About Mariana Minerals
Mariana Minerals is a software-first, vertically integrated minerals company on a mission to supply the critical minerals powering modern energy, AI, and defense technologies. We’re reimagining the minerals supply chain by combining deep industry expertise with advanced software, automation, and data-driven decision-making.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Intellectual Property Counsel to join our growing legal team. This is a hands-on, generalist IP role for an attorney who wants to own the full range of intellectual property issues at a company building first-of-a-kind technology. You will report to the General Counsel and will be the primary legal resource on patents, trade secrets, trademarks, copyright, domain names, open source, and the IP aspects of our commercial transactions. As the first IP-focused hire, you will help build the infrastructure — policies, processes, templates, and outside counsel relationships — that protects the innovations behind Mariana’s technology and software platforms.
Key Responsibilities
IP Strategy & Portfolio Management
Develop and lead an IP strategy aligned with the company’s technology roadmap and business objectives in collaboration with the broader legal team
Build and manage the patent portfolio, from invention capture through prosecution
Establish a trade secret protection program, including guidance on when to patent versus protect as a trade secret
Oversee the trademark, brand, and domain name portfolios
Transactions & Commercial Support
Draft, review, and negotiate commercial agreement provisions that involve intellectual property, including licenses, strategic partnerships, joint development and research collaborations, software agreements, and purchase agreements.
Lead IP due diligence for financings, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships
Act as a team player and trusted business partner to cross functional project teams to identify risks early and align legal strategy with operational realities
Provide general legal support across the business as the company grows
Required Qualifications
J.D. from an accredited law school and active bar membership in good standing
6+ years of intellectual property experience (law firm and/or in-house), with breadth across patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyright
Demonstrated experience managing patent prosecution and portfolios, including working directly with inventors and directing outside counsel
Experience drafting and negotiating IP-related commercial agreements, including licenses, joint development agreements, technology and software agreements, and IP provisions in broader commercial contracts
Technical fluency and the ability to engage deeply with engineers and scientists on complex processes, hardware, and software, translating technical detail into sound IP strategy
Strong drafting, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to calibrate risk and translate complex legal issues into clear, practical guidance for non-legal stakeholders
Ability to work independently, manage multiple competing priorities, and operate effectively in a fast-moving, resource-constrained environment with limited direction
High degree of ownership and accountability — you see matters through from start to finish and have a low-ego and collaborative approach to tackle projects large and small across the organization
Preferred Qualifications
Registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
Technical degree in chemical engineering, chemistry, materials science, metallurgy, mechanical or electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field
Experience in a fast-paced startup or similar organization, ideally including building an IP function or program from the ground up
Experience with IP in mining, energy, chemicals, advanced materials, industrial processing, robotics, or other physical or deep-tech industries
Experience with international filing strategy (including PCT practice), trade secret programs, and open-source governance
Experience with IP due diligence, licensing transactions, and IP disputes or litigation support
Experience building or improving processes from scratch, including by leveraging software and/or AI
Location
San Francisco, CA or Houston, TX or Remote
May include limited travel expectations as needed.
Our culture is built on four principles:
Everyone Gets Home Safe. We never put speed or cost ahead of people.
Extreme Ownership. We take full responsibility for outcomes, relentlessly driving toward solutions.
Engineer Out Requirements, then Automate. We simplify, optimize, and then automate for scale.
Share Your Legos. We collaborate openly, share knowledge, and empower each other to build bigger, better solutions.
Join us as we build the future of responsible mineral sourcing and supply!