IonQ

Senior Counsel – Intellectual Property

IonQ

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: Bothell • Washington • United States

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Salary

💰 $195,349 - $254,742 per year

Job Level

Senior

About the role

  • Build and maintain effective patent programs, including harvesting novel inventions, managing patent committees, to ensure maximum value and alignment with long-term financial stability.
  • Prosecute patents for key technologies. Oversee the preparation, filing, and prosecution of complex U.S. and international patent applications related to quantum technologies.
  • Support the development, execution, and optimization of our global IP strategy, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. Manage and direct our patent pipeline by soliciting/developing invention disclosures, conducting inventor interviews, and presenting disclosures at cross-functional patent committee meetings.
  • Drive patent/industry landscaping and competitive analysis projects, supporting business goals and influencing IP strategies.
  • Act as a primary IP legal partner for engineering, R&D, and product teams, providing practical and business-oriented advice. Educate and train teammates on IP best practices and risk mitigation to foster a culture of compliance and creativity.
  • Participate in drafting, reviewing, and negotiating a wide range of IP-related agreements, including licensing, technology transfer, non-disclosure agreements, and strategic partnerships. Support IP due diligence for M&A and other strategic transactions.

Requirements

  • J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing.
  • Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Science/Engineering Background: A B.S. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field relevant to quantum technologies.
  • Extensive experience (8+ years preferred) as a practicing patent attorney, with in-house experience at a complex hardware/tech company.
  • Demonstrated experience with Trade Secret laws and programs
  • Proven ability to proactively manage complex, global IP portfolios and drive strategy.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to have frequent, effective interactions with a wide array of teams within IonQ.
  • Ability to travel once per month to Bothell, WA, or elsewhere as needed for various engineering sites to meet with clients.
Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Matching 401K
  • Unlimited PTO and paid holidays
  • Parental/adoption leave
  • Legal insurance
  • Home internet stipend
  • Pet insurance!
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
patent prosecutionpatent application preparationpatent filingIP strategy developmentIP risk mitigationlicensing agreementstechnology transfernon-disclosure agreementsIP due diligencetrade secret management
Soft Skills
communication skillsinterpersonal skillsteam collaborationstrategic thinkingproblem-solvingeducational trainingrelationship managementnegotiation skillsleadershipadaptability
Certifications
J.D. from an accredited law schoolactive bar membershipUSPTO registration