Associate Director, IP Counsel (Hybrid)

Date Posted: 2026-07-01 | Location: Charlotte, NC; Cedar Rapids, IA; Windsor Locks, CT | Type: Hybrid Overview Associate Director, IP Counsel – hybrid position providing intellectual property strategy and counsel across Collins Aerospace business units. What You Will Do Drive IP engagement within the business, providing effective, concise and timely advice to senior management, general legal counsel, engineers and commercial colleagues on IP matters, particularly in the areas of patent, trade secret, trademark and copyright law, and related disputes. Negotiate and advise management and colleagues on various IP agreements and IP aspects of broader agreements with customers, suppliers and partners. Collaborate with clients to develop and implement IP strategies for key enterprises, products and technologies aligned with business objectives. Engage on IP issues throughout product development processes, interacting with engineers and outside counsel to identify protectable inventions, assess invention disclosures, prepare and prosecute patent applications, and protect trade secrets. Monitor and assess third‑party patents and applications, particularly with regard to infringement risk and validity, to address legal risks before products are brought to market. Work with engineers to monitor competitor products and advise whether competitors infringe Collins aerospace patents. Advise senior management on potential infringement issues and oversee litigation as required. Learn and implement current IP department tools and policies, and work collaboratively with IP department members to continuously improve processes. Utilize various internal and third‑party tools to enhance legal operations. Develop SBU IP strategies that support business goals. Review and clear IP‑related content for publication. Conduct IP due diligence related to M&A matters in technical areas of responsibility. Strive to independently resolve issues within the area of responsibility while consulting with peers, the Chief IP Counsel and the General Counsel when appropriate. Travel up to 10% of the time as required. Qualifications You Must Have Typical requirement: University degree + minimum 12 years of relevant experience, or Advanced degree + minimum 10 years of relevant experience. Juris Doctor degree. USPTO Registration Number. 5+ years of IP legal experience. Admitted to the bar in one or more U.S. states. Preferred Qualifications Aerospace background (e.g., engineer, in‑house attorney, or patent prosecutor). Law firm and in‑house IP legal experience. IP contract negotiation experience with customers and suppliers. Experience in patent preparation & prosecution, transactions, and litigation. Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Experience with U.S. government contracts intellectual property. Engineering experience is beneficial. What We Offer Medical, dental, and vision insurance. Three weeks of vacation for newly hired employees. Generous 401(k) plan with employer matching and separate employer retirement contribution, including a Lifetime Income Strategy option. Tuition reimbursement program. Student loan repayment program. Life insurance and disability coverage. Optional coverage: pet insurance, home and auto insurance, additional life and accident insurance, critical illness insurance, group legal, ID theft protection. Birth, adoption, parental leave benefits (including Ovia Health, fertility, and family planning). Autism benefit, employee assistance plan with up to 10 free counseling sessions. Healthy You incentives and wellness rewards program. Virtual doctor visits and Teladoc medical experts. Bright Horizons child and elder care services. Relocation assistance available. Other benefits as applicable. Eligibility U.S. citizenship required – only U.S. citizens authorized to access information under this program/contract. Hybrid work model with regular onsite and offsite work; onsite ratio determined in partnership with leader. Security Clearance None/Not Required. Compensation Salary range: $157,200 – $298,800 USD. Equal Opportunity Employer RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected class. RTX provides affirmative action for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act. #J-18808-Ljbffr Prattwhitney