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Intellectual Property Engineer Jobs in California

Coherent

AGC - Intellectual Property

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Serve as embedded IP business partner to assign BUs; attend engineering, product, roadmap, and sales reviews on a recurring cadence. * Develop deep technical fluency in supported product lines ...

NBCUniversal

We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film ... The Sr. Counsel, Intellectual Property will serve as the primary point of contact for all IP ...

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All JobsIntellectual Property Engineer JobsIntellectual Property Engineer Jobs in California

Intellectual Property Engineer information

See California salary details

$36

$57

$84

How much do intellectual property engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for intellectual property engineer in California is $57.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.86 and $70.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Intellectual Property Engineer vs Patent Analyst?

AspectIntellectual Property EngineerPatent Analyst
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, IP certificationsLegal or technical background, patent law knowledge
Work EnvironmentR&D labs, tech companies, patent departmentsLegal firms, patent offices, corporate IP teams
Employer & Industry UsageTechnology, manufacturing, R&D sectorsLegal, consulting, patent firms
Common Search & ComparisonTechnical IP roles, patent processPatent research, patent valuation

Intellectual Property Engineers focus on developing, managing, and protecting a company's IP assets, often working closely with R&D teams. Patent Analysts primarily conduct patent research, analysis, and valuation to support patent filing and legal decisions. While both roles require technical knowledge and familiarity with patent processes, the Engineer role is more technical and development-oriented, whereas the Analyst role emphasizes research and legal support.

How does an intellectual property engineer typically collaborate with legal teams and R&D departments?

Intellectual Property Engineers often act as a bridge between technical and legal teams, working closely with R&D to understand innovations and with legal professionals to ensure robust patent filings and IP protection. They translate complex technical concepts into clear documentation, facilitate invention disclosures, and assist in prior art searches. Regular meetings and cross-functional teamwork are common, requiring strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical ideas in legal contexts. This collaboration ensures that valuable innovations are properly protected and aligned with the company's business strategy.

What is an intellectual property engineer?

An Intellectual Property (IP) Engineer is a professional who specializes in protecting, managing, and leveraging intellectual property assets within technology-driven organizations. They often work at the intersection of engineering, law, and business to help companies identify patentable inventions, prepare technical documentation for patent filings, and ensure compliance with IP regulations. IP Engineers may also assist in analyzing patent portfolios, conducting freedom-to-operate searches, and supporting legal teams in IP litigation or licensing deals. Their role is crucial for safeguarding innovations and maintaining a competitive edge in the marketplace.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an intellectual property engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Intellectual Property Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or science, combined with an understanding of patent law and intellectual property processes, often supported by a relevant degree and patent agent or bar registration. Familiarity with patent databases, IP management systems, and technical documentation software is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret inventions and collaborate with inventors and legal teams. These skills ensure accurate protection and management of innovations, maximizing value and minimizing legal risks for organizations.

What does an intellectual property engineer do?

An intellectual property engineer specializes in managing and protecting a company's patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. They analyze inventions, assist with patent applications, and ensure compliance with IP laws, often using technical knowledge and legal understanding to support innovation and legal protection.
What are popular job titles related to Intellectual Property Engineer jobs in California? For Intellectual Property Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Intellectual Property Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Intellectual Property Engineer jobs in California are:
Intellectual Property Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Intellectual Property Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $119,500 per year, or $57.5 per hour.

Senior Intellectual Property Counsel (B5)

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$195K - $268K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago

Applied Materials rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 57 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 537 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$195,000.00 - $268,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
Senior Intellectual Property Counsel
Senior Intellectual Property Counsel V
About the Role
We are seeking a highly technical, hands-on Patent Counsel to support advanced and emerging technology initiatives within the company's R&D and technology organizations. Reporting into the IP Legal team, this role partners closely with engineering teams, business leadership, and senior IP counsel to support the development and execution of IP strategies that protect innovation and enable long-term competitive advantage.
The position requires strong technical depth, a practical and execution-oriented mindset, and the ability to operate effectively in fast-evolving, pre-product environments.
Key Responsibilities
  • Provide IP counsel to engineering and business teams across patents, trade secrets, and other IP matters, aligned with business and technology objectives.

  • Conduct IP landscape analyses, freedom-to-operate assessments, and risk evaluations, translating findings into actionable guidance for technical and business stakeholders.

  • Support development and execution of IP strategies aligned to key product and business drivers (e.g., performance, cost, cycle time), identifying opportunities to strengthen competitive positioning.

  • Manage and develop patent portfolios for assigned programs, including invention capture, prosecution strategy, foreign filing decisions, and outside counsel coordination.

  • Apply & support patent vs. trade secret decision frameworks, assisting in evaluating disclosure risks and supporting implementation of trade secret protection practices.

  • Partner with cross-functional teams (e.g., commercial legal, engineering, supply chain) to support IP aspects of agreements, collaborations, and ecosystem engagements.

  • Support IP enforcement and defensive activities, including claim analysis, prior art review, and collaboration with litigation counsel.

  • Contribute to IP process improvements, training initiatives, and best practices to enhance protection of proprietary technologies.

Skills and Attributes
  • Strong technical capability with the ability to quickly understand complex systems and engage effectively with engineering teams

  • Ability to translate technical developments into practical IP strategies and actions

  • Strong ownership mindset with the ability to operate independently while aligning with broader team and organizational priorities

  • Effective communicator with the ability to influence stakeholders across functions and levels

  • Collaborative, adaptable, and able to operate in dynamic, fast-paced environments

Basic Qualifications (Minimum Qualifications)
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.

  • Active U.S. state bar membership in good standing (California preferred, not required).

  • Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Technical degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a related field.

  • 6-10 years of intellectual property legal experience in a law firm and/or in-house setting, including:

  • U.S. and international patent portfolio development and management, including prosecution strategy and global coordination.

  • Conducting IP landscape analyses and freedom-to-operate assessments.

  • Supporting IP aspects of technology, licensing, or collaboration agreements.

  • IP laws and practices in Asia, including China, Korea, and Taiwan.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced technical degree (MS or PhD) in a relevant discipline

  • Experience working with advanced R&D or CTO-type organizations, supporting early-stage or pre-product technologies

  • Experience with semiconductor or adjacent technologies (e.g., advanced packaging, photonics, optoelectronics, or quantum-related technologies)

  • Experience supporting IP enforcement or dispute strategies, including invalidity and infringement analysis

  • Familiarity with global patent operations, including portfolio management, budgeting, and outside counsel oversight

  • Experience advising on or managing IP portfolios related to semiconductors or emerging technologies (e.g., photonics, optoelectronics, advanced packaging, or quantum-related technologies)

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 25% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
No
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

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