Senior IP/Patent Attorney (Lithography)

Location: On-site in San Diego, California, United States. The role requires in-person attendance at work-related events, trainings, and meetings; a flexible arrangement of up to two remote days per week may be available where applicable.

Base annual salary: $184,400–$253,550.

Company

hirify.global develops lithography systems and related technologies for semiconductor manufacturing. The Corporate Intellectual Property department protects and supports the company’s global business through patent portfolio management and IP risk mitigation.

What you will do

• Develop and manage a worldwide patent portfolio for light sources used in EUV and DUV lithography systems.
• Assess invention disclosures, participate in invention review meetings, and recommend portfolio development and maintenance strategies.
• Supervise outside counsel in preparing and prosecuting patent applications, including reviewing drafts and response strategies.
• Support patent filing, product clearance, freedom-to-operate analysis, and mitigation of third-party infringement risks.
• Collaborate with research, development, engineering, and management stakeholders to align IP protection with business goals.
• Advise on IP-related contracts, patent licenses, legal research, portfolio reviews, and IP strategy updates.

Requirements

• Active license to practice law in at least one U.S. state or the District of Columbia, plus a Juris Doctor degree.
• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or physical science, such as mechanical engineering, mechatronics, physics, optics, or electrical engineering.
• Active license to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
• At least six years of relevant patent prosecution experience.
• Strong technical analysis, strategic thinking, communication, judgment, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
• Fluent English is required. Experience with IP databases, online research, and Microsoft Office tools is also required.

Nice to have

• Advanced degree in engineering or a physical science discipline.
• Experience managing outside counsel and ensuring cost-efficient patent application preparation and prosecution.

Culture & Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance for employees and families.
• 401(k) plan participation.
• Eight hours of vacation leave accrued each month and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Work in a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative international environment.
• Work may require clean-room access while wearing protective clothing and equipment.