Job Description

Why Black and Veatch

Black & Veatch allows you to lend your talent and perspective to humanity’s biggest challenges in a flexible environment where you are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities. We offer competitive compensation; 401K match and benefits that start day 1. 

At Black & Veatch, you own your career with purpose and meaning. You are empowered to grow and explore new possibilities at every step of your career journey. Bring your big ideas knowing you are safe to be who you are and speak up with concerns or questions and put your diverse talents and perspectives to use.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a seasoned Assistant General Counsel to lead legal strategy across intellectual property and engineering-centric technology transactions for our engineering, procurement and construction business . This individual will serve as a trusted legal advisor to senior R&D and engineering leadership, driving IP protection strategies, managing complex technology agreements, and enabling innovation across hardware, software, and systems platforms. 

The ideal candidate has a robust foundation in  patent law and IP portfolio management , combined with proven experience negotiating and structuring complex technology and product development deals in an engineering or manufacturing-intensive environment. 

The Team

Black & Veatch’s Business Enablement consists of critical groups that help enable the organizations people, projects, and businesses to be as successful as possible. Functions in this group include Digital & Information Technology, Global Finance, Global Human Resources, Legal, Risk Management, and Government Affairs and Real Estate and Building Services.

Key Responsibilities

Intellectual Property Strategy & Portfolio Management 

• Lead IP strategy in coordination with engineering, product, and executive teams to identify, develop, and protect proprietary technologies. 
• Manage end-to-end patent processes, including invention disclosures, patent committee governance, prosecution, enforcement, and strategic patent filings (U.S. and international). 
• Oversee global trademark portfolio strategy in collaboration with brand and marketing teams. 
• Guide business leaders on trade secret protection frameworks and implementation. 
• Evaluate IP risks in product development and advise on freedom-to-operate (FTO), prior art, and competitor IP landscapes. 

Engineering & Technology Transactions

• Lead legal review and negotiation of complex, IP-heavy agreements including joint development agreements, engineering services agreements, design licenses, OEM/supplier contracts, and technology transfer arrangements. 
• Structure and support strategic partnerships involving R&D collaboration, innovation licensing, and advanced prototyping. 
• Provide legal guidance on use and contribution of open source software within hardware-software integrated systems. 
• Act as lead counsel for engineering and product functions in negotiations involving technical data, specifications, and confidential IP assets. 

Strategic Counsel & Cross-Functional Leadership 

• Partner with product development, hardware/software engineering, and advanced technology teams to integrate legal considerations into the design and build process. 
• Serve as a key advisor to executive leadership on IP strategy as it relates to long-term business growth, M&A, and competitive positioning. 
• Educate internal teams on IP protection, invention capture, and IP-related risks across the product lifecycle. 
• Collaborate with compliance, cybersecurity, and privacy counsel to ensure aligned risk management for emerging technologies, AI/ML systems, and data usage. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Law degree required
• Licensed to practice law in at least 1 jurisdiction
• All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school; admitted to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction. 
• 15+ years of relevant legal experience, including top tier law firm experience and significant time in a senior in-house counsel role supporting R&D or engineering functions. 
• Demonstrated expertise in patent law (U.S. and global), with a strong track record in IP portfolio development and strategy. 
• Significant experience negotiating and advising on complex technology transactions involving IP ownership, joint development, and licensing. 
• Deep understanding of the product development lifecycle in an engineering or manufacturing-intensive environment. 
• Technical degree (B.S., M.S., or Ph.D.) in electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, or a related discipline. 
• USPTO registration. 
• Familiarity with standards-related IP (FRAND, SEPs), open innovation models, and regulatory frameworks impacting technology (e.g., export controls, AI governance). 
• Prior experience with IP issues related to AI/ML, embedded systems, robotics, or advanced manufacturing technologies. 

Work Environment/Physical Demands

Hybrid or flexible work options may be offered after the first 90 days of employment based upon manager discretion, job performance and work assignments.

Job Tags

Flexible hours,

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