Patent Engineer - Electrical/Computer

Hanley Flight & Zimmerman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan

Hybrid work

Job summary

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC is seeking a Patent Engineer in Chicago to work with inventors on cutting-edge technologies and help protect ideas that move industries forward.

The role leverages an electrical or computer engineering background; no prior legal experience required as HFZ provides training. You will prepare patent applications, develop prosecution strategies, and support technology-focused client portfolios.

Qualifications

• Electrical or computer engineering undergraduate degree.
• Minimum 3.3 GPA preferred.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Interest in learning patent law and working with advanced technology.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparing patent applications and drafting prosecution arguments.
• Develop prosecution strategies and support IP portfolio decisions for technology-focused clients.

Skills

Analytical skills

Written communication

Education

Electrical or Computer Engineering degree

Job description

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC | Full time

Chicago, United States | Posted on 10/15/2026

We are a boutique firm located in the heart of Chicago, specializing in United States and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Our team of practitioners includes many individuals having years of industry experience as engineers and inventors prior to becoming patent attorneys. A combination of significant real world engineering experience and legal experience results in a highly focused and skilled team of practitioners who provide services to numerous Fortune 500 technology companies.

Job Description

Use yourcomputer or electrical engineering background to build a career at theintersection of technology, invention, and patent law. As a Patent Engineer atHanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC, you will work with inventors on cutting-edge technologies and help protect the ideas that move industries forward.

Hanley,Flight and Zimmerman, LLC (HFZ) is seeking individuals interested in pursuing a career as a patent engineer and,if they choose, acareer as a patent attorney. In this role, you will use your technicalbackground to understand inventions, work with inventors and attorneys, helpprepare patent applications, develop prosecution strategies and arguments, andsupport intellectual property portfolio decisions for technology-focusedclients.

This positionis well suited for recent graduates , graduate students, and experienced engineerswho enjoy learning new technologies,writing clearly, and solving complex technical problems in a professionalsetting. Prior legal experience is not required;HFZ provides training and mentorship as you learn patent prosecution fromexperienced practitioners.

HFZ workswith clients in automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, software, artificialintelligence, wireless technologies, oil and gas, consumer products, biomedicaldevices, instrumentation, and automation and process control technologies. Our team of seasoned intellectual property practitioners willhelp you learn patent law from the ground up while exposing you to newtechnologies every day.

Why considerpatent engineering? The role lets you stay close to advanced technology withoutfollowing a traditional engineering track. You will build writing, analytical,client-facing, and legal skills while learning how inventive ideas becomeprotected assets.

HFZ is aboutique intellectual property firm in the heart of Chicago, specializing inU.S. and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Many of ourpractitioners worked as engineers and inventors before becoming patentattorneys, so new patent engineers learn from colleagues who understand boththe technical and legal sides of the work. That combination helps HFZ serve numerous Fortune 500 technology companies while givingearly-career professionals a practical, mentorship-focused environment in whichto grow.

Requirements

• Electrical or computer engineering undergraduate degree
• Excellent undergraduate academiccredentials, with a minimum 3.3 GPA preferred
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Interest in learning patent law andworking with advanced technology

Candidate Preferences

• Advanced engineering degrees, graduatecoursework, research experience, internships, or engineering-related workexperience are preferred.

Compensationand benefits include a salary range of $95,000-$110,000 per year, year-end bonus potential based on productivity, a comprehensive program withhealth, life, and disability insurance, available dental and vision insurance,a 401(k) plan, and hybrid flexibility for this in-office, Chicago-based role.Actual salary may vary based on experience.

Hanley,Flight & Zimmerman, LLC is committed to diversity as a core value of thefirm. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, andcelebrates the diverse voices of our employees. A diverse and inclusiveworkforce enriches our work experience and enhances the value of our legalservices. HFZ is an Equal Opportunity/M/F/Vet/Disabled Employer.