Intellectual Property Senior Counsel

Focused Energy is a fusion energy startup with the goal of generating unlimited clean energy to responsibly meet future global demand. The founders include two highly renowned scientists and a long-time entrepreneur and founder of several successful startups. With the use and commercialization of laser-induced inertial fusion, a clean and highly efficient power generation technology is coming within reach, suitable to ensure a secure and scalable future energy supply.

We are seeking a Senior Intellectual Property Counsel to build and lead our IP strategy. As the first in-house legal hire focused on intellectual property, you will collaborate closely with technical leaders, educate the broader team on IP best practices, and drive systems that safeguard our innovations. This role blends hands-on execution with cross-functional training and influence — a strong fit for someone eager to shape IP culture in a fast-moving, science-driven environment.

• IP Strategy & Portfolio Management: Develop and execute our global intellectual property strategy, identify key innovations, and manage our growing patent and trade secret portfolio in collaboration with external counsel.

• Team Training & IP Culture Building: Lead internal training and awareness initiatives to embed strong IP practices across engineering, science, and business teams.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with R&D, engineering, partnerships, and leadership to integrate IP considerations into product development and external collaborations.

• Process & Policy Development: Establish scalable processes for invention disclosures, IP governance, and confidentiality, including documentation and onboarding materials.

• Risk & Compliance Support: Provide guidance on IP-related risks, including third-party IP exposure, freedom-to-operate, and alignment with export control and regulatory frameworks.

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree and active membership in a recognized bar association. Preference for licensure in the State of California and active membership in good standing with the California Bar Association.

• 7+ years of experience in intellectual property law, with a strong track record in patent strategy and portfolio management.

• Experience working with R&D or technical teams in high-innovation environments.

• Demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts into patentable ideas and IP assets.

• Strong communicator who can educate and influence across disciplines and seniority levels.

• Comfortable operating independently in a fast-paced, high-growth startup environment.

• JD or relevant legal degree with USPTO registration or equivalent IP credentialing.

• Preferred: Experience in energy, deep tech, scientific research, or hardware-related industries.

• Preferred: Familiarity with export control regulations (ITAR/EAR) and their relationship to IP and technology transfer.

• Preferred: Experience supporting global or cross-border IP filings, including in the EU or Germany.

• Preferred: Background in physics, engineering, or similar technical discipline is a strong plus.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.