Analyst - Tech & IP Advisory

Company Overview  

Hilco Global, a subsidiary of ORIX Corporation USA, is a diversified financial services company that delivers integrated professional services and capital solutions that help clients maximize value and drive performance across the retail, commercial and industrial, real estate, manufacturing, brand and intellectual property sectors, and more. Hilco Global provides a range of customized solutions to healthy, stressed, and distressed companies to resolve complex situations and enhance long-term enterprise value. Hilco Global works to deliver the best possible result by aligning interests with clients and providing strategic advice and, in many instances, the capital required to complete the deal. Hilco Global is based in Northbrook, Illinois and has more than 850 professionals operating on four continents. Visit  

Position Overview

Join our expanding technology team as a Tech & IP Analyst. We are a small company with a diverse group of expert engineers, scientists, and legal professionals who continuously develop our knowledge of technology relating to patents and the products that use it. The technology we assess varies constantly, so learning and adapting quickly is fundamental to our success. Our standard is to produce accurate results with high quality. We strive to improve efficiency and accuracy by innovating new procedures. Our technology scope is primarily patents and standards in the fields of electronics, energy, semiconductors, systems, and software products.

The primary functions are to perform lab testing of products, collect detailed evidence of how they function, and then communicate the results to non-technical customers. It is important to be able to independently assess whether the testing is proceeding correctly. Depending on the technology area under review the work will be under the supervision of one of the senior technical team members. The customers include both internal and external business and legal leaders.

Responsibilities & Duties

• Reverse engineering consumer and other similar devices (taking things apart, testing them and describing and documenting how they work)
• Search for, interpret, and apply technical documentation such as datasheets, hardware manuals, and component specifications
• Evaluate electronic components and subsystems through datasheet-driven analysis and comparison
• Develop reverse engineering cost estimates, plans, and timetables
• Develop and execute test methodologies/plans
• Develop detailed work schedules to meet project commitments
• Maintain detailed lab notes for data gathered and procedures followed
• Create detailed technical reports to document findings and present the findings to internal and external teams. Results must be delivered clearly and concisely.
• Assess numerous engineering and legal factors to extract patent value proposition
• Identify the products and services to which a patent claim relates
• Explain complex technical issues to nontechnical audiences
• Isolate critical technical components of patents, products, and services
• Learn and apply legal concepts related to patents including prosecution and litigation
• Research timeliness of patents in support of validity challenges and prior art reports
• Support analysis conclusions with research driven logic and confidence
• Collaborate across the organization in-person and with virtual, global teams
• Share assessment and communicate findings to relevant internal and external customers
• Maintain awareness of emerging technologies, standards, and device architectures relevant to consumer electronics and wireless systems

Qualifications

• Bachelor or Masters in an Engineering or Science area; relevant degree areas are: Electrical, Software, Computer, and Systems programs or similar
• Able to work independently and as a team player to lead task activities to meet aggressive research objectives
• Able to work in our lab in Ottawa, Canada. Several days a week.
• Ability to work on multiple projects in parallel
• Ability to travel to the USA and potentially overseas Asia and Europe
• Previous reverse engineering or hands on lab work experience an asset

Preferred Additional Skills

• Static and dynamic analysis techniques
• System design or analysis
• An ability to work discreetly and sensitively on highly confidential projects
• An enquiring mind and the ability to learn quickly and understand incredibly complex technological processes
• Experience with network protocols
• Experience with radio protocols, cellular, Bluetooth, RFID, Wi-Fi, Global Positioning System, etc.
• Experience with mobile device operating systems, applications, or hardware
• Laboratory work, prototyping, or maker experience
• Experience with standards groups e.g.: Bluetooth, IEEE, 3GPP, ATIS, IETF, etc...
• Reading skills in Asian or European languages can be useful
• Experience with circuit analysis and electronic component-level troubleshooting
• Experience with schematic reading and interpreting complex hardware designs
• Familiarity with embedded systems architecture and low-level hardware/software interaction
• Experience with hardware debugging tools such as oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, and spectrum analyzers
• Knowledge of PCB design principles, signal integrity, and power management concepts
• Experience with reverse engineering of hardware interfaces and communication buses (e.g., I2C, SPI, UART, CAN)
• Understanding of secure hardware design
• Familiarity with RF testing, antenna behavior, and wireless coexistence issues

Annual base salary gross: $70,000-$100,000 CAD. The base salary range represents the estimated low and high end of Hilco's salary for this position based on geography. Actual base salaries will vary and will be based on various factors, such as candidate's qualifications, skills, competencies and proficiency for the role. The base pay is one component of Hilco's total compensation package for employees. Other rewards and benefits include cash bonuses, long term incentives, health insurance, accident and life insurance, and retirement benefits.

Hilco Global is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified candidates will be considered on merits and without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, gender, veteran, or disability status.

Hilco Global strives to comply with all applicable local/state regulations regarding displaying salary ranges. Any offered salary is determined based on relevant factors such as applicant's skills, job responsibilities, prior relevant experience, certain degrees and certifications and market considerations. In addition, Hilco Global is proud to offer a comprehensive, competitive benefits package, with options designed to help you make the best decisions for yourself, your family, and your lifestyle. Available benefits are based on eligibility. Our Total Rewards package includes a variety of medical and dental plans, vision coverage, disability and life insurance, 401(k) plans, and a robust suite of personal well-being benefits to support your mental health.