Senior Patent Attorney

Zebra Technologies; Lincolnshire (IL); On-site; USD 138,800 - 208,200; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Performance-based incentive

Flexible hours

Job summary

Zebra is seeking a Senior Patent Attorney for its Intellectual Property team in Lincolnshire, IL. This role involves managing patent portfolios and providing pragmatic guidance to internal partners. The ideal candidate must possess a Juris Doctor and have solid experience in patent preparation.

In addition to strong patent skills, you will collaborate with product teams to address IP issues and contribute to strategies that align with business objectives.

This position offers a hybrid work environment, allowing for 3 days in office and 2 days remote.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years of post-law-school experience in patent preparation and prosecution, preferably at a law firm.
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Responsibilities

• Manage patent portfolio development and relationship with outside patent counsel.
• Counsel internal partners on intellectual property issues.
• Work with product teams to identify inventive concepts.
• Provide practical IP guidance to stakeholders.

Skills

Patent preparation and prosecution

Business judgment

Product awareness

Intellectual property counseling

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related

Job description

Overview

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer's and partner's needs and solve their challenges. Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve. You'll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward‑thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally. Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking a Senior Patent Attorney to join Zebra's Intellectual Property team. We’re looking for an attorney who demonstrates strong business judgment and product awareness, alongside solid patent preparation and prosecution skills. In addition to patent portfolio development, the attorney will engage with and counsel stakeholders across Zebra, including engineering, product, and many other global functions. Furthermore, the attorney will increasingly support drafting, searching, and portfolio management activities by leveraging the advances in AI‑assisted IP tools. Success in this role depends on the ability to translate legal risk into business‑relevant guidance and to operate as a trusted partner to the product organization.

Responsibilities

• Manage outside patent counsel to develop a strategically and commercially relevant worldwide patent portfolio, with some in‑house preparation and prosecution likely.
• Counsel internal partners on a wide variety of intellectual property issues in a way that is practical and commercially calibrated.
• Work directly with engineers and product teams to identify inventive concepts, understand technical and product context, and shape inventions into filings that reflect commercial relevance and strategic value.
• Partner with internal stakeholders to provide practical, business‑oriented IP guidance, including identifying risks, tradeoffs, and strategic options associated with product features, roadmaps, and deployments.
• Assess invention disclosures and portfolio assets to inform decisions about filing, scope, timing, and alternative protection strategies.
• Leverage AI‑assisted tools for invention intake, prior art analysis, portfolio classification, and workflow efficiency, and apply sound judgment in interpreting and acting on tool outputs.

Must be able to work hybrid (3 days in office/2 remote) from Lincolnshire, IL.

Minimum Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school
• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical field
• Admission to at least one U.S. state bar and registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
• Approximately 3–4 years of post‑law‑school experience in patent preparation and prosecution, preferably at a law firm.

Preferred Skills and Competencies

• Curiosity about how technology, products, and business strategy intersect, and a genuine interest in understanding product context beyond the legal analysis.
• Comfort forming and articulating provisional legal viewpoints when information is incomplete, and adjusting those viewpoints as additional context becomes available.
• An ability to explain intellectual property considerations and risks in clear, practical language that enables business partners to make informed decisions.
• A strategic mindset that prioritizes high‑value work, questions low‑value activity, and looks beyond the mechanics of drafting and prosecution.
• An interest in emerging technologies, including AI and data‑driven systems. Experience with AI‑enabled legal or technical tools is a plus.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [e-mail].

Know Your Rights: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Conozca sus Derechos: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at [e-mail].

Pay Range

$138,800.00 – $208,200.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance‑based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 15% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive— including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work. Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job‑related skills, knowledge, and experience. Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long‑term incentive equity awards.

Benefits

We understand the importance of work‑life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual company‑wide well‑being day to promote revitalization and success.