Senior Paralegal

Job Description

BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Inc. ("Electronic Systems") is seeking an experienced patent paralegal to join and support a dynamic legal team in a fast-paced environment supporting a global aerospace, defense, and technology company.

This role is designed for a highly skilled professional who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced setting in one of BAE Systems' largest and most prestigious business sectors. The ideal candidate must be adaptable and proactive, displaying advanced analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft 365 suite and various IP management systems, is essential for success.

The ideal candidate will possess a minimum of ten (10) years of patent paralegal experience and demonstrate in-depth knowledge of USPTO patent procedures, PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) practice, and international patent and trademark prosecution. Effective communication and strong customer service orientation are vital, as the position involves interacting with personnel and clients at all levels. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively is required, along with expertise in IP docketing and document management systems.

Because this role involves a combination of collaborative/in-person and independent work, it will take the form of a hybrid work format, with time split between working onsite and remotely. The onsite location can be Arlington (VA), Nashua (NH), Austin (TX), or Endicott (NY).

Responsibilities

As a patent paralegal, you are responsible for managing the company's intellectual property portfolios, ensuring the accurate filing and correspondence for US, PCT, and international prosecution on behalf of assigned clients. You provide comprehensive support to intellectual property attorneys, helping deliver exceptional service to clients.

Prosecution and Filing Management

• Oversee all filings and correspondence related to US, PCT, and international prosecution for designated clients.
• Prepare and file, or coordinate instructions for, every aspect of US, PCT, and foreign prosecution processes.
• Draft formality documents, manage document legalization as needed, and ensure fulfillment of priority document requirements.

Docketing and Deadline Tracking

• Review and manage docket systems, tracking all deadlines associated with assigned clients.
• Report official communications promptly to clients and foreign associates.
• Administer international patent and trademark portfolios, overseeing docketing and filing responsibilities as a dependable resource for attorneys and clients.
• Monitor and track deadlines domestically and abroad for patent and trademark matters, including applications, responses to office actions, renewals, and maintenance filings.

File and Communication Management

• Maintain organized and updated patent and trademark files to ensure accurate records and easy retrieval.
• Act as the primary contact for attorneys, clients, and foreign associates regarding prosecution strategy, status updates, deadlines, and required actions.
• Monitor correspondence from various Intellectual Property Offices.

Annuity, Maintenance, and Disclosure Management

• Manage annuity and maintenance fee processes for all relevant business areas.
• Organize and facilitate reviews for all invention disclosures.
• Maintain and audit docketing and document management systems for accuracy, proactively resolving any discrepancies.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10) years of patent paralegal experience required (mandatory requirement)
• Extensive exp. with the docketing tool CPI (mandatory requirement)
• Excellent attention to detail, strong organizational and prioritization skills, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Highly adaptable and proactive, demonstrating strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Strong working knowledge of software products and comfort with technology, including Microsoft 365 Outlook, PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
• Strong customer service orientation, with effective oral and written communication skills to interact with personnel and clients at all levels.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Technical Expertise

• Thorough knowledge of USPTO patent procedural requirements and practices required.
• Strong knowledge of USPTO procedures, PCT practice, international patent and trademark prosecution.
• Demonstrated expertise in IP docketing and document management systems.
• Paralegal certificate preferred, but not explicitly required.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $82779 - $140723

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Electronic Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Electronic Systems (ES) is the global innovator behind BAE Systems' game-changing defense and commercial electronics. Exploiting every electron, we push the limits of what is possible, giving our customers the edge and our employees opportunities to change the world. Our products and capabilities can be found everywhere - from the depths of the ocean to the far reaches of space. At our core are more than 14,000 highly talented Electronic Systems employees with the brightest minds in the industry, we make an impact - for our customers and the communities we serve.

This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.