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Senior Intellectual Property Patent Paralegal

Washington, DC

The Nuclear Company is the fastest growing startup in the nuclear and energy space creating a never before seen fleet-scale approach to building nuclear reactors. Through its design-once, build-many approach and coalition building across communities, regulators, and financial stakeholders, The Nuclear Company is committed to delivering safe and reliable electricity at the lowest cost, while catalyzing the nuclear industry toward rapid development in America and globally.

About the role

The Nuclear Company is seeking a Senior IP Patent Paralegal to join our growing, high-impact Legal team. This role is not just about docketing; it is about establishing, managing, and optimizing the critical processes that protect our competitive edge globally. You will work directly with our Chief Legal Officer, in-house counsel, and external counsel, providing comprehensive support for our domestic and international patent matters. 

This position requires a proactive, detail-oriented individual who thrives in a fast-paced environment where building scalable systems is paramount. 

Responsibilities

  • Patent Portfolio Management: Own and maintain the integrity of our global patent portfolio, managing all domestic (USPTO) and international patent filings, including utility, provisional, design, and PCT applications. 
  • Docketing & System Integrity: Manage our IP docketing system with meticulous accuracy, ensuring all deadlines (official actions, issue fees, annuities, and foreign filings) are met with zero tolerance for error. 
  • Process Creation & Optimization: Design and implement scalable, best-in-class workflows for invention disclosure tracking, patent committee reviews, outside counsel coordination, and budget tracking—building the "system" of IP management from the ground up. 
  • Filing & Prosecution Support: Prepare and file necessary prosecution documents with the USPTO (IDS, formal documents, responses) and coordinate seamless foreign filing through PCT applications and national phase entries. 
  • Budget & Invoice Management: Manage the payment of official fees, review and process external counsel invoices, and track expenditures against the IP budget to provide accurate financial forecasting. 
  • Collaboration: Serve as the primary liaison between internal R&D/Engineering teams, in-house counsel, and a global network of outside counsel and foreign associates. 

Experience

  • Experience: 8+ years of dedicated experience as an IP Patent Paralegal, with significant experience managing both US and foreign patent prosecution. 
  • Technical Acumen: Experience supporting IP in a highly technical or regulated industry (e.g., nuclear, energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing) is highly desirable. 
  • System Mastery: Expert proficiency with a leading IP docketing software (e.g., Anaqua, CPI, Foundation IP) and strong command of USPTO filing procedures via EFS-Web/Patent Center. 
  • Startup DNA: Demonstrated ability to build systems and processes from scratch, thrive in a fluid environment, and manage multiple, competing priorities without heavy supervision. 
  • Detail Orientation: Exceptional organizational skills and a zero-tolerance approach to error in documentation and deadline management. 

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation packages
  • 401k with company match
  • Medical, dental, vision plans
  • Generous vacation policy, plus holidays

Estimated Starting Salary Range
The estimated starting salary range for this role is $118,000 - $140,000 annually less applicable withholdings and deductions, paid on a bi-weekly basis. The actual salary offered may vary based on relevant factors as determined in the Company’s discretion, which may include experience, qualifications, tenure, skill set, availability of qualified candidates, geographic location, certifications held, and other criteria deemed pertinent to the particular role. 

EEO Statement
The Nuclear Company is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an environment of inclusion in the workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, demotion, transfer, compensation, and termination.

Export Control
Certain positions at The Nuclear Company may involve access to information and technology subject to export controls under U.S. law. Compliance with these export controls may result in The Nuclear Company limiting its consideration of certain applicants.

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