Patent Analyst

Job Description Your Impact

At Leonardo UK, Intellectual Property (IP) plays a critical role in safeguarding our technological and commercial edge whilst also supporting national defence capabilities. We are seeking a Patent Searcher / IP Analyst to join our Chief Technology Office (CTO) function. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection of advanced technologies that underpin national security and aerospace innovation.

Within the Electronics Division, you will work closely with CTO, Engineering and Capability teams that are developing cutting-edge radar, sensing, and mission systems, as well as Patent attorneys, Legal, Commercial, Procurement and Integrated Programme teams. Our mission is to ensure our innovations are protected, compliant, and strategically positioned across global markets, whilst ensuring we are knowledgeable about the evolving technology landscape and have freedom to operate from third party patents.

The role can based at one of our sites in Edinburgh, Luton or Basildon with collaboration across UK sites and teams. Opportunity for hybrid working.

• Conduct patent and IP searches focused on defence electronics technologies (e.g., radar systems, signal processing, electronic warfare).
• Perform freedom-to-operate (FTO) and prior art analyses to support R&D and procurement decisions.
• Map and monitor competitor IP portfolios
  , including defence contractors and dual-use technology providers.
• Collaborate with inventors and engineers to evaluate invention disclosures and draft patent filing strategies in line with search intelligence.
• Maintain secure and classified IP databases in accordance with internal and governmental protocols.
• Prepare briefings and reports for key stakeholders.
• Contribute to the Electronics Division IP strategy by providing actionable insights that support innovation, risk management, and business growth.

We’re looking for someone with a sharp analytical mind and a passion for technology. You should be comfortable navigating complex technical landscapes and translating them into actionable IP insights.

• Degree (or higher) in a scientific or engineering discipline;
  Physics or Electronics preferred
• Proven experience in patent searching and/or patent analytics preferably in defence, aerospace, or high-security sectors
• Strong knowledge of IP databases (e.g., Espacenet, Pat Base, Derwent, USPTO, EPO) and search tools, and defence technology landscapes
• Strong ability to interpret technical documentation and develop effective search strategies
• Strong ability to present your results to a non-IP specialist audience
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Curious, detail-oriented, and able to work independently and collaboratively

• QPIP (Qualified Patent Information Professional) certification
• Familiarity with aerospace, defence, or high-integrity systems
• Security clearance or eligibility for clearance is highly desirable

GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300

GB - Basildon, GB - Edinburgh

Permanent

Hybrid