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Patent Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Husch Blackwell

Patent Agent - Software or Chemical

$100K - $170K/yr

The patent prosecution team is presently 40+ attorneys, 8 patent agents & engineers, and 15+ paralegals. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers. The ...

FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES INC

Corporate IP Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$181K - $273K/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 ...

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How much do patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 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 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.

What does a Patent Engineer do?

A Patent Engineer is a technical professional who assists in the process of securing patents for inventions and innovations. They analyze inventions, conduct patent searches, draft patent applications, and work closely with inventors and patent attorneys to ensure intellectual property is properly protected. Patent Engineers often have a background in engineering or science, which helps them understand complex technologies. Their role is crucial in translating technical concepts into legal documents required by patent offices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Patent Engineer, and why are they important?

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 cities are hiring for Patent Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Patent Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Patent Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Patent Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Patent Engineer jobs include:
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Patent Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 6% Internship, 41% Full Time, 43% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 6% Nights. 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.
Patent Agent - Software or Chemical

Patent Agent - Software or Chemical

Husch Blackwell Llp

Houston, TX • Remote

$100K - $170K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. At Husch Blackwell, we believe that diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes.

We have an immediate opening for a Patent Agent - Electrical or Computer with three or more (preferably 6+) years of experience. We will consider candidates for any of our offices including our virtual office, The Link.

The Patent Agent will collaborate with a team of patent agents, associates, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Our Intellectual Property litigation and transactional practices are significantly expanding throughout the country. The patent prosecution team is presently 40+ attorneys, 8 patent agents & engineers, and 15+ paralegals. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers. The program manager focuses on the professional development of patents agents and engineers and assists with workload management.

This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Essential job functions include:

  • Prosecuting patent applications, including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
  • Drafting high-quality patent applications, including detailed written descriptions and figures, to protect innovative technologies.
  • Conducting and analyzing comprehensive patent searches to identify prior art and assess the patentability of inventions.
  • Staying up to date on developments in U.S. patent law and relevant technologies.
  • Meet a billable hour requirement of 1500 - 1700 hours per year.

Position Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or a related field required. 
  • Three or more years (preferably 6+) of experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications in a law firm environment.
  • Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, interacting in a professional and courteous manner with clients and colleagues.
  • Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
  • Registered as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
  • Artificial Intelligence or Quantum Computing experience a plus. 

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

Compensation and Benefits

Employees are entitled to compensation commensurate with skill and experience. The full time base annual salary for this position is expected to range between $100,000– $170,000. Salary will vary depending on market data. Bonus opportunities are non-guaranteed, and are dependent upon individual and firm performance. Full time employees receive benefits including: medical and dental coverage; life insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance; pre-tax flexible spending account for certain medical and dependent care expenses; an employee assistance program; Paid Time Off; paid holidays; participation in a retirement plan program after meeting eligibility requirements; and more.

Please include a cover letter, transcript and resume when applying.

Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans.
Principal Applicants Only.

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