Director, Intellectual Property

Woodward, Inc.

Intellectual Property leader providing legal support in managing IP risks and opportunities for Woodward's Aerospace segment. Ensuring compliance and fostering IP awareness across the organization.

Posted 5/5/2026full-timeDenver • Colorado • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $203,000 - $284,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic intellectual property (IP) legal leadership for Woodward’s Aerospace segment by identifying and managing IP-related risks and opportunities, advising business and engineering stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
This role leads the drafting, review, and negotiation of IP and development agreements; implements the enterprise IP strategy and program within the Aerospace segment; oversees IP harvesting, processing, protection, and asset management (including managing outside counsel) within the Aerospace segment; supports M&A transactions through IP due diligence and risk identification; and mentors/educates team members to strengthen IP awareness and execution across the organization.
Provide strategic and practical IP guidance to the Aerospace segment and overall organization by identifying legal risks and opportunities, ensuring that all business activities comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Oversee and assist in the drafting, review, and negotiation of all IP and development agreements to protect the company’s IP interests and mitigate potential liabilities within the Aerospace segment.
Identify potential IP related risks related to business operations and develop strategies and solutions to manage and minimize those risks effectively.
Implement the enterprise-wide IP strategy and IP program within Aerospace segment.
Mentor and educate Woodward members about IP strategy and program, fostering a collaborative environment with Engineering and other departments within the Aerospace segment.
Manage outside counsel support of IP asset management within the Aerospace segment.
Manage the harvesting, processing, and protecting of intellectual property within the Aerospace segment.
Support M&A transactions in performing due diligence and identifying risks associated with the acquisition and divestment of IP assets.

Requirements

What you’ll need

A Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school is required.
Candidates must be licensed to practice law in the relevant country and jurisdiction(s).
Registered as a Patent Attorney with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
At least 10 years of experience.
Aerospace and/or manufacturing experience.
In-house experience.

Benefits

Comp & perks

All members included in annual cash bonus opportunity.
401(k) match (4.5%)
Annual Woodward stock contribution (5%)
Tuition reimbursement and Training/Professional Development opportunities for all members
12 paid holidays, including floating holidays.
Industry leading medical, dental, and vision Insurance upon date of hire
Vacation / Sick Time / Vacation Buy-up / Short Term Disability / Bereavement leave.
Paid parental leave.
Adoption Assistance
Employee Assistance Program, including mental health benefits.
Member Life & AD&D / Long Term Disability / Member Optional Life
Member referral bonus
Spouse / Child Optional Life / Optional AD&D / Healthcare and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
Voluntary benefits, including: Home / Auto Insurance discounts Whole Life Insurance / Critical Illness Insurance / Legal Assistance / Military Leave

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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

Hard Skills & Tools

intellectual property managementIP strategy implementationdrafting agreementsnegotiationIP due diligencerisk identificationasset managementcompliancelegal guidanceIP harvesting

Soft Skills

leadershipmentoringcollaborationcommunicationstrategic thinkingproblem-solvingeducational skillsadvisory skillsorganizational skillsteamwork

Certifications

Juris Doctor (JD)licensed to practice lawRegistered Patent AttorneyUSPTO registration