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Patent Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

MNF Global

Patent Agent - Wireless Telecom

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Collaborate directly with inventors, engineers, and scientists to develop strategic patent portfolios. * Communicate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign patent offices throughout ...

Apple Inc.

Patent Attorney or Agent

Cupertino, CA · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

Handle patent challenges. * Provide guidance in support of patent transactions and licensing ... Work with engineering and other business organizations to understand priorities and challenges.

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$140K - $240K/yr

The ideal candidate will have at least 2 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, along with a degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, computer ...

BakerHostetler

Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Baker Hostetler is looking for a Computer Science/Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering Patent Agent to join our firm. This is a unique opportunity to work in our AmLaw 100 firm and support ...

BakerHostetler

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA

$130K - $180K/yr

Baker Hostetler is looking for a Computer Science/Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering Patent Agent to join our firm. This is a unique opportunity to work in our AmLaw 100 firm and support ...

BakerHostetler

Patent Agent

Costa Mesa, CA · On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Baker Hostetler is looking for a Computer Science/Computer Engineering or Electrical Engineering Patent Agent to join our firm. This is a unique opportunity to work in our AmLaw 100 firm and support ...

Alembic

Patent Counsel

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $200K/yr

About The Role We don't believe in "legal vs. engineering." At Alembic, IP is a core part of our engineering culture. We are seeking a tech-native Patent Attorney or Senior Patent Agent who wants to ...

Lyten, Inc.

Senior Patent & IP Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site

S. and Europe and expanding our team of engineers, scientists, and innovators. Apply now to join ... Lyten is seeking to hire its first Patent & IP Counsel to build and lead the company's intellectual ...

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Showing results 21-40

All JobsPatent Engineer JobsPatent Engineer Jobs in California

Patent Engineer information

See California salary details

$73K

$150.7K

$296.1K

How much do patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent engineer in California is $150,667.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $177,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Patent Engineer vs Patent Agent?

AspectPatent EngineerPatent Agent
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, technical expertiseEngineering or scientific degree, patent law exam
Work EnvironmentR&D departments, patent departments in tech companiesPatent law firms, patent offices, corporate legal teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech, engineering, manufacturing sectorsLegal firms, patent agencies, corporations with patent portfolios
Common Search & ComparisonPatent Engineer vs Patent Agent

While both Patent Engineers and Patent Agents work closely with patents, Patent Engineers focus on technical analysis and patent drafting within companies, whereas Patent Agents are licensed to file and prosecute patents legally. The roles often overlap in technical background, but Patent Agents have legal authority to represent clients before patent offices.

What are the most common challenges faced by patent engineers when collaborating with inventors and R&D teams?

Patent Engineers often encounter the challenge of translating complex technical innovations into clear, legally sound patent documents. Effective collaboration with inventors and R&D teams is essential, as it requires bridging the gap between technical details and patent requirements. Patent Engineers must ask precise questions, ensure thorough disclosure, and sometimes mediate differing perspectives about what aspects of an invention should be emphasized. Building strong communication skills and a solid understanding of both technology and intellectual property law are key to overcoming these challenges.

How much do patent engineers make in the US?

Patent engineers in the US typically earn a median annual salary of around $100,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $70,000 to $130,000 depending on experience, education, and location. They often hold engineering degrees and may require patent law training or certification to advance in the field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent engineer?

To thrive as a Patent Engineer, you need a strong technical background—often a degree in engineering or science—paired with knowledge of intellectual property laws and patent drafting. Familiarity with patent databases, prior art search tools, and patent management software is typically required. Excellent analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication skills are crucial for interpreting inventions and preparing thorough documentation. These skills ensure accurate patent filings, effective communication with inventors and attorneys, and successful protection of intellectual property.

What does a patent engineer do?

As a patent engineer, you review patent applications to help determine whether or not a patent agent should grant a patent for inventions or intellectual property. In this role, you may review a draft of the product, help research any similar existing products, and prepare additional documents and information as necessary. Despite the name, this job is more akin to being an attorney than an engineer, especially when it comes to checking for issues of copyright or patent infringement. Patent engineers should not be confused with patent agents. Patent agents generally have a senior position and make the final decision regarding application matters while patent engineers assist with research and paperwork.

More about Patent Engineer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Patent Engineer jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Patent Engineer jobs in California? For Patent Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patent Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Patent Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Patent Engineer job openings:
Patent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $150,667 per year, or $72.4 per hour.

Patent Agent - Wireless Telecom

MNF Global

Los Angeles, CA • Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Join a Leading National Intellectual Property Practice
NYC

A nationally recognized law firm is seeking a Patent Agent with 3+ years of patent prosecution experience to join its expanding Intellectual Property practice. This opportunity is presented by MNF Global, a national legal search firm specializing in the placement of patent attorneys, patent agents, and other intellectual property professionals.

The successful candidate will work with innovative technology companies on sophisticated patent matters involving next-generation communications, artificial intelligence, automotive systems, software, and other advanced technologies. This role offers significant client interaction, challenging technical work, and excellent long-term career growth.

Role & Responsibilities
  • Prepare and prosecute complex U.S. and international patent applications.
  • Conduct patentability, prior art, and patent landscape analyses.
  • Collaborate directly with inventors, engineers, and scientists to develop strategic patent portfolios.
  • Communicate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign patent offices throughout the prosecution process.
  • Advise clients on patent strategy and intellectual property protection.
  • Work closely with attorneys and technical professionals across a collaborative national IP practice.
Technical Focus

The practice includes technologies such as:

  • 3GPP, LTE, 5G, 5G Advanced or 6G experience
  • Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
  • Software & Computer Systems
  • Electronics & Semiconductor Technologies
  • Emerging Electrical & Computer Technologies
Why Consider This Opportunity
  • Work with sophisticated technology companies and cutting-edge innovations.
  • Significant drafting responsibility and direct client interaction.
  • Collaborative national intellectual property practice with experienced mentors.
  • Strong opportunities for professional growth and long-term career advancement.
  • Excellent platform for building a sophisticated patent prosecution practice.


Requirements


Ideal Candidate Credentials:

  • Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Physics or related degrees.

  • 3+ years of experience in patent prosecution, including U.S. and global applications.

  • Registered to practice before the USPTO.

  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

  • Experience with 5G/6G, AI/ML, Video Compression, EV's automotive software technologies.

  • Familiarity with patent databases and tools.

  • Ability to conduct freedom-to-operate (FTO) analyses, advise on patentability, and manage patent portfolios.



Benefits

Anticipated Compensation and Benefits:

  • Competitive salary range: $150,000 to 200,000, depending on title, technical background and experience.

  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.

  • Bonus potential based on performance and productivity.

  • Strong retirement planning, generous leave, and hybrid flexibility.