Senior IP Counsel, Oil & Gas Tech & Licensing

Nabors Industries; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Nabors Industries seeks a Corporate IP Counsel to join its in-house legal team in Houston, TX. The role blends engineering insight with commercial law to protect innovations, negotiate high-value contracts, and manage global IP risk across drilling automation and downhole technology.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of IP experience, a JD, and an engineering background. Opportunity spans patent portfolio oversight and collaboration with cross-functional teams on strategic IP initiatives.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school.
• Engineering degree in Mechanical or Electrical engineering preferred.
• Active U.S. bar license in good standing.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, and negotiate global technology licenses, MSAs, and other IP-related commercial agreements.
• Lead transactional negotiations with operators, EPCs, and technology partners on IP allocation and joint ventures.
• Identify patentable inventions with engineering teams and coordinate patent prosecution as needed.
• Oversee outside counsel handling the company’s patent and trademark portfolios globally.
• Perform FTO, infringement, and validity analyses to mitigate IP risk.

Skills

IP law

Contract Negotiation

Patent prosecution

Leadership

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Engineering degree

Job description

Nabors Industries seeks a Corporate IP Counsel to join its in-house legal team in Houston, TX. The role blends engineering insight with commercial law to protect innovations, negotiate high-value contracts, and manage global IP risk across drilling automation and downhole technology.

The ideal candidate has 5–8 years of IP experience, a JD, and an engineering background. Opportunity spans patent portfolio oversight and collaboration with cross-functional teams on strategic IP initiatives.