Job Description SummaryWe seek a Senior Intellectual Property (IP) Counsel to lead initiatives with broad scope and high impact across the Commercial Engines & Services (CES) division of GE Aerospace, and in particular, its Future of Flight business segment. This role will drive policy & operating frameworks for IP matters critical to that business, and exercise day-to-day autonomy and independent judgment in support of business objectives. The Senior IP Counsel will also provide thought leadership across the broader IP function outside of CES, drive standard work and metrics, and communicate directly with senior leadership. The role will report to the Chief IP Counsel & General Counsel, Future of Flight.
Job DescriptionRoles and Responsibilities:
- Lead high-visibility IP and IP-related matters with cross-functional impact; shape policy/operating frameworks; own organizational engagement in FLIGHT DECK (standard work, compliance, metrics, action plans, problem solving).
- Direct the legal approach to and lead negotiations for complex IP transactions (R&D, licenses, NDAs, sale/purchase, USG, M&A) impacting the Future of Flight business segment; ensure timely, pragmatic advice aligned to the priorities of CES and the Enterprise Strategy Organization.
- Anticipate and mitigate IP risk through advanced freedom-to-practice (FTP), landscaping, and adversarial validity strategies; set frameworks and coach others to sustainably implement solutions.
- Lead significant IP disputes/enforcement (patent/trade secret) across lifecycle; oversee strategy and quality of work from inside/outside counsel; guide case theory and resolution pathways.
- Provide thought leadership to IP asset development (patent strategy and portfolio ROI) and ensure alignment to business/technology roadmaps; influence portfolio priorities.
- Establish/improve IP policies and procedures; standardize work; leverage resources efficiently using lean principles; mentor and elevate team practices.
- Build and leverage global relationships across commercial, contracts, sourcing, tax, and compliance legal teams to advance business interests and priorities.
Required Minimum Qualifications:
- Juris Doctorate from accredited university
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience in practicing IP law (law firm or combined law firm/in-house) with demonstrated ownership of complex IP matters and cross-functional influence
- Member in good standing with the State Bar
- Note: Military experience is equivalent to professional experience
Desired Characteristics:
- BS in Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics (accredited) or equivalent experience demonstrating aptitude with advanced technology concepts
- Demonstrated leadership, organizational rigor, and strong business judgment; recognized functional expert and thought leader
- Polished interpersonal, oral, and written communication; ability to communicate directly and effectively with the senior business leadership without oversight
- Highest ethical/professional standards
- Deep knowledge of U.S. patent and trade secret laws, including ongoing developments
- Substantial experience in support of resolving IP disputes and litigation (e.g., District Court, Federal Circuit, ITC, PTAB)—infringement/invalidity claim charts and opinions; complex IP memoranda; investigations/interviews for claims/defenses
- Substantial experience in IP portfolio due diligence; drafting/negotiating IP agreements/licenses/settlements
- USPTO admission; experience/knowledge of patent prosecution processes and impacts on patent rights
- Proven ability to attract and retain top talent, build strong teams through effective recruiting, and influence across functions. Brings a growth mindset, creative problem-solving skills, and a willingness to step beyond their comfort zone, all with a positive sense of humor
GE Aerospace offers comprehensive benefits and programs to support your health and, along with programs like HealthAhead, your physical, emotional, financial and social wellbeing. Healthcare benefits include medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; access to a Health Coach from GE Aerospace; and the Employee Assistance Program, which provides 24/7 confidential assessment, counseling and referral services. Retirement benefits include the GE Aerospace Retirement Savings Plan, a 401(k) savings plan with company matching contributions and company retirement contributions, as well as access to Fidelity resources and planning consultants. Other benefits include tuition assistance, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, disability insurance, life insurance, and paid time-off for vacation or illness.
This role requires access to U.S. export-controlled information. Therefore, employment will be contingent upon the ability to prove that you meet the status of a U.S. Person as one of the following: U.S. lawful permanent resident, U.S. Citizen, have been granted asylee or refugee status (i.e., a protected individual under the Immigration and Naturalization Act, 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3)).
Additional InformationRelocation Assistance Provided: Yes
