Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space is a trusted mission partner to the global space industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 3,400 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there. For more information, visit www.mda.space.
Position Overview:
We are seeking a strategic and forward-thinking Director of Intellectual Property (IP) to lead the development and management of our IP strategy across MDA Space’s cutting-edge space technology domains. The Director of IP will lead the protection of MDA’s significant global IP assets (including patents, trade secrets, code, data, and trademarks) and manage MDA Space’s global freedom to operate. Reporting to the Chief Technology Officer, this role is central to enabling innovation in our respective Business Areas (BA) focused on Satellite Communications, Earth and Space Observation, and Robotics and Space Operations, while ensuring our IP assets are aligned with business goals and protected in a competitive global landscape.
Key Job Responsibilities:
Strategic IP Leadership:
• Oversee definition of the IP strategy for space-related innovations in each MDA Space Business Area, ensuring alignment with growth strategy as well as product and technology roadmaps.
• Identify and prioritize high-value IP opportunities in collaboration with Chief Architects, Directors of Technology Strategy, subject matter experts and business leaders.
• Champion and facilitate IP roadmaps that support innovation and market leadership in MDA Space’s three Business Areas.
• Develop and maintain company IP Policy and Processes including leading continuous improvement in our methods and tools to manage MDA Space’s IP.
• Support MDA Space transformation initiatives to better manage the access to and use of the company’s IP assets.
IP Creation and Portfolio Development:
• Oversee the end-to-end process of invention disclosure, patent drafting, filing, and prosecution.
• Establish and track KPIs for IP generation, quality, and strategic alignment.
• Oversee each Business Area’s management of their respective growing portfolio of patents, trade secrets, and other IP assets across global jurisdictions.
• Promote the evaluation of third-party IP for potential acquisition or collaboration.
Freedom to Operate and Competitive Intelligence:
• Ensure appropriate IP risk assessments, including freedom-to-operate (FTO), infringement, and validity analyses are conducted in MDA Space’s Business Areas.
• Monitor competitor IP activity and emerging trends in space and AI technologies.
• Develop strategies to mitigate IP risks and maintain competitive advantage.
IP Rights Assertion:
• Collaborate with legal stakeholders to assert and defend IP rights through agreements, licensing, enforcement, or litigation.
• Support due diligence and IP integration activities for partnerships, mergers & acquisitions, and technology transfers.
• Identify and evaluate opportunities for licensing MDA’s IP to 3rd parties.
Cross-Functional Collaboration:
• Work closely with each Business Area to integrate IP strategy into their respective product and technology developments.
• Champion innovation workshops and IP brainstorming sessions.
• Ensure IP considerations are embedded in project planning and execution.
• Promote and oversee the effective sharing of IP between Business Areas.
External Engagement:
• Manage relationships with external patent counsel, IP consultants, and international patent offices.
• Represent the company in IP-related negotiations, licensing discussions, and potential disputes or litigation.
IP Awareness and Training:
• Develop and lead internal IP education programs to promote a culture of innovation and IP awareness.
• Promote IP awareness across the organization through bulletins and all-hands updates.
• Lead the annual IP awards program to recognize innovation.
Job Requirements:
Education & Experience:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or related technical field
• 10+ years of experience in IP management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in the aerospace, defense, or high-tech sectors, with a strong understanding of space technologies.
Legal Skills:
• Deep knowledge of patent law, IP portfolio management, and international IP frameworks.
• Experience with IP analytics tools, patent databases, and IP management systems.
Leadership & Communication:
• Strong strategic thinking, negotiation, and decision-making skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at all levels of the organization.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Registered Patent Agent or Attorney (USPTO, CIPO, or equivalent).
• LLB/JD or equivalent legal qualification
• Experience in one or more of the fields of Satellite Communications, Earth Observation and Robotics
• Experience managing data as a strategic asset
• Background in establishing industry standards in the context of IP strategy.
• Experience working with space agencies (e.g., NASA, ESA, CSA) or defense contractors.
• Background in managing IP in collaborative R&D environments or public-private partnerships.
Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the reliability status level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP) and ITAR.
MDA provides competitive compensation and benefits packages for its employees at all locations. As a team member of MDA, you and your qualified dependents are eligible to participate in a benefit plan that ensures a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care including extended healthcare and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans; and an employee and family assistance program.
The compensation range for this position is $180,000 - $210,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.
MDA is an equal opportunity employer prizing diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.
