Intellectual Property Manager

Overview

The Intellectual Property (IP) Manager is accountable for maximizing the value of the company s patent portfolio and minimizing the impact of third-party IP rights on technical and commercial strategies. Operating at the interface between engineering, business, and legal, the IP Manager serves as the primary internal technical bridge to outside patent counsel across the invention lifecycle — from idea capture and invention harvesting, through prosecution strategy and portfolio management, to freedom-to-operate (FTO), oppositions, and IP input on commercial transactions.

The role covers a broad set of technologies including energy storage and battery systems, battery management systems and power electronics, software and connected products, materials science, manufacturing processes, and recycling. As a senior individual contributor within the IP Team, the IP Manager reports to the Deputy General Counsel – Customer, Technology & IP, and works across R&D, Product, Business Development, Procurement, and Regional Legal.

• Lead and maximize value of the patent portfolio; minimize third-party IP impact on technical and commercial strategies.
• Serve as the internal bridge to outside patent counsel across the invention lifecycle: idea capture, invention harvesting, prosecution strategy, portfolio management, FTO analyses, oppositions, and IP input on commercial transactions.
• Coordinate across multiple technology areas including energy storage, battery systems, power electronics, software and connected products, materials science, manufacturing processes, and recycling.
• Collaborate with R&D, Product, Business Development, Procurement, and regional legal teams to align IP strategy with business goals.
• Oversee legal research, document preparation, invention harvesting, inventor engagement, strategy alignment, patent prosecution, portfolio management, competitive intelligence, and IP in standard agreements.
• Provide support for trade secret and know-how protection, and contribute to portfolio strategy and matrixed coordination, training, compliance, and reporting.

Required:

• Education:
  
  Bachelor of Science or Engineering (mechanical, electrical, chemical, materials science, chemistry, or a comparable technical discipline) required; advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) preferred.
• Registration: USPTO registration as a Patent Agent or Patent Attorney required. J.D. is a plus but not required.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum 5–7 years acting as a patent agent, patent attorney, or in a comparable in-house or law-firm role. Extensive experience with preparing and prosecuting U.S. patent applications and familiarity with key foreign jurisdictions (WIPO/PCT, Europe (EPO), Brazil, Korea, China, Japan, etc.).
• Proficiency:
  Proficient with patent databases and search tools (USPTO, EPO Espacenet, Google Patents, and comparable), IP portfolio management platforms, and modern productivity and AI-assisted legal tools.
• Travel:
  Ability to travel up to 20% (domestic and international).

Additional qualifications (preferred): IP breadth, contract experience, and technical proficiency in relevant fields.

• Medical, dental and vision care coverage and a 401(k) savings plan with company matching — all starting on date of hire.
• Tuition reimbursement, perks, and discounts; parental and caregiver leave programs.
• Paid time off, flexible spending, short- and long-term disability, basic life insurance, business travel insurance, and Employee Assistance Program.
• Global market strength and leadership; LEED-certified HQ with a full-service cafeteria and workout facility.
• Recognition as one of 2026 s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere, marking the fourth consecutive year of this distinction.

Clarios is the force behind the world s most recognizable car battery brands, powering vehicles from leading automakers. With 18,000 employees worldwide, we develop, manufacture, and distribute energy storage solutions while recovering, recycling, and reusing up to 99% of battery materials—setting the standard for sustainability in our industry. We are committed to shaping the future of sustainable transportation and invite you…