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Patent Engineer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

Patent Attorney Development-oriented and visionary company is looking for a Patent Attorney. Are ... It will be an advantage if you have technical competences in the field of engineering or in physics.

Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner P.A.

S./Ph.D. in engineering, software or related fields, chemistry or biotech * 5+ years of experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications preferred * Industry experience and advanced ...

Schwegman Lundberg & Woessner P.A.

D. in engineering, software or related fields, chemistry or biotech * USPTO registration required * Excellent technical writing and analytical skills What you'll do * Work in a collaborative ...

Green Plains, Inc.

Senior Process Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$103K - $133K/yr

This role involves guiding engineering projects from inception through system start-up ... Leads plant trials and R&D efforts, including patents, ensuring alignment with project goals and ...

Sukup Manufacturing Co.

Be Seen First

Industrial Engineer

Sheffield, IA · On-site

$67K - $90K/yr

Job Summary: The Industrial Engineering role will be incorporated into the Manufacturing ... S. patents, and continues finding ways to make grain storage, drying, and handling more safe ...

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All JobsPatent Engineer JobsPatent Engineer Jobs in Iowa

Patent Engineer information

See Iowa salary details

$69.5K

$143.4K

$281.8K

How much do patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent engineer in Iowa is $143,394.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,700.00 and $169,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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.

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.

Are patent engineers in demand?

Patent engineers are in demand due to the growing need for intellectual property protection across industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and engineering. They often require technical expertise and knowledge of patent law, and employment prospects are strong in regions with active innovation and patent filings.
More about Patent Engineer jobs

What are popular job titles related to Patent Engineer jobs in Iowa?

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

The top searched job categories for Patent Engineer jobs in Iowa are:

Patent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,394 per year, or $68.9 per hour.

Patent Attorney

JBT Marel Corporation

Des Moines, IA • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 days ago

Job description

🚀 We're Hiring: Patent Attorney

Development-oriented and visionary company is looking for a Patent Attorney. Are you experienced within IP and a self-driven person?

📍 Location: JBT Marel Boxmeer

🕒 Employment Type: Full-Time, Hybrid

💼 Department: Poultry - Innovation

💥 Lead the Future of Work at JBT Marel

Are you highly motivated by the prospect of playing an influential role in building a strong global IP organisation?

JBT Marel is looking for a Patent Attorney who can work in close cooperation with the innovation teams in order to support the JBT Marel future innovation strategy.

Due to recent growth, we want to strengthen our In-house Patent team with a skilled and strong Patent Attorney. In this position you will have a decisive influence on strengthening the framework of our Global IP organisation. The Patent team is part of our Global Innovation organisation and you will achieve a profound knowledge of and insight into our product range and the R&D organisation.

🔍 About the Role

As Patent Attorney your main responsibility will be to manage a part of the patent portfolio of JBT Marel. Together with internal collaborators and external strategic partners, you will work on developing a global IP strategy. Globally, you will have 10 skilled and dedicated Patent and Trademark colleagues.

🧠 What You'll Do

Within the innovation group:

  • Discussing inventions and processes with inventors and assess their patentability
  • Patent surveillance, including monitoring competitor patent portfolio
  • Identification of inventions, patent application drafting, patent prosecution, drafting office action responses, managing a global patent portfolio relating to a technology
  • Working with patent attorneys worldwide in defending and enforcing patents
  • Conducting strategic IP due diligence, including analysing third-party patent portfolios to identify competitors and/or potential collaborators
  • Participate in opposition and appeal proceedings at the EPO
  • Conducting freedom to operate studies
  • Contributing to build up a strong Global IP organisation within our global forum
🛠 What You Bring

We encourage each of our 12,000+ employees to bring their unique self to work and aim to make everyone feel recognized, valued and free to explore their potential. We're committed to creating an inclusive culture and welcome new colleagues from all walks of life.

You have gained intellectual property experience, either in industry or in private practice, preferably as a European or nationally qualified patent attorney. It will be an advantage if you have technical competences in the field of engineering or in physics.

  • Profound understanding of scientific and technological principles and processes
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Dutch
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate on all levels and across profession as well as express complex technical ideas in a clear and concise way, and to structure precise, coherent arguments
  • Attention to detail and analytically skilled, with instant progress and improvement in mind
  • Self-motivated and self-driven, wanting to develop yourself and your surroundings
  • You are a team player who enjoys bring a part of an international team, thereby contributing to the overall worldwide success of the company

As a part of our Global IP team, there will be some travelling involved.

🏬 Why Join Us?

There's nothing like the feeling you get when you do something worthwhile for a living. That said, coming home from work knowing you made a difference is just one of the great things you can experience at JBT Marel. You can expect:

  • Freedom to form your role and define your added value to the organization
  • Freedom to take initiative and make a real impact in a growing global business
  • An environment of trust and respect with space to explore and fail
  • A collaborative, inclusive team culture with international cooperation
  • Continuous learning through our advanced learning platform, with unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning and Busuu language learning
  • All the tools you need to succeed: laptop, iPhone, and a fully equipped home office
  • Excellent work life balance, including 42 vacation days, flexible working hours, and hybrid working options
  • A strong pension plan and collective health insurance options
  • An environment built on trust and respect, with room to explore, learn, and even fail
  • To get a career instead of a job. We have many opportunities for internal growth; and we encourage it!
📩 How to Apply

We're excited to learn how you can contribute to our mission of smarter, safer food inspection. Apply now and join a team transforming the future of food processing.

📧Questions? Contact:Maarten Krepel-maarten.krepel@jbtmarel.com

🌐Learn more at: jbtmarel.com

🔗Follow us onLinkedIn

Connect with Talent Acquisition Specialist: www.linkedin.com/in/maartenkrepel

JBT Marel is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in the workplace. We encourage all qualified individuals to apply.

Join us - and be the driving force behind smarter, leaner food production.

#LI-MK1

#LI-Hybrid

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