Patent Engineer (Entry-Level)

Husch Blackwell; St. Louis (MO); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Patent Engineer to join its innovative team. This unique role offers the chance to work on preparing and prosecuting patent applications while collaborating with experienced patent agents and attorneys. Ideal candidates will possess a strong engineering background and a passion for technology, as they will be involved in analyzing patentability and drafting applications that protect cutting-edge inventions. This position not only provides a pathway into the legal field for engineers but also emphasizes professional development and teamwork in a supportive environment. If you thrive on challenges and enjoy learning about new technologies, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Medical and dental coverage

Life insurance

Short-term and long-term disability insurance

Paid Time Off

Paid holidays

Retirement plan participation

Employee assistance program

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field is required.
• Strong analytical, research, and communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the prosecution of patent applications and communicate with Patent Examiners.
• Conduct comprehensive patent searches to assess patentability.
• Draft high-quality patent applications to protect innovative technologies.

Skills

Analytical Skills

Research Skills

Communication Skills

Organizational Skills

Time Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

Job description

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. At Husch Blackwell, we believe that diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes.

We have openings for a Patent Engineer starting in June 2025. This position may be filled in-person or hybrid at our office locations in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, or St. Louis.

The Patent Engineer will collaborate with a team of patent agents, patent and intellectual property (IP) attorneys, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers, focusing on their professional development and assisting with workload management.

This is a non-traditional career path for new engineers, though there are 13,000 engineers/scientists without a law degree in the U.S. working to protect inventions with patents. It may be a great choice if you enjoy learning about new developments in various fields and get excited about explaining or evaluating technologies with others.

This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Essential job functions include:

• Assist attorneys with the prosecution of patent applications (i.e., patent examination), including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
• Conducting and analyzing comprehensive patent searches to identify prior art and assess the patentability of inventions.
• Drafting high-quality patent applications, including detailed written descriptions and figures, to protect innovative technologies.
• Willingness to pursue registration as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within a few years.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent written (technical and persuasive) and verbal communication skills, interacting in a professional and courteous manner with clients and colleagues.
• Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
• Prior experience applying technical knowledge in an engineering internship, teaching assistant, or research assistant role is highly preferred.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The exact compensation will vary based on skills, experience, location, and other factors permitted by law. The expected compensation range for this position is as follows:

• State of Illinois: $70,000 - $100,000

The above salary does not include a discretionary bonus; however, bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full-time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a resume, an unofficial transcript, and one technical writing sample when applying.

Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans.
Principal Applicants Only.

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