Head of Intellectual Property

The role

The Head of Intellectual Property will build and execute an intellectual property strategy from the ground up. This person will turn breakthroughs in robotics and embodied AI into a portfolio of patents and trade secrets.

What you will do

• Own and execute a company-wide patent roadmap
• Drive invention capture by embedding with engineering, AI, and hardware teams
• Build a portfolio that protects freedom to operate and creates leverage against competitors
• Identify and recommend strategic patents to acquire through landscape and competitive analysis
• Lead diligence on patent acquisitions
• Establish a trade secret protection program
• Stand up the function hands-on and build the team as milestones warrant

Required qualifications

• Track record of building and managing patent portfolios in hardware, robotics, AI, or deep-tech domain
• Typically 10+ years in intellectual property, in-house or at a top firm
• Hands-on patent expertise in drafting, prosecution strategy, and portfolio management
• Ability to run patent landscaping, freedom-to-operate analysis, and competitive assessments
• Experience setting trade secret protection strategy alongside patents in a technical organization
• Technical degree in engineering, computer science, or a related field
• Working understanding of robotics, AI, mechatronics, or comparable systems
• Experience partnering directly with engineering and product teams to capture inventions

Nice to have

• Experience with intellectual property in humanoid robotics, autonomous systems, or embodied AI
• Registered to practice before the USPTO (patent bar), as a patent agent or patent attorney
• Familiarity with trademark, brand, copyright, and open-source compliance strategy
• Experience building an inventor disclosure and incentive program
• Experience managing international filing strategy (PCT and priority markets)

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Generous paid time off, company holidays, and parental leave
• 401(k) plan with company match (100% on the first 3% of contributions, 50% on the next 2%)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) options
• Commuter benefits (transit and parking)
• Short-term and long-term disability, and life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and personal support
• Onsite snacks and catered lunches

About the company

1X builds humanoid robots that work in homes to handle chores and tasks. They are developing robotics, AI, and manufacturing at scale for their flagship robot, NEO.