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Patent Engineering Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Husch Blackwell Llp

Patent Agent

Chicago, IL · Remote

$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 ...

Motorola

Patent Attorney

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

Working and interacting with other MSI Patent Attorneys, Agents, Engineers, and Administrative Professionals on a daily basis, both inside and outside of the PS&O group. * Overseeing outside counsel ...

Motorola

Patent Attorney

Virginia, IL · On-site

Working and interacting with other MSI Patent Attorneys, Agents, Engineers, and Administrative Professionals on a daily basis, both inside and outside of the PS&O group. * Overseeing outside counsel ...

Motorola

Patent Attorney

Chicago, IL · On-site

Working and interacting with other MSI Patent Attorneys, Agents, Engineers, and Administrative Professionals on a daily basis, both inside and outside of the PS&O group. * Overseeing outside counsel ...

Burford Capital LLC

Patent Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site

A graduate degree in engineering or science is also preferred but not required. • A minimum of 3 years of experience performing substantive patent analysis, as a patent agent, a technical ...

burfordcap

Patent Associate

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

A graduate degree in engineering or science is also preferred but not required. A minimum of 3 years of experience performing substantive patent analysis, as a patent agent, a technical specialist, a ...

JP Morgan Chase

Patent Attorney - Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a software related field. * Extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to software. * In-house experience ...

JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Patent Attorney - Counsel

Chicago, IL · On-site

$104.50K - $175K/yr

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or a software related field. * Extensive experience in drafting and prosecuting patent applications related to software. * In-house experience ...

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Patent Engineering information

See Illinois salary details

$58.1K

$118.9K

$148.7K

How much do patent engineering jobs pay per year?

As of May 28, 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 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 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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $118,933 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Patent Engineer- Biomedical

Patent Engineer- Biomedical

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC

Chicago, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Looking to use your biomedical engineering 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, if you choose, ultimately, a career as a patent attorney. As an engineer, you have the technical background to understand the engineering principles inherent in the patent prosecution and counseling work we provide for Fortune 500 companies and corporations. 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, the oil and gas industry and consumer products, as well as, valve technologies and biomedical devices and instrumentation - 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 United States and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Our team of practitioners includes many individuals who have years of industry experience as engineers and inventors before 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:
  • The salary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000. Actual salary will vary and may be above or below this range based on experience.
  • Year-end bonus potential - discretionary and based on productivity.
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program includes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental and Vision 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 to this online posting.
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
- Biomedical engineering undergraduate degree.
- Excellent undergraduate academic credentials (minimum GPA 3.5 preferred).
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
Candidate Preferences:
- candidates with an official LSAT score - a real plus
- candidates with a Patent Office Registration Number - a real plus
- Advanced engineering degrees and/or engineering-related work experience.
Benefits
  • Comprehensive Benefits Program includes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental and Vision insurance.
  • 401K plan.

Apply