R&D IP Strategist

About the role

The R&D IP Strategist acts as the bridge between research & development and the Intellectual Property organization, ensuring that IP considerations are embedded in innovation activities. The role partners with R&D leaders, engineers, and business stakeholders to identify technical opportunities, competitive risks, and to drive high‑quality invention disclosures.

Key responsibilities

• Monitor competitor patents, publications and technology trends, preparing technical summaries and escalation reports.
• Conduct first‑line defensive vulnerability assessments of products and platforms, identifying design‑around opportunities.
• Lead invention harvesting across R&D, maintaining visibility of the invention pipeline for filing and portfolio planning.
• Identify and catalogue trade‑secret candidates, supporting classification and confidentiality controls.
• Provide technical input for portfolio prioritisation, distinguishing foundational technologies from easily design‑aroundable ones.

Required profile

• Advanced degree in a scientific, engineering or technology discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience at the intersection of R&D and IP, with strong analytical and project‑management skills.
• Proven ability to influence across a matrixed, cross‑functional environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, capable of translating complex technical information into actionable insights.

Required skills

• Artificial Intelligence technologies
• Complex systems design
• Hardware engineering
• Mechanical engineering
• Software development
• Systems architecture design
• Technical evaluation
• Technology research