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Patent Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Mcguirewoods

Patent Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90 - $130/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

Chicago, IL · 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

Chicago, IL · 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

Chicago, IL · On-site

$171K - $216K/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.

Abbott

Patent Searcher

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or engineering field * Minimum 3 years patent and/or scientific literature searching experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, healt ...

New

Abbott

Patent Searcher

North Chicago, IL · On-site

Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or engineering field * Minimum 3 years patent and/or scientific literature searching experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, healt ...

New

Abbott

Patent Searcher

Chicago, IL · On-site

$78K - $156K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or engineering field * Minimum 3 years patent and/or scientific literature searching experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, healt ...

MNF Global

EE/CS Patent Agent

Chicago, IL · On-site

$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 ...

Abbott

Patent Searcher

Chicago, IL

$78K - $156K/yr

Bachelor's degree or higher in a scientific or engineering field * Minimum 3 years patent and/or scientific literature searching experience in biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical device, healt ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Chicago, IL · 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.

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatent Engineering JobsPatent Engineering Jobs in Illinois

Patent Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$58.1K

$118.9K

$148.7K

How much do patent engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent engineering in Illinois is $118,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $147,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Illinois?

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

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

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

Patent Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Engineering job openings in Illinois 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, with an average salary of $118,933 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Patent Engineer Computer-Electrical

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$95K - $105K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 28 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Engage with inventors to understand and identify the unique aspects of their inventions for patent protection.

  • Assist in preparing and filing patent applications, formulating prosecution strategies and arguments.

  • Support clients in managing their intellectual property portfolios and making related decisions.

Job description


Looking to use your computer and electrical engineering or computer science skills in a different way?Take an unexpected path that leverages your knowledge of engineering in the legal field of patent prosecution and counseling. Our Patent Engineer position is an exciting blend of both the legal and engineering career paths, allowing you to experience the latest in cutting- edge technology as you help inventors establish their intellectual property rights for their new inventions.
Hanley, Flight and Zimmerman, LLC (HFZ) is seeking individuals wanting to pursue a career as a patent engineer and ultimately, as a patent attorney. As an engineer, you have the technical background required to interface with inventors from our Fortune 500 clients.. You will engage with inventors creating the advanced technologies that are modernizing industries and revolutionizing how people interface with our world. We work with clients within the automotive and aerospace sectors, telecommunications and software industries, with artificial intelligence and wireless technologies, consumer products, as well as, biomedical devices and instrumentation and valve technologies - to name a few. HFZ's team of seasoned intellectual property practitioners will help you learn the art of practicing patent law from the ground up. You will be involved in all stages of the patent process, including preparing and filing applications, formulating prosecution strategies and arguments, and assisting clients with their intellectual property portfolio management decisions. With guidance, you can help identify what's unique about an invention and build a case for protecting it. Come work in an innovative environment where you can develop strong relationships, help companies with their long-term business strategies, and experience new and different technologies everyday.
HFZ is a boutique firm located in the heart of Chicago, specializing in US and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Our team of practitioners includes many individuals having years of industry experience as engineers and inventors prior to becoming patent attorneys. A combination of significant real-world engineering experience and legal experience results in a highly focused and skilled
team of practitioners who provide services to numerous Fortune 500 technology companies.
Compensation:
  • Thesalary range for this position is $95,000-$105,000. Actual salary willvary and may be above or below this range based on experience.
  • Year-end bonus potential - discretionary and based on productivity.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Programincludes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental andVision insurance.
  • 401K plan.
  • This is an in-office,Chicago-based role with hybrid flexibility.

Please apply to this position by submitting a cover letter, resume and transcript (including transfer credits) to the online portal.
Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC is committed to diversity as a core value of the firm. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. A diverse and inclusive workforce enriches our work experience and enhances the value of our legal services. HFZ is an Equal Opportunity/ M/F/Vet/Disabled Employer.
Requirements
- ELECTRICAL or COMPUTER engineering, or Computer Science degree
- Excellent undergraduate and graduate academic credentials (minimum 3.3 GPA preferred)
- Strong analytical and writing skills
Candidate Preferences:
-candidates with a Masters or Ph.D
candidates with an official LSAT score - a real plus
-candidates with a Patent Office Registration Number - a real plus
Benefits
  • Comprehensive Benefits Programincludes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental andVision insurance.
  • 401K plan.

Apply