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Patent Engineering Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ayar Labs

General Patent Counsel

San Jose, CA · On-site

$225K - $260K/yr

Reporting to the General Counsel and partnering closely with the engineering team, this role sets patent prosecution strategy, advises engineering and product teams on IP protection and freedom-to ...

New

Direct Counsel

Patent Agent/Advisor (Medtech)

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $228K/yr

Degree in materials, chemical, mechanical, or biomedical engineering (or related field) * Broad ... S. patent agent or eligible for the USPTO registration exam * Ability to take initiative, learn ...

MNF Global

Patent Agent - Wireless Telecom

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$150K - $200K/yr

Collaborate directly with inventors, engineers, and scientists to develop strategic patent portfolios. * Communicate with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and foreign patent offices throughout ...

Route 92 Medical

Patent Agent (San Mateo)

San Mateo, CA · On-site

$175K - $225K/yr

At the core is a reconsidered procedural approach, cutting‑edge engineering, and innovative ... The Patent Agent will work closely with internal teams to ensure agreements align with regulatory ...

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

San Francisco, CA

$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 ...

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Patent Engineering information

What is patent engineering?

Patent engineering is a specialized field that combines engineering expertise with knowledge of intellectual property law. Patent engineers work to analyze inventions, prepare technical documentation for patent applications, and assist inventors or companies in protecting their innovations. They often act as a bridge between inventors and patent attorneys, ensuring that technical details are accurately described and meet legal requirements. Patent engineers may also conduct prior art searches and help evaluate the patentability of new technologies.

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 background in engineering or science, analytical thinking, and familiarity with intellectual property concepts, often supported by a relevant degree. Experience with patent databases, prior art search tools, and sometimes certifications like a Patent Agent qualification or knowledge of the USPTO/EPO systems are valuable. Exceptional attention to detail, clear technical writing, and effective communication with inventors and legal professionals are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure accurate patent preparation, efficient collaboration, and protection of innovative technologies.

What are some common challenges patent engineers face when collaborating with inventors and legal teams?

Patent Engineers often navigate the complex process of translating technical innovations into clear, patentable claims, which can be challenging when communicating with both inventors and legal professionals. Balancing technical accuracy with legal requirements requires strong communication skills and attention to detail. Additionally, Patent Engineers must manage tight deadlines and multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring that applications are both comprehensive and timely. Successful collaboration typically involves frequent meetings, iterative document reviews, and adapting technical language for diverse audiences.

What is the difference between Patent Engineering vs Patent Analyst?

AspectPatent EngineeringPatent Analyst
Required CredentialsEngineering degree, patent law knowledge, technical expertiseLegal or technical background, patent law familiarity
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with engineers, patent attorneys, R&D teamsResearch, analyze patent data, prepare reports
Industry UsageTechnology, engineering firms, R&D departmentsLegal firms, patent offices, corporate IP departments

Patent Engineering and Patent Analyst roles often overlap in technical and legal knowledge but differ in focus. Patent Engineers primarily develop and draft patent applications, working closely with inventors and attorneys. Patent Analysts focus on researching patent databases, analyzing patent portfolios, and providing strategic insights. Both roles are essential in the patent process but serve distinct functions within the intellectual property landscape.

What are popular job titles related to Patent Engineering jobs in California?

For Patent Engineering jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patent Engineering jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Patent Engineering jobs in California are:

Patent Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineering job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

General Patent Counsel

Ayar Labs

San Jose, CA • On-site

$225K - $260K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

General Patent Counsel
San Jose, CA (Onsite)
Reports to: General Counsel
Ayar Labs is the pioneer of optical I/O, delivering chiplet-based photonic interconnect solutions (TeraPHY® optical I/O chiplets and SuperNova™ light sources) that let CPUs, GPUs, and AI accelerators move data at multi-terabit speeds with a fraction of the power and latency of copper.
As AI infrastructure scales, Ayar Labs' optical I/O patent portfolio is a
core strategic and financial asset - protecting the company's technology moat and supporting its valuation as it grows
toward and through the public markets.
Position Summary
Ayar Labs is seeking an experienced General Patent Counsel to serve as senior in-house patent leader for the company's U.S. portfolio.
Reporting to the General Counsel and partnering closely with the engineering team, this role sets patent prosecution strategy, advises engineering and product teams on IP protection and freedom-to-operate, leads IP due diligence on transactions and partnerships, and drives cost discipline across outside counsel spend - prioritizing
portfolio quality over raw filing volume. The role also serves as Ayar's liaison to ALPACA (the Ayar Labs Patent Advisory Committee/Alliance).
This is a senior people-leadership role for an experienced patent attorney who combines deep technical fluency with sound business judgment about where patent investment actually protects enterprise value. The deep technical fluency
starts with Ayar Labs products, e.g. semiconductors, photonics, packaging, and testability through our customer products, architectures, and applications including systems, predictive failure analysis, artificial intelligence, and complex algorithms.
Key Responsibilities
  • Set and execute U.S. patent prosecution strategy for Ayar Labs' optical I/O and semiconductor patent portfolio, working directly with inventors, outside counsel, and the General Counsel.
  • Provide strategic IP counsel on portfolio building, portfolio analysis, and gap identification against the competitive and technology landscape.
  • Lead IP due diligence for M&A activity, strategic partnerships, and commercial transactions.
  • Advise engineering and product teams on invention harvesting, IP protection strategy, and freedom-to-operate analysis.
  • Develop and support licensing strategy and licensing transaction execution.
  • Manage outside patent counsel relationships and budget, driving cost discipline and prosecution efficiency without sacrficing portfolio quality.
  • Support portfolio valuation analysis for internal planning and, as applicable, public financial reporting (Exchange Act) purposes.
  • Serve as Ayar's liaison to ALPACA on cross-functional patent strategy matters.
  • Mentor and, as the team grows, manage patent attorneys, agents, and paralegals supporting the portfolio.
  • Partner with the General Counsel on IP-related risk assessment, budget planning, and board- or investor-facing IP reporting as needed.

Required Qualifications
  • J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; active member in good standing of the California State Bar (or eligible for reciprocity/registered in-house counsel status, CA admission).
  • Active registration to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (Patent Bar).
  • 10+ years of patent prosecution experience, including substantial experience managing or contributing to a U.S.semiconductor, electronics, or related deep-tech patent portfolio.
  • Demonstrated experience running or contributing to global patent filing strategy (U.S., PCT, and key foreign jurisdictions).
  • Experience conducting IP due diligence in transactional contexts (M&A, licensing, or strategic partnerships).
  • Strong technical fluency in semiconductor devices, integrated circuit design, or photonics sufficient to work directly with engineering teams on invention disclosures and claims strategy.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to advise engineering, product, and executive stakeholders in plain, business-relevant terms.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced technical degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field, and/or prior hands-on experience as a semiconductor or IC design engineer.
  • Direct experience with photonics, optoelectronics, optical interconnect, or co-packaged optics technology.
  • Experience managing or mentoring a team of patent attorneys, agents, and paralegals.
  • Previous patent portfolio valuation experience, particularly in support of financial reporting or capital-raise due diligence.
  • Hands-on, direct experience representing venture-backed or newly public semiconductor, photonics, or deep-tech companies.
  • Experience with licensing negotiations and standards-essential patent considerations.

Salary range: $225,000 - $260,000
NOTE TO RECRUITERS:
Principals only. We are not accepting resumes from recruiters for this position. Remuneration for recruiting activities is only applicable subject to a signed and executed agreement between the parties. Please don't send candidates to Ayar Labs, and do not contact our managers.
Ayar Labs is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is strongly committed to all policies which will afford equal opportunity employment to all qualified persons without regard to age, sex, national origin, race, color, ethnicity, creed, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. It is the policy of Ayar Labs to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. Veterans are more than welcome and encouraged to apply.

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