Job Description
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.
Within the Electronics Division, you will work closely with CTO, Engineering and Capability teams that are developing cutting‑edge radar, sensing, and mission systems, as well as Patent attorneys, Legal, Commercial, Procurement and Integrated Programme teams. Our mission is to ensure our innovations are protected, compliant, and strategically positioned across global markets, whilst ensuring we are knowledgeable about the evolving technology landscape and have freedom to operate from third‑party patents.
The role can be carried out on a mostly remote basis with regular travel required to where our product teams are based across the UK.
What You Will Do
* 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.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone with a sharp analytical mind and a passion for technology. You should be comfortable navigating complex technical landscapes and translating them into actionable IP insights.
* 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 your 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, this 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.
* 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.
Location
Primary: GB - Luton - Cap. Green 300
Additional: GB - Basildon, GB - Bristol - Coldharbour Lane, GB - Edinburgh, GB - Southampton
Contract Type
Permanent
Hybrid Working
Hybrid
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