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Patent Engineer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ofinno

Patent Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

Patent Engineer About Ofinno: Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team's innovative ...

Ofinno

Patent Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$117K - $216K/yr

Patent Engineer About Ofinno: Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team's innovative ...

Mcguirewoods

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

$110 - $170/hr

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 LLP

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

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 LLP

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

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 LLP

Patent Agent

Richmond, VA · On-site

$156K - $197K/yr

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.

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Richmond, VA · 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.

Harness IP

Patent Prosecution Associate

Herndon, VA · On-site

S. We are seeking a highly motivated Patent Prosecution Associate to join our Herndon, VA office ... Undergraduate or advanced degree in Chemical Sciences, including chemistry or Chemical Engineering.

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All JobsPatent Engineer JobsPatent Engineer Jobs in Virginia

Patent Engineer information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$151.4K

$297.4K

How much do patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent engineer in Virginia is $151,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $178,500.00 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

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Cities in Virginia with the most Patent Engineer job openings:

Patent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,357 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Patent Engineer

Reston, VA • On-site

Ofinno
Telecommunications • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Ofinnoexternal

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Patent Engineer
About Ofinno:
Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team’s innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular, Wi-Fi, and media compression. Ofinno holds strategic partnerships and licensing agreements with several of the world’s leading technology companies that use such technologies. At Ofinno, we foster an environment of collaboration and excellence, where researchers can focus on delivering breakthroughs that shape the future of technology.
Position Overview:
As a Patent Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in transforming cutting-edge research into strategic intellectual property assets. This position focuses on identifying and protecting innovative technologies through in-depth collaboration with in-house inventors, rigorous patent prosecution, and alignment with global standards such as 3GPP. Your work will directly support the expansion and strength of our patent portfolio, reinforcing the company’s position as a leader in wireless innovation. You will contribute to claim development, standards alignment, and strategic IP decisions that ensure our research efforts are effectively translated into long-term value and industry influence.
This position may be filled at different career levels based on a candidate's qualifications. As a result, the posted salary range of $117,000 - $216,000 reflects the full range across those levels.
Key Responsibilities:
On a daily basis, you will support our in-house researchers to:
  • Identify innovative features suitable for patenting and mine existing patent applications for additional subject matter to claim
  • Prosecute patent applications, including collaborating with inventors and team members on strategy, preparing response to office actions, and conducting examiner interviews
  • Develop claim charts that establish claim reads on the 3GPP standard
  • Ensure the integrity of patent files, assist in workload prioritization, and monitor compliance with deadlines
  • Provide patent landscaping and prior-art searches
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or similar degree; Master’s degree is preferred
  • 2+ years of patent prosecution or patent drafting experience
  • Knowledge of wireless communications (5G/6G)
  • Knowledge of 3GPP standards-related technologies
  • Demonstrated proficiency in writing, research, and technical skills, with a keen ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively
What else you should know: 
Our people are our business. We know you have to see it to believe it, but here are some of the perks you can count on: 
  • 401(K) matching – We help you plan and save for retirement with a 401(K) matching program that’s available on day one.  
  • Free healthcare plans – Ofinno covers full premiums for you and your family on select healthcare plans, including employer HSA contributions if applicable. 
  • Free food – Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas, coffee and tea.  
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off – Our lives are enriched by family time, vacations and personal time, so we offer unlimited paid time off and sick leave.  
  • On-campus gym – Unwind, reduce stress and feel great – even when you’re at work. 
  • Please discuss with our great People Ops team about additional benefits offered. 
What now? 
What are you waiting for? We hope you will click on the link and forward your credentials to us today. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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