relationships across Engineering, R&D, Legal, and executive stakeholders.
- A positive, team-player attitude, sound judgment, and eagerness to help others.
- Must be a U.S. Person due to required access to U.S. export-controlled information or facilities
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Passion for national security and transforming the landscape of defense technology innovation.
- Experience in high-growth technology companies, particularly in defense, aerospace, robotics, or autonomous systems.
- At least 3 years' experience at a nationally recognized IP law firm in patent prosecution or trademark practice.
- Familiarity with international filing strategies (PCT, Madrid Protocol, direct foreign prosecution).
- Experience with IP analytics, portfolio benchmarking tools, or docketing automation integrations.
US Salary Range
$129,000-$171,000 USD
The salary range for this role is an estimate based on a wide range of compensation factors, inclusive of base salary only. Actual salary offer may vary based on (but not limited to) work experience, education and/or training, critical skills, and/or business considerations. Highly competitive equity grants are included in the majority of full time offers; and are considered part of Anduril's total compensation package. Additionally, Anduril offers top-tier benefits for full-time employees, including:
BenefitsAt Anduril, we invest in our people. Our comprehensive, competitive benefits package (available at little to no cost to employees) ensures you're supported in health, recovery, and whatever comes next. For more information, Explore Our Benefits.
