Patent Attorney

Job Description

Patent Attorney

Derby

37 hours per week

Hybrid

We have an exciting opportunity for a Patent Attorney to join our team based in Derby. Rolls-Royce is one of the most enduring and iconic brands in the world and has been at the forefront of innovation for over a century. We design, build and service systems that provide critical power to customers where safety, reliability and performance are paramount.

As a Patent Attorney within this cutting-edge environment, you’ll be part of a team shaping the technological future — protecting innovations that push boundaries on efficiency, sustainability and performance.

Why Rolls-Royce?

At Rolls-Royce we are proud to be a business that has truly helped to shape the modern world and are committed to always being a force for progress; powering, protecting and connecting people everywhere.

By joining Rolls-Royce, you'll have the opportunity to work on world-class solutions, supported by a culture that believes individuality is our greatest strength, and all perspectives, experiences and backgrounds help us innovate and enable our high-performance culture.

Key Accountabilities

• Manage own case portfolio to ensure all drafting, prosecution and advice deadlines are met.
• Instruct and manage outside counsel to provide a good quality work product.
• Maintain awareness and knowledge of changes in IP law to ensure your work-product is current and accurate.
• Provide IP support and guidance to new engineering and technology programmes.

Why this role is unique

• You will work at the heart of a global leader in power system design, manufacturing and servicing.
• You will be at the interface of ground-breaking engineering, new materials, digital technologies, propulsion systems and future-focused programmes.
• You will directly engage with internal experts (designers, engineers, project-leads), Intellectual Property Offices, and our outside counsel to help you formulate strategy and make decisions — ensuring our innovations are protected and commercially robust.
• You will contribute to a legacy of excellence, working with people who are passionate about redefining what’s possible in civil aerospace, defence and power systems.

Essential skills and qualifications

• Degree in Engineering or a relevant science discipline.
• Qualified European (and preferably also, UK) Patent Attorney.
• Strong experience of working with engineering subject matter experts and senior stakeholders to understand and assess technical innovations for patent protection.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills — you need to be a trusted advisor, able to communicate clearly and persuasively across technical and non-technical audiences.
• High personal standards, integrity, and a clear sense of professionalism required to manage complex IP matters in a global, high-stakes environment.

What we offer

We offer excellent development opportunities, a competitive salary, and exceptional benefits. These include bonus, employee support assistance and employee discounts. 

Our vision is to ensure that the excellence and ingenuity that shaped our history continues into our future. Our multi-year transformation programme aims to turn Rolls-Royce into a high-performing, competitive, resilient and growing company. Join us, and it can be your future vision too.

Rolls-Royce are committed to being a respectful, inclusive, and non-discriminatory workplace where individuality is valued, diverse perspectives fuel innovation, and everyone can thrive.

Closing Date: 04/01/2026

As part of our selection process, candidates in certain locations may be asked to complete an online assessment, which can include cognitive and behavioural aptitude testing relevant to the role. If required, full instructions for the next steps will be provided.

Job Category

Intellectual Property

Posting Date

18 Dec 2025; 00:12

Posting End Date

04 Jan 2026