Technical Specialist

Sterne Kessler; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

On-site Wellness Center

Relocation expense reimbursement

Flexible spending accounts

Wellness program

Life insurance

AD&D coverage

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Commuter benefit

Back-up childcare

Pet insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join the Electronics Group in Washington, DC, on a hybrid basis with in-office days. Successful candidates will study for the Patent Bar within 1–2 years and become practicing Patent Agents after passing the patent exam.

Role requires a Master’s in electrical or computer engineering and a genuine interest in applying scientific research to IP law. Relocation assistance is offered and a flexible billable-hour framework is used.

Qualifications

• Master’s in electrical/computer engineering required.
• Genuine interest in applying scientific and research experience to IP and patent law.
• PhD preferred for advanced technical roles.

Responsibilities

• Perform research into developing and emerging technologies.
• Prepare written and oral reports to attorneys and/or patent agents.
• Assist and prepare patent applications and other Patent Office filings, such as IDS, replies to Office Actions and Briefs for signature by attorneys and patent agents.
• Interact with inventors to obtain disclosures.
• Maintain and organize prosecution files.
• Assist with prosecution of foreign patent applications by preparing letters of instruction to foreign associates for signature by attorneys and patent agents.
• Maintain and monitor docket of work due dates.

Skills

GEEKy hobby

Enterprising spirit

Education

Master’s in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering

PhD in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering

Job description

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

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

About the Technical Specialist Role

Sterne Kessler is looking for a Technical Specialist to join our Electronics Group. We are looking for top-notch engineers from industry and academia, as well as recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property law. As a Technical Specialist, you will be supported by two formal mentors. Also, Technical Specialists are expected to study and sit for the Patent Bar within their first 1-2 years with the firm. Upon passing the US patent exam, Technical Specialists become practicing Patent Agents.

Role location

This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid basis, with regular in-office days. You have flexibility to pick which days you work in the office. Sterne Kessler offers relocation reimbursement up to a certain amount to offset moving costs.

Responsibilities & Requirements

As a Technical Specialist in the Electronics Group, you will:

• Perform research into developing and emerging technologies
• Prepare written and oral reports to attorneys and/or patent agents
• Assist and prepare patent applications and other Patent Office filings, such as Information Disclosure Statements, replies to Notice to File Missing Parts, responses to Office Actions and Appeal Briefs for signature by attorneys and/or patent agents
• Interact with inventors to obtain disclosures
• Maintain and organize prosecution files
• Assist with prosecution of foreign patent applications by preparing letters of instruction to foreign associates for signature by attorneys and patent agents
• Maintain and monitor docket of work due dates

Requirements

• Master’s in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering.
• Genuine interest in applying your scientific and research experience to the IP and patent law field

Preferred skills

• A GEEKy hobby! Really! Ask about our GEEK WEEK gatherings
• PhD in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering
• An enterprising spirit to build on the comprehensive formal and informal training you will receive

Working with Us

Compensation philosophy

The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range 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.

Salary range

The salary range for this role is $110,000 to $155,000 at a 1900 billable hour goal. Technical Specialists are expected to start with a 1900 billable hour goal.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit
• On-site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office
  • Staffed by a full-time Nurse Practitioner, offers firm employees and other qualified family members with a range of medical services
• Relocation expense reimbursement (up to an approved amount) for moving to the DC metro area
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care
• Wellness program
• Firm-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Firm-paid short and long term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long term disability insurance*, long term care insurance options
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Transportation commuter benefit program
• Back-up childcare and family support
• Pet insurance discount
• Employee Assistance Program services