Licensing Officer

Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance
Citizenship: U.S. citizenship required

Job Description

The Licensing Officer supports our technology transfer mission by evaluating intellectual property, identifying commercialization opportunities, managing licensing activities, and working collaboratively with technical, legal, and business stakeholders.

The successful candidate will manage a portfolio of licensing opportunities, contribute to licensing strategy, and assist in negotiating agreements that advance the Laboratory's mission while supporting government sponsor objectives.

Essential Functions

• Identify potential licensees in the defense industrial base, large industry leaders, small businesses, and spinout/startup companies.

• Evaluate the commercial potential and value proposition of intellectual property assets, including patents, software, and other technology assets, in the context of industry trends and partner business goals.

• Participate in the negotiation and execution of license agreements and related technology transfer agreements under the guidance of senior staff, as appropriate.

• Understand technology sensitivities related to national security classification and export controls and address them appropriately during license negotiations and execution.

• Collaborate with the IP management team to understand available assets and provide feedback on patent prosecution and IP protection strategies based on licensee needs and progress.

• Work with the collaborative research contracting team to ensure strategic alignment between sponsored research agreements and parallel or future licensing transactions.

• Collaborate with marketing and business development teams to maximize the effectiveness of outreach efforts.

• Develop and maintain productive relationships with MIT campus Technology Licensing Office staff to ensure effective information exchange, co-management of overlapping cases, and adherence to best practices for licensing under MIT policies.

• Manage a diverse portfolio of cases, developing licensing strategies such as express licensing, exclusive and non-exclusive licensing, and open-source approaches that align with government sponsor and national security goals.

Requirements

• Minimum of a bachelor's degree in Physical Sciences, with preference given to candidates with degrees in Electrical Engineering or a related field.

• Advanced technical degree preferred but not required.

• Approximately 2–5 years of relevant professional experience in engineering, technology commercialization, intellectual property, product management, business development, research administration, technology transfer, or a related field.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, exercise sound judgment, and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.

• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with careful attention to detail.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with researchers, attorneys, government sponsors, and industry representatives.

• Experience with intellectual property, licensing, contracts, or commercialization activities preferred but not required.

• Familiarity with federal research environments, government technology transfer, or national security technologies desirable.

• U.S. citizenship required.

• Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.

Compensation and Benefits

Hiring Range: $99,300–$131,600

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans

• Funded pension

• Matching 401(k)

• Paid leave, including vacation, sick, parental, and military leave

• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs

• Mentorship programs

• Work-life balance options

• The salary range represents base compensation only. Final compensation depends on experience, qualifications, internal equity, and other applicable considerations.

Additional Information: The selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret-level DoD security clearance.