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Patent Associate Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Whirlpool

Associate, Engineering

Benton Harbor, MI · On-site

This role in summary Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for an Associate, Engineering role ... Drive intellectual property protection by submitting patents applications Minimum requirements

Clarivate

IP Admin Senior Analyst

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

$50K - $76K/yr

Associate's degree or equivalent relevant work experience * 1+ years of patent paralegal and docketing experience * Experience using IP management software * Experience in Microsoft Suite: Outlook ...

Clarivate

IP Admin Senior Analyst

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$50K - $76K/yr

Associate's degree or equivalent relevant work experience * 1+ years of patent paralegal and docketing experience * Experience using IP management software * Experience in Microsoft Suite: Outlook ...

Clarivate Analytics

IP Admin Senior Analyst

Ann Arbor, MI · Hybrid

$50K - $76K/yr

Associate's degree or equivalent relevant work experience * 1+ years of patent paralegal and docketing experience * Experience using IP management software * Experience in Microsoft Suite: Outlook ...

Stretch Zone - 1120

Stretch Practitioner

Portage, MI · On-site

$17 - $20.75/hr

As a Lead Sales Associate at Stretch Zone, your primary job is to manage the studio and help people ... Using our patented and proprietary equipment, Stretch Zone practitioners follow specific protocols ...

Stretch Zone - 1120

Stretch Practitioner

Portage, MI · On-site

$18 - $20/hr

As a Lead Sales Associate at Stretch Zone, your primary job is to manage the studio and help people ... Using our patented and proprietary equipment, Stretch Zone practitioners follow specific protocols ...

Hi-Lex Controls

Engineering Manager

Rochester Hills, MI · On-site

$85 - $115/hr

Promotes an associate relations environment that is consistent with long‑term management objectives. * Pursues patents when appropriate. * Performs other duties as necessary. * 5S Leadership.

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPatent Associate JobsPatent Associate Jobs in Michigan

Patent Associate information

See Michigan salary details

$64.5K

$133.1K

$261.5K

How much do patent associate jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent associate in Michigan is $133,063.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,200.00 and $156,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent associate?

A Patent Associate is a legal professional, often with a technical or scientific background, who assists in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. They work under the supervision of patent attorneys or agents and help clients secure protection for their inventions. Patent Associates conduct prior art searches, draft patent specifications, respond to office actions from patent offices, and may provide technical expertise in patent litigation or portfolio management. Their role is critical in ensuring that inventions are properly described and legally protected according to intellectual property laws.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Patent Associate, you need a solid understanding of patent law, technical expertise in a scientific or engineering discipline, and a relevant degree—often paired with passing the patent bar exam. Familiarity with patent filing systems, prior art search databases, and docketing software is typically required. Exceptional analytical thinking, written communication, and attention to detail are crucial soft skills for drafting and prosecuting patent applications. These capabilities ensure accurate, high-quality patent submissions and effective protection of clients' intellectual property.

What are some common challenges patent associates face when working with inventors and research teams?

Patent Associates often encounter challenges in translating complex technical concepts from inventors and research teams into clear, legally robust patent applications. Effective communication is key, as they must bridge the gap between technical experts and legal requirements, ensuring all inventive aspects are accurately captured and protected. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and balancing multiple projects simultaneously is common, requiring strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Collaboration with inventors, attorneys, and sometimes clients is frequent, making teamwork and adaptability essential in this role.

What is the difference between Patent Associate vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent AssociatePatent Agent
Required CredentialsLaw degree, Patent Bar exam, technical backgroundTechnical degree, Patent Bar exam, no law degree required
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, corporate legal departments, patent law firmsPatent law firms, corporate legal departments, patent agencies
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals, law firms, corporationsPatent law firms, patent agencies, corporations

Patent Associates typically hold a law degree and pass the Patent Bar exam, working in legal settings to draft and prosecute patents. Patent Agents usually have a technical degree and pass the Patent Bar but do not hold a law degree, focusing on patent prosecution in law firms or patent agencies. Both roles require passing the Patent Bar and work closely with patent applications, but Patent Associates often have broader legal responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patent jobs in Michigan?

The most popular types of Patent jobs in Michigan are:

What are popular job titles related to Patent Associate jobs in Michigan?

For Patent Associate jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patent Associate jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Patent Associate jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Patent Associate jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Patent Associate job openings:

Patent Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Associate job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 65% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $133,063 per year, or $64 per hour.

Associate, Engineering

Whirlpool

Benton Harbor, MI • On-site

Full-time

PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Whirlpool rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 166 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

93rd of 161 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Requisition ID: 72373
About Whirlpool Corporation
Whirlpool Corporation (NYSE: WHR) is a leading home appliance company, in constant
pursuit of improving life at home. As the only major U.S.-based manufacturer of kitchen
and laundry appliances, the company is driving meaningful innovation to meet the evolving
needs of consumers through its iconic brand portfolio, including Whirlpool, KitchenAid,
JennAir, Maytag, Amana, Brastemp, Consul, and InSinkErator. In 2025, the company reported
approximately $16 billion in annual net sales - close to 90% of which were in the Americas -
41,000 employees, and 35 manufacturing and technology research centers. Additional
information about the company can be found at WhirlpoolCorp.com.
This role in summary
Whirlpool is seeking a qualified candidate for an Associate, Engineering role to join the Refrigeration team in Benton Harbor, MI. This role will be onsite at Benton Harbor Tech Center (BHTC).
Your responsibilities will include
  • Product Development projects for the refrigeration business with a focus on Cooling, Ice & Water (I&W) System.
  • Concurrent engineering application: Design Concept development & evaluation, , design & process variation control plan, Component & System Level Verification and Validation
  • Deliver critical KPIs of the Cooling I&W system (Product Leadership, Regulatory, Safety, & Premium Quality)
  • Design capture by use of Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA), requirements capture, Design guides, Test to Fail/ Test to Learn, Simulations, A3s, etc
  • Use of OPEx (Six Sigma) tools and fundamentals to drive product development. Use of critical thinking, Design of Experiments (DOEs), Component of Variations (COVs), Thought Maps, Process Maps, etc
  • Drive intellectual property protection by submitting patents applications

Minimum requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
  • 1+ years of experience working in an Engineering or manufacturing environment

Preferred skills and experiences
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Courses in WPD, Six Sigma Green Belt
  • Knowledge of Thermodynamics & Fluid Mechanics
  • Analytical skills, critical thinking, and engaging cross-functional teams of multiple process partners to a consensus
  • Written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills
  • Meet stringent deadlines; handle multiple tasks
  • Self-driven and motivated

What we offer
Generous benefits package, Whirlpool employee discount, fitness & educational reimbursement programs, kitchenettes, and more! Saint Joseph/Benton Harbor locations: Beautiful, recently renovated office space, free coffee, biking/walking trails, and access to The Eddy - Early Childhood Center (depending upon availability - additional costs required).
Additional information
Whirlpool's Ways of Working
Our goal is to provide an environment that helps you bring your best to Whirlpool every day. We offer flexibility and industry-leading time-off benefits that will help you balance what's important at work and at home, including:
  • Always On Flexibility - You will have the autonomy to manage personal, family, and outside-of-work commitments as needed.
  • Two-Week Work from Anywhere - Minimum of one-week increments for a total of two weeks per year.
  • Sabbatical - Four weeks paid leave after every five years of service.

Connect with us and learn more about Whirlpool Corporation
See what it's like to work at Whirlpool by visiting Whirlpool Careers. Additional information about the company can be found on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.
Whirlpool Corporation is committed to equal employment opportunity and prohibits any discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender expression or identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable law.
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