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Patent Engineer Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Geotek LLC

Applications Engineer

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

We're the manufacturer and we hold the patents on much of what we build. When a customer's engineer has a hard technical question, the answer comes from our engineering team. We're hiring an ...

ITW North Star Imaging

Software Engineer

Rogers, MN

$68K - $84K/yr

... patent applications. * Develop and support software interfaces to a variety of hardware devices ... Support new and maintaining engineering and planning. * Other duties as assigned. What We're ...

Geotek LLC

Manufacturing Engineer

Stewartville, MN · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Using proprietary processes and several patented inventions, GEOTEK manufactures and distributes engineered fiberglass composites that are used by the transmission and distribution power lines and ...

Claros Technologies

Project Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Our patented and scalable destruction technology has been proven to eliminate 99.99% of PFAS in ... Job Summary The Engineer III is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and ...

Claros Technologies

Project Engineer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Our patented and scalable destruction technology has been proven to eliminate 99.99% of PFAS in ... Job Summary The Engineer III is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and ...

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All JobsPatent Engineer JobsPatent Engineer Jobs in Minnesota

Patent Engineer information

See Minnesota salary details

$72.5K

$149.5K

$293.8K

How much do patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent engineer in Minnesota is $149,523.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,200.00 and $176,300.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Patent Engineer jobs in Minnesota?

The most popular types of Patent Engineer jobs in Minnesota are:

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

For Patent Engineer jobs in Minnesota, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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

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

Patent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineer job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $149,523 per year, or $71.9 per hour.

IP Mechanical/Electrical Engineering Associate

Barnes and Thornburg LLP

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$215K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Barnes & Thornburg rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

8th of 34 rated law firms

Job description

Location: Minneapolis, MN
Experience: 2-4 years
Practice Area: Intellectual Property - Patent Prosecution (Mechanical Engineering/Electrical Engineering)
Barnes & Thornburg's nationally recognized intellectual property practice delivers the strength of a powerhouse IP boutique housed within a full-service AmLaw 100 firm. With 125+ dedicated IP attorneys and agents, we have one of the largest and most technically skilled IP teams in the country, earning consistent recognition in Chambers USA, IAM Patent 1000, World Trademark Review 1000, and IP Stars. Our practitioners advise clients from startups to Fortune 500 companies, who call us "the absolute best" and their "go-to for all things intellectual property."
Position Overview
We are seeking an associate with 2-4 years of experience to join our highly regarded Intellectual Property Department in Minneapolis. The ideal candidate will have a mechanical engineering background with electrical engineering drafting experience and familiarity with wireless device hardware including smartphones, tablets, and wearables. This is an excellent opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies within a collaborative, high-performing team.
Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications
  • Draft patent applications, including specifications, claims, and drawings descriptions, for inventions relating to consumer electronics hardware and electromechanical systems
  • Conduct prior art searches and support patentability, freedom-to-operate, and invalidity analyses, including clearance opinions for product launches
  • Respond to USPTO Office Actions and manage prosecution strategy in coordination with partners and clients
  • Conduct inventor interviews and distill complex technical subject matter into clear, precise patent disclosure
  • Support due diligence efforts related to patent portfolios in transactions and licensing matters
  • Assist with post-grant proceedings, including inter partes review and reexamination, as needed
  • Manage docket deadlines and maintain accurate file records

Requirements:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school, with strong academic achievement
  • Registration in good standing before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
  • Member of the bar in the state where the position is based, or eligibility for admission
  • Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering
  • 2-4 years of patent prosecution experience, preferably at a large law firm or boutique IP firm
  • Demonstrated experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications in both mechanical and electrical engineering subject matter
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to manage a substantial docket and meet competing deadlines
  • Detail-oriented with a commitment to producing high-quality work product

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Substantive familiarity with wireless device hardware
  • Experience with patent clearance and freedom-to-operate projects
  • Experience managing patent portfolios
  • Experience supporting patent opinion letter preparation
  • Familiarity with non-infringement and invalidity analyses
  • Experience assisting with patent due diligence for corporate transactions and M&A matters
  • Advanced degree in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or a closely related field is a plus

We will not consider resumes submitted by external agencies or recruiters for this position. Recruiters and agencies will not be compensated for assisting Barnes & Thornburg LLP in recruiting for this position, regardless of whether such party has a recruiting contract with us.
Equal Employment and Opportunity Statement:
Barnes & Thornburg is committed to equal employment opportunity in both principle and as a matter of policy. We will recruit, hire, train, promote, compensate and provide benefits to all applicants and employees without regard to ancestry, sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, gender, age, religion, religious creed, mental and/or physical disability, medical condition, military and/or veteran's status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state and local laws. This policy applies to all recruiting, hiring, promotions, upgrades, layoffs, compensation, benefits, terminations and all other privileges, terms and conditions of employment. The firm complies fully with all federal, state and local equal employment opportunity laws.

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