Overview
At Leonardo UK, Intellectual Property (IP) plays a critical role in safeguarding our technological and commercial edge whilst also supporting national defence capabilities. We are seeking a Patent Searcher / IP Analyst to join our Chief Technology Office (CTO) function. This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the protection of advanced technologies that underpin national security and aerospace innovation.
Responsibilities
* Conduct patent and IP searches focused on defence electronics technologies (e.g., radar systems, signal processing, electronic warfare).
* Perform freedom‑to‑operate (FTO) and prior art analyses to support R&D and procurement decisions.
* Map and monitor competitor IP portfolios, including defence contractors and dual‑use technology providers.
* Collaborate with inventors and engineers to evaluate invention disclosures and draft patent filing strategies in line with search intelligence.
* Maintain secure and classified IP databases in accordance with internal and governmental protocols.
* Prepare briefings and reports for key stakeholders.
* Contribute to the Electronics Division IP strategy by providing actionable insights that support innovation, risk management, and business growth.
Qualifications
* Degree (or higher) in a scientific or engineering discipline; Physics or Electronics preferred.
* Proven experience in patent searching and/or patent analytics, preferably in defence, aerospace, or high‑security sectors.
* Strong knowledge of IP databases (e.g., Espacenet, PatBase, Derwent, USPTO, EPO) and search tools, and defence technology landscapes.
* Strong ability to interpret technical documentation and develop effective search strategies.
* Strong ability to present results to a non‑IP specialist audience.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Curious, detail‑oriented, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
Desirable
* QPIP (Qualified Patent Information Professional) certification.
* Familiarity with aerospace, defence, or high‑integrity systems.
* Security clearance or eligibility for clearance is highly desirable.
Security Clearance
This role is subject to pre‑employment screening in line with the UK Government’s Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS). An additional range of Personnel Security Controls referred to as National Security Vetting (NSV) may apply, which could include meeting the eligibility requirements for The Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV). For more information and guidance please visit https //careers.uk.leonardo.com/gb/en/security-and-vetting
Benefits
* Time to Recharge – enjoy generous leave with the opportunity to accrue up to 12 additional flexi‑days each year.
* Secure your Future – benefit from our award‑winning pension scheme with up to 15% employer contribution.
* Your Wellbeing Matters – free access to mental health support, financial advice, and employee‑led networks championing inclusion and diversity (Enable, Pride, Equalise, Armed Forces, Carers, Wellbeing and Ethnicity).
* Rewarding Performance – all employees at management level and below are eligible for our bonus scheme.
* Never Stop Learning – free access to 4,000+ online courses via Coursera and LinkedIn Learning.
* Refer a friend – receive a financial reward through our referral programme.
* Tailored Perks – spend up to £500 annually on flexible benefits including private healthcare, dental, family cover, tech & lifestyle discounts, gym memberships and more.
* Flexible working – flexible hours with hybrid working options. For part‑time opportunities, please talk to us about what might be possible for this role.
For a full list of our company benefits please visit our website.
Leonardo is a global leader in Aerospace, Defence, and Security. Headquartered in Italy, we employ over 53,000 people worldwide including 8,500 across 9 sites in the UK. Our employees are not just part of a team—they are key contributors to shaping innovation, advancing technology, and enhancing global safety.
At Leonardo we are committed to building an inclusive, accessible, and welcoming workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce sparks creativity, drives innovation, and leads to better outcomes for our people and our customers. If you have any accessibility requirements to support you during the recruitment process, just let us know.
Be part of something bigger – apply now!
Location and Contract
Primary Location: GB – Luton – Cap. Green 300
Additional Locations: GB – Basildon, GB – Bristol – Coldharbour Lane, GB – Edinburgh, GB – Southampton
Contract Type: Permanent
Hybrid Working: Hybrid
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