Head of Intellectual Property

the team as company and product milestones warrant - not on a fixed timeline Key Competencies Deep technical fluency in hardware, AI, or robotics - able to sit with engineers, grasp novel inventions, and translate them into strong, enforceable claims A hands-on operator who drafts and shapes patents directly and protects trade secrets, not only by delegating to outside counsel A strategic portfolio builder who ties every intellectual property decision to a business outcome - freedom to operate, competitive moats, and acquisition strategy A strong cross-functional partner who earns trust with engineers, executives, and external counsel alike Comfort building from zero in ambiguity - setting prioritization and process where none exists, and scaling a team only when the work demands it Minimum

Requirements Demonstrated track record of building and managing patent portfolios in hardware, robotics, AI, or another deep-tech domain (typically 10+ years in intellectual property, in-house or at a top firm) Hands-on patent expertise - drafting, prosecution strategy, and portfolio management - for complex technical inventions Proven ability to run patent landscaping, freedom-to-operate analysis, and competitive assessments to inform offensive and defensive decisions Experience setting trade secret protection strategy alongside patents in a technical organization A technical degree (engineering, computer science, or a related field) with a working understanding of robotics, AI, mechatronics, or comparable systems Experience partnering directly with engineering and product teams to capture inventions at the source Preferred Skills 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) What does a successful 1X Team Member look like Team members at 1X who thrive here are builders. They move fast, own their work completely, and treat time like it's the one thing you can't get back - because it is. They say what they mean, finish what they start, and hold themselves to a standard before anyone has to ask. We push each other to be better, and we do it with honesty and respect.

Compensation Range $270,000 - $330,000

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 Equal Opportunity Employer 1X is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, justice system impact, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

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