Electrical and/or Computer Engineering Patent Agent

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. seeks a Patent Agent in the Electronics group in the Washington, DC area. The role emphasizes 5G/wireless, semiconductors, and computer architecture, with mentors and clear growth paths.

You will draft patent applications, perform searches, and collaborate with inventors and attorneys. Hybrid work options may be available; strong academics and 2–3 years of experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of patent agent experience or related practice.
• Masters or PhD preferred in electrical or computer engineering.
• Strong academic credentials with demonstrated technical chops.

Responsibilities

• Conduct patent searches for wireless, semiconductor, computer architecture and related electrical inventions.
• Draft patent applications with technical accuracy and legal compliance.
• Collaborate with inventors and attorneys to gather information for filings.
• Respond to office actions to secure patent allowances.
• Perform patentability and freedom-to-operate assessments.
• Keep up-to-date with patent laws and emerging technologies.
• Conduct research into developing technologies.

Skills

5G / LTE wireless

Semiconductors

Computer architecture

Chip / microprocessor expertise

AI / ML basics

Education

Masters in electrical/computer engineering

PhD in electrical/computer engineering

Job description

Who are we?

Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proudly one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We are the only DC law firm ranked as Chambers “Band 1” for patent prosecution and we are a Vault “Best Midsize Firm to Work For.” While our awards speak for themselves, we know our culture is what sets us apart in the industry. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual that contributes to our shared success. We have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance.

What do we offer?

The Electronics group works with some of the most cutting-edge innovators all over the world. As a Patent Agent in the Electronics group, you will be supported by two formal mentors and you have the opportunity to request a mentor change every year. We are seeking Patent Agents with expertise in one or more of these specialties:

• 5G and LTE wireless communications knowledge and experience
• Semiconductor knowledge and experience
• Computer architecture, chip architecture, microprocessors and advanced microprocessors knowledge and experience

At Sterne Kessler, Patent Agents have career options! As a Patent Agent, you can choose to develop your long-term career as a Patent Agent or consider eventually applying to law school and exploring becoming an Associate. The firm will support you in deciding on your own individual career path.

The Electronics Group prefers Patent Agents newly joining the firm to be located in the Washington, DC area or be willing to relocate to the DC area. However, we can be flexible for the right candidate.

While we are most interested in Patent Agents, this posting is also open to junior-level patent prosecution Associates who have experience in wireless communications, semiconductors, and/or computer architecture, chip architecture, and microprocessors.

The good faith starting base salary range for this position is $130,000 - $160,000 at a 1900 hour billable goal. The actual salary rate offered to candidates will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.

How will you make an impact?

• Conducting patent searches to assess the novelty and patentability of wireless, semiconductor, computer architecture, and other electrical and computer engineering inventions.
• Drafting and preparing patent applications, ensuring technical accuracy and compliance with legal requirements.
• Collaborating with inventors and attorneys to gather essential information for patent filings.
• Evaluating and responding to office actions from patent offices to secure patent allowances.
• Conducting patentability and freedom-to-operate assessments for electrical engineering inventions.
• Keeping up-to-date with changes in patent laws and regulations relevant to electrical engineering.
• Performing research into developing and emerging technologies.

What will you bring to the role?

• About 2-3 years of experience practicing as a Patent Agent, but we are flexible on years of previous Patent Agent experience.
• Masters or PhD preferred in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering.
• Stellar academic credentials.
• Demonstrated technical chops in a needed area of expertise, namely 5G/wireless communications, computer architecture, semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, deep learning, software engineering, programming, etc.
• A GEEKy hobby! Really! Ask about our GEEK WEEK gatherings.
• An enterprising spirit to build on the comprehensive formal and informal training you will receive.
• Hybrid work model preferred: We prefer that new hires maintain a regular in-office presence (flexible on number of times per week), but will consider remote work arrangements on a case-by-case basis.

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.