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Patent Agent Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Raleigh, NC · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Charlotte, NC · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Austin, TX · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Austin, TX · On-site

$156K - $197K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$187K - $236K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Seattle, WA · On-site

$187K - $236K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Dallas, TX · On-site

$156K - $197K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Washington, DC · Hybrid

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$187K - $236K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$171K - $216K/yr

The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions ... The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering ...

Law Firm

Be Seen First

Patent Agent

Washington, DC · Remote

$180K - $225K/yr

Billable Hours: 1,400/year National law firm has an immediate opening for a Patent Agent who will ... engineering, computer engineering, computer science, or a related physical science or engineering ...

Burr & Forman

Patent Agent

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Bachelor's degree in science or engineering. Ideal candidate will have a degree in electrical ... Patent Agent applicants must be a registered patent agent with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

MP Materials Corp.

Patent Agent

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

The Patent Agent will play a critical role in identifying, protecting, and strengthening the ... Conduct invention harvesting sessions with engineers and technical teams, with an emphasis on ...

Direct Counsel

Patent Agent/Advisor (Medtech)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$125K - $205K/yr

Patent Agent/Advisor (Medtech) Locations: Boston, MA | Chicago, IL | Washington, DC | New York, NY ... The ideal candidate will have a degree in mechanical, chemical, or biomedical engineering (or a ...

SNAP Diagnostics

Patent Agent

Anderson, SC · On-site

TTI Consumer Power Tools, Inc., is seeking to fill an in-house Patent Agent position located at its ... Advise TTICPT business and engineering personnel in matters of product clearance, patentability ...

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All JobsLegal JobsLegal Specialist JobsPatent Law Specialist JobsPatent Agent Engineer Jobs

Patent Agent Engineer information

See salary details

$57K

$115.5K

$169K

How much do patent agent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent agent engineer in the United States is $115,452.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $115,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent agent engineer?

Patent Agent Engineers are professionals who combine technical expertise in engineering with specialized knowledge of patent law and procedures. They are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) to represent inventors in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. While they are not attorneys, they can advise clients on patentability and help protect intellectual property rights for inventions. Their background allows them to understand complex engineering inventions and communicate effectively with both inventors and patent examiners.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a patent agent engineer?

To thrive as a Patent Agent Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or a related technical field, along with registration as a Patent Agent with the USPTO. Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management software, and strong technical writing skills are typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills are crucial for accurately preparing patent applications, communicating complex inventions, and ensuring legal compliance throughout the patent process.

How does a patent agent engineer collaborate with inventors and R&D teams during the patent application process?

Patent Agent Engineers frequently work closely with inventors and research and development (R&D) teams to understand new technologies and innovations. They facilitate technical discussions to gather detailed information necessary for drafting accurate and effective patent applications. This role often involves translating complex engineering concepts into clear, legally sound language, and may require ongoing communication to address questions from patent examiners. Successful collaboration not only ensures the strength of patent filings but also fosters innovation by helping teams navigate intellectual property protection efficiently.

What is the difference between Patent Agent Engineer vs Patent Attorney?

AspectPatent Agent EngineerPatent Attorney
CredentialsEngineering degree, patent bar examLaw degree, patent bar exam
Work EnvironmentPatent offices, R&D departments, law firmsLaw firms, corporate legal teams, patent offices
Industry UsageDrafting and prosecuting patents, technical analysisLegal advice, patent litigation, licensing

Patent Agent Engineers primarily focus on drafting and prosecuting patents using their engineering expertise and passing the patent bar exam. Patent Attorneys, in addition to technical skills, have law degrees and can handle legal matters like litigation and licensing. Both roles are essential in the patent process, but Patent Agent Engineers are more technically oriented, while Patent Attorneys provide legal counsel.

More about Patent Agent Engineer jobs

What states have the most Patent Agent Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Patent Agent Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Patent Agent Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Patent Agent Engineer jobs are:

Patent Agent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Agent Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,452 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

Patent Agent

McGuireWoods LLP

Raleigh, NC • Hybrid

Full-time

PTO

Posted 20 days ago

McGuireWoods rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

22nd of 35 rated law firms

Job description

McGuireWoods LLP is seeking a Patent Agent to join our team. The Patent Agent will prepare original patent applications, prepare responses to office actions received from the USPTO, and handle routine correspondence with the USPTO. The ideal candidate must be registered with the USPTO, have a degree in Software Engineering, Chemical Engineering or Chemistry, and experience and interest preparing patent applications.

McGuireWoods, one of the world’s leading law firms, has provided legal solutions to corporate, individual and nonprofit clients since 1834. Along with excellent benefits, McGuireWoods offers most employees a hybrid remote option allowing flexibility and work-life balance. Our Applicant Disclosures describe your rights. Our Privacy Statement describes how we will process and safeguard your personal data.


  • Writes new patent applications for filing at USPTO.
  • Analyzes and revises patent agreements and assists with appeals, inferences, reexaminations, interviews and reissues.
  • Negotiates and drafts patent agreements; prepares documents for filing and processing.
  • Drafts responses to USPTO office actions.
  • Performs patentability and freedom-to-operate searches, publication clearance reviews and assists in maintaining an active prosecution docket.

  • Requires Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Science and a minimum of three years of experience drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications in the USPTO for an intellectual property law firm. 
  • Must be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (PTO).
  • Must have excellent communication and organizational skills.
  • Ability to respond effectively to clients, employees and management and handle sensitive and/or confidential communications.
  • Must be self-motivated and have the ability to work under time restraints and deadlines.
  • Interest in using innovative AI technology, including Harvey and Copilot, to support efficient high-impact work.

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