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Patent Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Michael Best

Patent Attorney

Denver, CO · On-site

The Patent Agent or Associate must have a minimum of 2 years of IP prosecution experience at a firm ... Our ideal candidate will hold a degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science ...

New

Futurewei Technologies, Inc.

Senior IP Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site

$154K - $227K/yr

The possible mentoring of junior patent engineering staff from Futurewei's overseas affiliates as to patent application drafting, prosecution and practice procedures before the US Patent & Trademark ...

FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES INC

Senior IP Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$154K - $227K/yr

The possible mentoring of junior patent engineering staff from Futurewei's overseas affiliates as to patent application drafting, prosecution and practice procedures before the US Patent & Trademark ...

Nextracker

Patent Agent

Nashville, TN

$100K - $120K/yr

Partner directly with engineers and technical leaders to identify potentially patentable inventions ... S. patent applications. * Conduct prior-art searches and patentability analyses. * Evaluate ...

Nextracker

Patent Agent

Fremont, CA

$100K - $120K/yr

Partner directly with engineers and technical leaders to identify potentially patentable inventions ... S. patent applications. * Conduct prior-art searches and patentability analyses. * Evaluate ...

Nextpower

Patent Agent

Fremont, CA · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Partner directly with engineers and technical leaders to identify potentially patentable inventions ... S. patent applications. * Conduct prior-art searches and patentability analyses. * Evaluate ...

MNF Global

Patent Agent

Houston, TX

$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 ...

McGuireWoods LLP

Patent Agent

Los Angeles, CA · 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

Jacksonville, FL · 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.

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Patent Engineer information

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$74K

$152.7K

$300K

How much do patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent engineer in the United States is $152,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $180,000.00 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.
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What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Engineer jobs?

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Patent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,666 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

Legal Recruiting Coordinator

Foley & Lardner LLP

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$21.50 - $28.75/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview
Foley & Lardner LLP is a great place to work because of what we do and how we do it. Here, your unique perspectives, experiences, and abilities will be embraced and developed, so you can excel. Being a part of Foley means having the opportunities and resources necessary to gain experience, advance professional goals, and forge meaningful connections. It's a place where you can build your career and enjoy professionally satisfying work. We have over 2,300 people who are #HappyatFoley, and we think you will be too.
Foley & Lardner LLP is seeking a Legal Recruiting Coordinator to execute entry-level attorney recruiting and summer recruiting activities for the firm's California, Denver, and Salt Lake City offices. Reporting to the Legal Recruiting Manager, the Legal Recruiting Coordinator will also contribute to firmwide Intellectual Property entry-level recruiting efforts. This role is responsible for coordinating day-to-day recruiting operations, candidate and summer program experiences, and executing outreach initiatives that support the firm's entry-level legal recruiting goals. The Legal Recruiting Coordinator will regularly interact with candidates, attorneys, law school representatives, and serve as a proactive representative of the firm.
Responsibilities
  • Coordinate and execute law student interviewing programs, patent engineer job fairs, and recruiting outreach events.
  • Facilitate candidate interview scheduling and logistics, including communications and attorney coordination.
  • Support planning and administrative processes associated with the summer associate and summer patent engineer programs.
  • Serve as a point of contact for summer associates, summer and entry-level patent engineer recruits, law student candidates, and entry-level associates throughout the recruiting cycle.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with law schools, student organizations, and key recruiting contacts to enhance the firm's visibility and support recruiting initiatives.
  • Maintain accurate recruiting records, candidate files, and budget tracking to support recruiting and summer program operations.
  • Coordinate recruiting committee meetings, materials, and related processes for assigned offices.
  • Collaborate with and support the Legal Recruiting Manager and other members of the Legal Recruiting team on recruiting initiatives, projects, and strategic priorities, including firmwide entry-level Intellectual Property recruiting efforts.
  • Attend recruiting and summer program events as needed.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of recruiting experience in a professional services industry required.
  • Law firm and event planning experience is strongly preferred.
  • Strong organizational, project management, and attention to detail skills.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with candidates, attorneys, and external stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and viRecruit (or a comparable applicant tracking system) required.
  • Ability to travel occasionally and work extended hours during peak recruiting periods.

In support of transparency and equity in the workplace, Foley provides salary ranges for all positions. The figures below represent the full compensation range for this position. The actual amount offered will be between the range minimum and midpoint based on the following factors: education, experience, geographic market, and internal pay equity at Foley. We are accepting ongoing applications. Foley & Lardner LLP will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with California's Fair Chance Act.
Salt Lake City - $58,100 to $81,300
Denver and San Diego - $63,900 to $89,400
Los Angeles - $66,800 to $93,500
Silicon Valley - $72,600 to $101,600

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