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Patent Prosecution Associate Jobs in Nevada (NOW HIRING)

MP Materials Corp.

Patent Agent

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

Partner with the VP, Associate General Counsel (IP) to support execution of the Company's patent ... Coordinate with outside counsel on international filings and prosecution * Perform patentability ...

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Patent Prosecution Associate information

See Nevada salary details

$92.7K

$153.9K

$308K

How much do patent prosecution associate jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent prosecution associate in Nevada is $153,900.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $101,800.00 and $207,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a patent prosecution associate?

To thrive as a Patent Prosecution Associate, you need a solid background in patent law, a technical degree (often in science or engineering), and membership in a state bar and the USPTO. Familiarity with patent management software, legal research tools like LexisNexis, and electronic filing systems is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and excellent written communication set top performers apart in this field. These skills ensure precise, effective patent applications and responses, safeguarding clients' intellectual property rights in a competitive landscape.

What is the difference between Patent Prosecution Associate vs Patent Litigation Associate?

AspectPatent Prosecution AssociatePatent Litigation Associate
Required CredentialsJD, Patent Bar, technical degreeJD, Patent Bar (optional), technical degree
Work EnvironmentPatent offices, law firms, R&D departmentsCourts, law firms, corporate legal teams
Industry UsagePatent prosecution, IP lawPatent disputes, IP litigation

Patent Prosecution Associates focus on preparing and filing patent applications, working closely with patent examiners. Patent Litigation Associates handle patent disputes in court, focusing on defending or challenging patent rights. Both roles require technical expertise and legal knowledge but differ in their daily tasks and work settings.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a patent prosecution associate within a law firm?

As a Patent Prosecution Associate, you will frequently collaborate with partners, inventors, and technical experts to draft and prosecute patent applications. You'll also work closely with clients' in-house counsel to understand their business goals and ensure alignment with their intellectual property strategies. Additionally, associates often coordinate with litigation teams on matters that may require technical input or prior art analysis, fostering a dynamic and multidisciplinary work environment.

What does a patent prosecution associate do?

A Patent Prosecution Associate is a legal professional who assists clients in obtaining patents by preparing, filing, and managing patent applications with the relevant patent offices. They work closely with inventors and engineers to understand inventions, draft patent claims, and respond to office actions or objections from patent examiners. Their role also involves conducting prior art searches, analyzing patentability, and advising clients on patent strategy to maximize protection and value. Typically, Patent Prosecution Associates work at law firms or in-house legal departments with a focus on intellectual property law.
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Prosecution jobs in Nevada? The most popular types of Patent Prosecution jobs in Nevada are:
What are popular job titles related to Patent Prosecution Associate jobs in Nevada? For Patent Prosecution Associate jobs in Nevada, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Patent Prosecution Associate jobs in Nevada look for? The top searched job categories for Patent Prosecution Associate jobs in Nevada are:
What cities in Nevada are hiring for Patent Prosecution Associate jobs? Cities in Nevada with the most Patent Prosecution Associate job openings:
Patent Prosecution Associate jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent Prosecution Associate job openings in Nevada as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 9% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $153,900 per year, or $74 per hour.

Patent Agent

MP Materials Corp.

Las Vegas, NV • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago

MP Materials rating

9.0

Company rating: 9.0 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 41 rated mining

Job description

Company Overview:

MP Materials (NYSE: MP) is rebuilding American industrial capability for a new era of autonomy, robotics, and electrification.

We are the only U.S. company with a fully integrated rare earth supply chain—from mining and refining to advanced metal and magnet manufacturing. Our products include both the critical materials used to make permanent magnets and the finished magnets themselves—enabling next-generation technologies in robotics, automation, aerospace, transportation, defense, and energy systems. These materials are the foundation of physical AI—the convergence of computation, movement, and control.

We hire ambitious, mission-driven people who want to tackle complex challenges and shape the future of strategic industries. Our culture is rooted in teamwork, resiliency, and integrity, with a deep commitment to operational excellence and national purpose. MP is rapidly evolving from a materials producer into a leading U.S. manufacturer—and our people are driving that transformation.

Position Overview:

The Patent Agent sits within the Legal department and works directly under the supervision of the Vice President, Associate General Counsel (IP). The Patent Agent will play a critical role in identifying, protecting, and strengthening the Company’s intellectual property portfolio, with a particular focus on materials science, process technology, and manufacturing methods.

This is a fully in-office role requiring strong technical fluency, precision in drafting, and the ability to operate in close partnership with engineering. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment and is motivated to contribute to best-in-class legal and engineering teams.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Partner with the VP, Associate General Counsel (IP) to support execution of the Company’s patent strategy aligned with core technologies and long-term business priorities.
  • Assist in building and managing a high-value global patent portfolio focused on advanced materials, magnetics, and manufacturing processes.
  • Conduct invention harvesting sessions with engineers and technical teams, with an emphasis on identifying protectable process innovations and performance improvements.
  • Draft high-quality U.S. patent applications, including specifications and claims, for complex technologies.
  • Prosecute U.S. patent applications before the USPTO, including preparation of responses to Office Actions.
  • Coordinate with outside counsel on international filings and prosecution
  • Perform patentability searches, landscape analyses, and competitive intelligence reviews.
  • Support freedom-to-operate and risk assessments by gathering and synthesizing relevant technical and patent information for review by supervising counsel.

Other Functions:

  • Translate technical findings into clear, actionable summaries for Legal and business stakeholders.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the Company’s core technologies and workflows.
  • Support internal education efforts to improve invention disclosure quality and IP awareness.
  • Support IP aspects of commercial and strategic transactions (e.g., licensing, joint development, supply arrangements) by preparing technical summaries and patent-related materials.
  • Assist with IP due diligence efforts, including portfolio review and documentation support.
  • Help refine and scale internal IP processes, including invention disclosure intake, review, and tracking.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Registered to practice as a patent agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
  • Bachelor’s degree in materials science, chemical engineering, physics, mechanical engineering, or a closely related field (advanced degree strongly preferred).
  • 5+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution, preferably with exposure to advanced materials or chemical systems and industrial processes or manufacturing technologies.
  • This is a fully onsite position (5 days per week in Las Vegas, NV), but the candidate must have the ability and willingness to travel up to approximately 25% of the time, including travel to other Company locations and meetings with internal stakeholders or external partners.

Desired Qualities:

  • Demonstrated ability to draft high-quality patent applications in technically complex subject matter.
  • Experience managing or supporting global patent portfolios and coordinating with foreign counsel.
  • Prior in-house experience or experience supporting industrial/manufacturing clients is strongly preferred.
  • Ability to align IP work with commercial priorities and operational realities.
  • Clear and effective communicator with engineers, operators, and senior leadership.
  • Comfortable managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-accountability environment.

MP Materials is Proud to be an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Underrepresented groups/Women/Disabled/Veterans are encouraged to apply. Candidates whose disabilities make them unable to meet the position’s requirements will still be considered qualified if they can perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

Your Right to Work – In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment verification document form upon hire.

For Assistance with Application - Alternative methods of applying for employment are available to individuals unable to submit an application through this site because of a disability. Contact Human Resources Department at 702-844-6111; dial 7 when prompted for HR; 1700 South Pavilion Center Dr. 8th Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89135 to discuss reasonable accommodation.

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