PATENT AGENT ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

Top Echelon LLC; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development resources

Employee assistance programs

Wellness initiatives

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

Top Echelon LLC is seeking a Patent Agent to join its Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Prosecution Practice Group in a hybrid role with San Francisco and other strategic offices. You will help protect AI, software, telecommunications, and hardware innovations by drafting and prosecuting patent applications before the USPTO.

The ideal candidate has a technical degree in EE/CS, USPTO admission, 2+ years of patent experience, strong writing skills, and the ability to work with inventors

Qualifications

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or related field.
• Admission to practice before the USPTO is required.
• 2+ years of patent preparation and prosecution experience.
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills.
• Background drafting patent applications in electrical engineering, software, or computer technologies.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent applications before the USPTO.
• Collaborate with inventors and clients to identify and protect IP.
• Draft patent applications involving complex electrical, software, and computer technologies.
• Analyze inventions and develop strategic patent protection recommendations.
• Conduct patentability assessments and support portfolio development.
• Collaborate with attorneys and technical professionals on domestic and international matters.

Skills

Technical communication

Electrical engineering

Computer science

Patent prosecution

USPTO admission

Inventor collaboration

Education

Bachelor's in EE/CS

Master's/PhD in related field

Tools

Patent drafting software

Job description

Multiple Locations Available...full list at the bottom of this description.

PATENT AGENT – ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING & COMPUTER SCIENCE

HYBRID

Our Client

Our client, a prestigious AmLaw 100 law firm, is seeking a talented Patent Agent to join its Electrical Engineering & Computer Science Patent Prosecution Practice Group. This is an exciting opportunity to work with innovative companies, emerging technologies, and sophisticated patent portfolios while collaborating with a nationally recognized intellectual property team.

The successful candidate will assist clients in protecting advancements across a wide range of technologies, including artificial intelligence, telecommunications, autonomous systems, software, cybersecurity, and next-generation hardware platforms.

Candidate Profile

• Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Software Engineering, Computer Science, Physics, or a related technical discipline
• Admission to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) required
• 2+ years of patent preparation and prosecution experience
• Strong technical aptitude with the ability to quickly understand and communicate complex innovations
• Background drafting and prosecuting patent applications in electrical engineering, software, or computer-related technologies
• Familiarity with emerging technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, telecommunications, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and hardware security solutions
• Excellent technical writing, analytical, and communication skills
• Ability to work directly with inventors, engineers, researchers, and in-house intellectual property teams
• Prior law firm, engineering, research, or industry experience preferred
• Strong attention to detail, sound judgment, and exceptional organizational skills

Preferred Technical Background

Candidates with familiarity in one or more of the following areas are particularly encouraged to apply:

• Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Neural Networks
• Telecommunications, including 5G, 6G, and related technologies
• Autonomous Driving and Intelligent Transportation Systems
• Radio Frequency (RF) Circuitry
• Hardware Security and Communications Security
• Encryption and Decryption Technologies
• Software and Computer-Implemented Inventions

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, file, and prosecute patent application(s) before the USPTO
• Work closely with inventors and clients to identify and protect valuable intellectual property
• Draft patent applications involving complex electrical, software, communications, and computer technologies
• Analyze inventions and develop strategic patent protection recommendations
• Conduct patentability assessments and support broader patent portfolio development effortsAssist with intellectual property strategy and portfolio management initiatives
• Collaborate with attorneys and technical professionals on sophisticated domestic and international patent matters

Why Join Us?

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a highly regarded intellectual property practice that advises innovative companies across a broad spectrum of technologies. Professionals in this group work directly with inventors, engineers, startups, and established industry leaders on cutting-edge advancements that are shaping the future of technology.

The firm offers a collaborative and entrepreneurial environmen t that emphasizes mentorship, professional development, and long-term career growth. Team members enjoy meaningful client interaction, sophisticated technical work, and the opportunity to develop deep subject‑matter expertise across rapidly evolving industries.

Compensation & Benefits

Competitive Salary: $140,000 - $250,000 annually, commensurate with experience, technical background, and qualifications.

Performance-Based Bonus: Eligible for discretionary bonus opportunities based on individual and firm performance.

Comprehensive Benefits Package: Includes medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; 401(k) retirement savings plan; paid time off; parental leave; healthcare spending accounts; and additional wellness and financial benefits.

Additional Perks: Includes professional development resources, employee assistance programs, wellness initiatives, and a supportive culture designed to promote long-term success both personally and professionally.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, undergraduate transcript, graduate transcript (if applicable), and a writing sample (preferably a patent application) for consideration.

Locations

Preferred Office Locations:

• Los Angeles, CA
• San Francisco, CA
• Denver, CO
• Atlanta, GA
• Houston, TX
• St. Louis, MO
• Kansas City, MO

Additional firm locations may be considered based on candidate qualifications and business need.

Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer.