Director of Corporate Intellectual Property (IP)

Job DescriptionComposing the core of a brighter worldLIGHTERA has one of the longest and most respectable corporate lineages in American business, which goes back to Alexander Graham Bell and the invention of the telephone more than a century ago.We have a proven track record of being first in the industry with application specific fibers, optical connectors, ribbon cables, erbium-doped fibers, Raman fiber lasers, fiber gratings, and more. Our mission is to provide leading optical innovations and solutions by designing, manufacturing, and supplying the best optical fibers, fiber cable, and components and devices for our customers, with exceptional service that creates value for our shareholders, customers, and employees.POSITION SUMMARY: The Director of Corporate Intellectual Property (IP) is responsible for leading the development, protection, and strategic management of the company’s intellectual property portfolio on a global basis related to manufacturing processes, technologies, materials, and products. This role partners closely with R&D, Engineering, Operations, Legal, and Executive Leadership within the United States and with Lightera’s affiliates in Brazil and Japan to safeguard proprietary innovations, minimize IP risk, and leverage intellectual assets to drive competitive advantage and business growth.ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:Develop and implement a comprehensive IP strategy aligned with corporate and manufacturing objectives.Identify patentable innovations in manufacturing processes, automation systems, materials, product designs, and production technologies.Lead invention disclosure processes and partner with engineering and R&D teams to evaluate and prioritize filings.Manage global patent, trademark, copyright, and trade secret portfolios, including prosecution and maintenance.Conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses and competitive IP landscape assessments.Oversee IP due diligence for mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and strategic partnerships.Partner with Legal on IP enforcement, litigation support, licensing, and risk mitigation strategies.Develop policies and procedures to ensure proper documentation and protection of proprietary information.Provide IP education and training to manufacturing, engineering, and product development teams.Monitor competitor filings and emerging technologies to identify risks and opportunities.Manage IP budgets and external patent counsel relationships. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: (Preferred qualifications, certifications, and/or licenses)Juris Doctor, Law with a focus in Intellectual Property. 10+ years of experience in intellectual property management in a global manufacturing environment. Strong understanding of U.S. and international patent systems and IP strategy.Experience working with patent attorneys and managing patent prosecution processes.Knowledge of industrial manufacturing processes, product development lifecycles, and process innovation.Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and cross-functional leadership skills.Ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.Ability to travel up to 15% domestic and internationally. PERFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:Registered Patent Agent or Patent Attorney with significant experience interfacing with USPTO and international patent offices.Experience in advanced manufacturing, automation, specialty materials, or engineered products.Background in IP licensing, technology commercialization, or portfolio monetization.Experience in managing IP-related disputes and litigation matters. Experience supporting global operations or multi-site manufacturing environments.GENERAL EXPECTATIONS:Demonstrate effective communications (verbal, written) skillsProficient with MS Office SuiteMaintain discretion when working with confidential and proprietary informationStrict adherence to Company safety policies and proceduresExhibit all aspects of Lightera’s “Standards of Conduct” documentWORK ENVIRONMENT:Hybrid (minimum of 2 days in the Norcross corporate office)Job DetailsJob Type: Full-timeCategory: Finance & Accounting, Human Resources, & LegalSalaried: Salaried