Patent Development Engineer

AFL manufactures industry-leading fiber optic cable, connectivity and accessories and provides engineering and installation services for some of the largest telecom customers in the world. Our company was founded in 1984 with a single fiber optic cable and today, we manufacture thousands of products, generate an excess of $1.5B in revenue, and employ approximately 7,000 associates worldwide. At AFL, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We hire and train each individual, investing in them to ensure success in their careers. With a commitment to professional development and growth, let us connect you to your next career opportunity. 

What We Offer:

• A hybrid in office schedule for qualifying employees
• Flexible time off policy
• 401K Company match (up to 4% - dollar for dollar)
• Professional development, training, and tuition reimbursement programs
• Excellent medical, dental, vision, and life insurance policy options
• Opportunities for career advancement with an industry leading company!

We are seeking a Patent Development Engineer to join our team at our Corporate Headquarters in Duncan, SC.  After gaining knowledge of our environment, there is the opportunity for this position to work under our Hybrid schedule working both in the office and remotely.  

The Patent Development Engineer works to lead the creation and enhancement of AFL’s patent portfolios, ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals. They collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify innovative technologies and secure intellectual property rights. This role involves identifying and analyzing competitive patents, identifying patentable innovations, conducting risk assessments, and supporting AFL’s patent counsel during the patent prosecution process. Additionally, the role provides technical expertise and guidance to support patent litigation and licensing activities.

Responsibilities

• Lead Efforts to Improve Quality and Quantity of AFL Patent Applications: Support inventors and legal counsel in preparing and submitting high-quality patent applications.
• Collaborate with R&D Teams: Work with research and development teams to identify and protect new inventions.
• Train and Mentor: Educate and mentor engineers and inventors on patent processes and best practices.
• Conduct Patent Searches: Perform thorough patent searches to identify potential patentable innovations and avoid infringement.
• Monitor Competitor Patents: Keep track of competitor patents and assess their impact on the company’s IP strategy.
• Develop Strong Knowledge Base: Establish deep understanding of AFL’s key product areas and a broad understanding of all of AFL’s product capabilities.
• Provide Technical Expertise: Offer technical guidance and support during patent litigation and licensing activities.

Qualifications

• Technical Degree:  BS Engineering or Science in a field related to optical fiber cables and connectivity.  Advanced degree desirable. (MS, PhD)
• Strong Analytical Skills: Demonstrated ability to analyze and distill complex technical information.
• Market Insight: Experience supporting (through sales, marketing, business development, technical support) one or more of the electric utility, data center, and communication service provider markets.  Ability to demonstrate knowledge of market trends and the competitive landscape for these markets.
• Patent Experience: Previous experience drafting invention disclosures and supporting the patent prosecution process desired, but not required.

Personal Qualities

• Technical Expertise: Fast learner. Naturally curious. Seeks deep understanding.  Has knowledge of engineering principles and the ability to apply them to patent development.  Previous technical experience with optical fiber, cable and/or connectivity products is required.
• Analytical Thinking: Ability to analyze complex technical information and identify novel aspects of inventions. 
• Attention to Detail: Precision in documenting and differentiating inventions and ensuring all aspects are covered in the patent application. 
• Communication Skills: Effective communication with inventors, commercial and legal teams, to clarify technical details and help address any issues that arise during the patent prosecution process.  
• Leadership: Leading cross-functional teams and guiding them through innovation and  patent development processes.
• Emotional Intelligence: Building strong relationships with stakeholders.  Able to secure inventor support in developing the strongest patent applications possible.

 Working Conditions

• May involve both domestic and international travel needed to meet with AFL’s product teams and develop deep knowledge of AFL’s products, processes and capabilities.