Sandia National Laboratories 
is searching for a Patent Prosecution Attorney for The Legal Technology Transfer Center. The Legal Technology Transfer Center is responsible for identifying, obtaining and protecting the intellectual property generated by the research laboratory. Sandia has an opening for a patent prosecution attorney.
The successful candidate will support divisions developing new circuits, fabrication processes, advanced semiconductor packaging, and failure analysis techniques in both silicon and III-V technologies. Some particular applications include radiation-hardened circuits, advanced circuits for navigation and inertial sensing, and quantum computing. New hardware under development includes micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), contour-mode resonators, and silicon and III-V photonics. Photonic devices include VCSELs, ring resonators, all-optical logic, solar cells, and infrared focal plane arrays. Drafts and prosecutes original patent applications. Advises on intellectual property issues related to the patentability of inventions, obviousness, scope of prior art, scope of patent claims, assignments, nondisclosure agreements, and cooperative development agreements.
Primary Job Duties
Manages an intellectual property docket, serving as a patent prosecution attorney for a research organization, with lesser responsibilities for contractual arrangements such as nondisclosure agreements, assignments, etc. Monitors and reviews Sandia publications for creation of statutory bar dates for Sandia inventions. Coordinates discussions with line management, technical staff, and technology transfer staff to select and prioritize invention disclosures and efficiently support Sandia's business needs. Coordinates joint patent applications with coinventing outside organizations. Renders opinions regarding possible patent infringements. Manages or supports other legal staff in litigation matters, as needed.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
Registered to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office and licensed to practice law in at least one state and experience in preparation of patent applications, prosecution of patent applications, prior art searches. Good written and oral communication skills and interpersonal skills. Knowledge of software applications and technologies used in a technologically sophisticated law office. Ability to deliver legal advice and counsel in context of Sandia strategic mission and business objectives. In responding to specific requests for legal advice, the ability to identify other existing legal vulnerabilities and business impacts beyond the scope of the request. Ability to work independently as appropriate.
Required
- A U.S. law degree from an ABA accredited law school, admission to practice in at least one U.S. state and current registration with the USPTO is required for this position.
- The successful candidates will have a degree in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, materials science, physics, computer science or a relevant engineering discipline.
- This patent prosecution attorney position requires the candidate to have excellent academic qualifications with 2-7 years of law firm and/or in-house experience in patent prosecution.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a required DOE security clearance.
Desired
- Masters or PhD level education is preferred.
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal and communication skills are needed for this position.
- The successful candidate should have strong project, and client management skills and a proven track record of success in the patent field.
Security Clearance
Position requires a Department of Energy (DOE)-granted Q-level security clearance.
Sandia is required by DOE directive to conduct a pre-employment background review that includes personal reference checks, law enforcement record and credit checks, and employment and education verifications. Applicants for employment must be able to obtain and maintain a DOE Q-level security clearance, which requires U.S. citizenship.
Applicants offered employment with Sandia are subject to a federal background investigation to meet the requirements for access to classified information or matter if the duties of the position require a DOE security clearance. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause a clearance to be denied or terminated by the DOE, rendering the inability to perform the duties assigned and resulting in termination of employment.
Benefits
At Sandia you will receive many benefits as a valued employee of a premier national multi-program engineering and science research laboratory. In our Total Rewards package you will enjoy competitive pay, great benefits, a stimulating, positive environment and learning opportunities that will help build your career. More information may be found on our Careers website.
Equal opportunity employer/Disability/Vet/GLBT
Contact
Please apply online at:
http://sandia.jobs/
Additional Info
Employer Type: Government
Job Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico