Assistant Patent Search Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Join Kyocera International, Inc.
We're hiring a Patent Agent at our San Diego facility!
Salary Range: Pay Range $111,352 - $161,235 annually
(Final offer based on experience, education, skills, and market factors)
Why Kyocera?
With nearly 80,000 employees worldwide, Kyocera is a global leader in advanced ceramic technologies used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and semiconductor industries. Our materials power everything from smartphones to space shuttles - and we're just getting started.
What Makes Us Stand Out?
We don't just offer jobs - we offer careers with purpose, stability, and growth. Here's what you can expect:
Generous Time Off

• 3 weeks of vacation to start (120 hours/year)
• 10 paid holidays annually

Financial Wellness

• Competitive pay
• 401(k) with company match
• Employer-paid pension plan

Comprehensive Health Coverage

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Investing in You

• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off to volunteer
• Flexible schedules

Work-Life Balance & Culture

• Onsite gyms, walking tracks, and employee gardens at larger locations
• Long-tenured team (many with 30+ years of service!)
• Inclusive and diverse workforce
• A company philosophy rooted in doing the right thing as a human being

Our Philosophy
Kyocera's culture is deeply inspired by our founder, Dr. Kazuo Inamori. His values guide our decisions and shape our workplace. Learn more about our guiding principles here:
Kyocera Values
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply today and become part of a team that's shaping the future - one innovation at a time.
Exempt: Yes
Safety Sensitive: No
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION
The Patent Agent is responsible for working with the Legal and IP team, outside patent prosecution and litigation counsel, and KII's R&D and business units, to identify inventions, draft provisional patent applications, assist in drafting and prosecuting non-provisional patent applications, and perform patent-related research and analysis.
REQUIREMENTS
A degree in electrical engineering, telecommunications engineering, RF/RFIC engineering, or equivalent technical experience.
A minimum of three years of work experience in the electrical/telecommunications/RFIC technologies patent prosecution field.
Familiarity with Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) practice is preferred.
Candidates currently licensed to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office as an agent are preferred, but consideration will be made to candidates with experience who are planning to take the Bar.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Evaluating the patentability of innovations and invention disclosures.
Preparing, drafting and filing provisional patent applications.
Drafting responses to domestic and foreign Office Actions.
Performing research and analysis and providing guidance on a variety of patent and Intellectual Property related issues.
Performing prior art database searches for patentability and freedom to operate analyses.
Preparing draft amendments to patent claims, specifications and abstracts.
Assisting patent attorneys with global prosecution, monitoring and reporting complex patent families.
Qualifications Required:
Experience in harvesting patent applications from research and development teams, drafting provisional patent applications based on discussions with engineers and/or invention disclosures, and assisting in the prosecution of pending applications.
Proficiency in Windows operating systems and Microsoft Office Suite and/or related software. Familiarity with docketing systems and patent search tools.
Excellent academic credentials and references.
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
Strong problem-solving skills.
Ability to prioritize and manage time effectively and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously.
Excellent organization and communication skills, both oral and written.
Strong attention to detail.
Perform any other related duties as required or assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty mentioned satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
The following physical activities described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously required to sit, talk or hear; regularly required to stand; frequently required to walk; and occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds, regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
The following work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the functions of this job, the employee is continuously exposed to extreme cold; regularly exposed to fumes or airborne particles; .
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The above statements are intended to describe the work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required. The duties and responsibilities of this position are subject to change and other duties may be assigned or removed at any time. This position may require exposure to information subject to US Export Control regulations, i.e.: the International Traffic and Arms Regulations (ITAR) or Export Administration Regulations (EAR). All applicants must be US persons within the meaning of US regulations.
Kyocera International, Inc. values diversity in its workforce, and is proud to be an AAP/EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or on the basis of disability.
If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process, or are limited in the ability or unable to access or use this online application process and need an alternative method for applying, you may contact Kyocera International, Inc. Human Resources team directly.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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.