Technical Specialist, Mechanical & Design Group

Lawyers, Agents & Scientists; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 155,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work flexibility

Mentoring program

Relocation assistance

Wellness center and benefits

Life and disability insurance

401(k) plan

Free lunch and beverages

Job summary

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join our Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, DC. The role blends engineering with intellectual property law and offers extensive training, mentoring, and are expected to prepare for and sit for the Patent Bar within the first year at the firm.

We offer hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and a vibrant in-person culture that fosters collaboration, learning, and connection.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or related area of study.
• Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Academic, research, or industry experience, including technical writing.
• Genuine interest in applying your technical background to intellectual property and patent law.

Responsibilities

• Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to research emerging technologies and innovations.
• Collaborate with attorneys in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings.
• Engage with inventors, understand their innovations, and develop technical disclosures with attorneys.
• Support attorneys throughout U.S. and foreign patent prosecution.
• Prepare written and oral technical analyses to support attorneys in developing patent strategies.
• Work with the broader patent team to manage prosecution matters and monitor deadlines.

Education

Mechanical Engineering

Biomedical Engineering

Aerospace Engineering

Physics

Civil Engineering

Job description

Technical Specialist, Mechanical & Design Group

• Posted on October 16, 2026

Locations

Showing 1 location

Washington, D.C.

• Hybrid
• Lawyers, Agents, and Scientists
• Full-Time
• Requisition #: TECHN001745

Description

About the Technical Specialist Role

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join our Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, DC.

We welcome engineers and scientists from industry, academia, and graduate programs who are interested in applying their technical expertise to intellectual property law. Technical Specialists receive extensive training and formal mentoring and are expected to prepare for and sit for the Patent Bar within their first year at the firm.

What Sets Us Apart

• The resources and sophistication of a leading IP law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
• Hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and choice in your in-office schedule
• A vibrant in-person culture that encourages collaboration, learning, and connection
• Free daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista bar
• Dedicated formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors
• Meaningful visibility and impact within a practice group of approximately 55 professionals, where individual contributions are recognized
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and develop a long-term career in patent law
• Recognized multiple times by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal as a great place to work

What You’ll Do

• Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to research emerging technologies and innovations
• Collaborate with attorneys in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings
• Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to engage with inventors, understand their innovations, and develop technical disclosures
• Support attorneys throughout U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
• Prepare written and oral technical analyses to support attorneys in developing patent strategies
• Work with the broader patent team to manage prosecution matters and monitor deadlines

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or related area of study
• Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Relevant academic, research, or industry experience, including technical writing
• Genuine interest in applying your technical background to intellectual property and patent law
• Intellectual curiosity, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for technology, and innovation

Location and Work Arrangement

• Hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with flexible in-office scheduling and a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates.
• Starting salary range for Technical Specialist title: $125,000-$155,000 based on experience, education and qualifications
• Billable Hour Goal: 1,900 hours
• Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an on-site Wellness Center, a 401(k) plan, relocation assistance, backup childcare, wellness programs, and firm-paid life and disability insurance
• 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer

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

Education

Preferred

Bachelors or better in Biomedical Engineering or related field.

Bachelors or better in Civil Engineering or related field.

Bachelors or better in Mechanical Engineering or related field.

Bachelors or better in Physics or related field.

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.