Technical Specialist or Junior Patent Agent, Electronics Group

Lawyers, Agents & Scientists; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 165,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid flexibility with remote work

Free daily lunch & coffee

Formal mentoring program

Relocation assistance

On-site Wellness Center

Job summary

Sterne Kessler in Washington, DC seeks a Technical Specialist or junior Patent Agent to join our Electronics Group. This hybrid role offers in-office flexibility, mentorship, and opportunities to advance in patent law. Training and prep for the Patent Bar are provided within the first year.

The candidate will engage with industry and academia, researching technologies and assisting with patent applications, while developing disclosures and managing prosecution timelines.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Engineering or related field.
• Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Interest in applying technical experience to patent law.

Responsibilities

• Research emerging technologies and innovations.
• Assist in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings.
• Work with inventors to understand and develop technical disclosures.
• Support patent prosecution and communication with foreign associates.
• Prepare written and oral analyses for attorneys and patent agents.
• Manage prosecution files and monitor deadlines.

Skills

Strong technical skills

Analytical abilities

Excellent writing skills

Clear communication

Interest in patent law

Education

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering

Master's degree in Computer Engineering

Job description

About the Technical Specialist Role

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist or junior Patent Agent to join our Electronics Group in Washington, DC. We will consider engineers entering patent law as well as registered Patent Agents with one to two years of patent prosecution experience. The title will depend on the selected candidate’s experience and USPTO registration status.

We welcome candidates 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 practice groups of approximately 55-70 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

• Research emerging technologies and innovations
• Assist in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings
• Work with inventors to understand and develop technical disclosures
• Support patent prosecution and communication with foreign associates
• Prepare written and oral analyses for attorneys and patent agents
• Manage prosecution files and monitor deadlines

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Interest in applying technical experience to patent law
• A passion for technology, innovation, and all things geeky

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Research or industry experience in a relevant technical discipline
• Technical writing experience, such as publications, patents, dissertations, or conference papers
• An entrepreneurial mindset and eagerness to learn

Location and Work Arrangement

• Hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with flexible in-office scheduling and a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary range for Technical Specialist title: $125,000-$155,000 based on experience, education and qualifications
• Starting salary range for Patent Agent title: $135,000-$165,000 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.