Corporate Counsel – Intellectual Property

Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever-evolving needs of its customers worldwide.  Its 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products, and services.

Northrop Grumman’s Law Department is currently seeking a Corporate Counsel, Intellectual Property (IP) who will be responsible for managing the company’s IP portfolio and providing guidance and leadership on related strategic matters.

Specific responsibilities include:

• Providing thought leadership on a wide range of global patent and trademark portfolio issues, drive development and implementation of long-term strategic and operational matters in collaboration with other in-house IP attorneys and business IP management
• Applying expertise in patent and trademark law to lead IP Portfolio Management operations, including harmonizing and streamlining processes across the company, managing tools and forms, implementing quality standards, and developing metrics
• Managing patent protection issues in connection with U.S. government contracts
• Leading IP Portfolio financial management including budgets, vendor payments and cost management
• Managing outside counsel and overseeing patent and trademark prosecution activities in collaboration with business IP counsel, as well as promoting diversity, equity, and inclusiveness
• Collaborating with IP counsel and business IP management to lead development and implementation of IP protection strategy in key technology areas
• Leading council of IP stakeholders across the company to coordinate and drive progress on areas of mutual interest
• Establishing regular meeting rhythms to facilitate communication with stakeholders, seek input and provide guidance
• Developing and conduct enterprise-wide training on IP portfolio topics

Basic Qualifications:

• Juris Doctor degree and Bachelor’s degree in a relevant scientific field
• Active state bar membership and registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• 15+ years IP experience in a law firm, government, or as in-house counsel
• Experience developing and managing global intellectual property portfolios
• Experience working closely with inventors, technical and business leaders, in-house IP counsel and support staff, and outside counsel, in protecting and enforcing intellectual property rights including patents, trademarks, trade secrets, data, software, and copyrights
• Active U.S. Security Clearance or ability to obtain one
• Highly-motivated individual with strong analytical and process-development skills, clear and strategic thinking, exceptional judgment, sense of accountability, integrity and a record of managing complex intellectual property matters
• Ability to provide accurate, timely, and pragmatic advice
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a collaborative and inclusive environment, with the ability to engage and motivate others through thought leadership
• Strong time-management and organizational skills, responsiveness, and a demonstrated ability to balance multiple competing priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with U.S. government contract intellectual property regulations (FAR and DFARS)

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.