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Patent Search Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Patent Search information

See Delaware salary details

$60.1K

$122.8K

$153.6K

How much do patent search jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent search in Delaware is $122,840.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $87,100.00 and $152,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a patent search?

A patent search is a comprehensive review of existing patents and published patent applications to determine whether an invention or idea is novel and non-obvious. This process helps inventors and companies identify prior art that may affect the patentability of their invention. Conducting a patent search can also prevent potential infringement issues and provide valuable insights into competitors' activities. Professional patent searches are often conducted before filing a patent application to increase the likelihood of approval.

What are patent search jobs?

Patent search jobs are positions in which you determine the existence of intellectual property rights before investing in the creation of a similar product. Although it’s an involved process, it is essential to avoid legal issues down the road. A patent application on file is public information and searchable on the United States Patent and Trademark Office website. Your duties start with searching on this site, and your other responsibilities include investigating trademarks linked to related items. You compile your results and submit a report on your findings. Most patent search jobs are with law firms that deal with intellectual property.

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

To thrive as a Patent Searcher, you need a solid understanding of intellectual property law, technical expertise in a relevant field (such as engineering or science), and experience with patent databases. Familiarity with tools like PatBase, Espacenet, and the USPTO database, along with certifications such as Certified Patent Searcher, are often required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong written communication skills help you interpret complex technical documents and present clear findings. These skills ensure accurate, comprehensive searches that help clients avoid infringement and support successful patent applications.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in patent search roles, and how can they be addressed?

One of the main challenges in patent search roles is efficiently navigating vast and complex patent databases to identify relevant prior art, while ensuring accuracy and thoroughness. Patent searchers must stay updated on evolving technologies and classification systems, which can require continuous learning. Collaboration with inventors, patent attorneys, and R&D teams is often necessary to clarify technical concepts and search objectives. To address these challenges, professionals often rely on advanced search tools, ongoing training, and clear communication with stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and precise results.

What is the difference between Patent Search vs Patent Examiner?

AspectPatent SearchPatent Examiner
Required CredentialsTypically requires a background in law, engineering, or science; strong research skillsRequires a law degree or technical background; familiarity with patent laws and examination procedures
Work EnvironmentResearch-focused, often independent or in teams, performed in offices or remotelyGovernment agency setting, reviewing patent applications, collaborating with inventors and attorneys
Industry UsageUsed by law firms, patent offices, R&D departments for prior art searchesEmployed by patent offices like USPTO, EPO for patent examination and approval

While both roles involve understanding patents, Patent Search focuses on researching existing patents and prior art, whereas Patent Examiners evaluate patent applications for approval. Both require strong research skills and knowledge of patent laws, but their work environments and objectives differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Search jobs in Delaware?

The most popular types of Patent Search jobs in Delaware are:

What are popular job titles related to Patent Search jobs in Delaware?

For Patent Search jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Patent Search jobs in Delaware look for?

The top searched job categories for Patent Search jobs in Delaware are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Patent Search jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Patent Search job openings:

Infographic showing various Patent Search job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 67% In-person, and 33% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,840 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Research Scientist - Electronic materials

Air Liquide

Newark, DE

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Air Liquide rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 100 rated chemical manufacturers


Job description

R10094598 Research Scientist - Electronic materials (Open)

Location:

Newark, DE (ICD) - R&D - Electronics

The Innovation and Development Division (IDD) drives the innovation strategy for the Hubs and Operations, and contributes to the Group's transformation. It is responsible for imagining, developing and incubating new solutions until they are brought to market, particularly when it comes to offers with a high technological content (including digital and IT). IDD gathers more than 3,000 employees from 70 nationalities at 60 sites.

How will you CONTRIBUTE and GROW?The Air Liquide R&D network is made up of 8 research centers spread over 3 continents. Overall, there are 1000 researchers of more than 35 nationalities developing innovations in the areas of industry, environment, healthcare and electronics.
The Customer Processes - Electronics group at the Innovation Campus Delaware (ICD) focuses on Semiconductor material development and supports AL Electronics businesses. Material development comprises of (1) design, synthesis, characterization electronic materials, (2) development of Atomic layer deposition processes for Air Liquide precursors and (3) design, characterization and development of various etching processes for Etchants. The team is is both multidisciplinary and multinational from a variety of countries around the world including the US, Canada, India, China, Taiwan, Vietnam.
As a global market leader in gases, technologies, and services for the tech sector, Air Liquide Electronics is the engine driving the next generation of digital evolution. By joining our passionate global team, you will enter a collaborative, learning-focused environment where your unique talents are championed and your everyday work directly shapes the future of how the world connects.
Job Description
At Air Liquide, we RESPECT, HONOR and VALUE diversity.Air Liquide is Hiring for a Research Scientist - Newark, DE.We are looking for you !
  • Comprehensive Family Benefits: Airgas offers a full benefits package designed to support your whole life, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, AD&D, and Disability Insurance.

  • Support for Parents: We offer up to 14-week paid child birth benefits to support growing families.

  • Future Security: 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match, Tuition Assistance, Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick time.

  • Early Access: Your benefits start after just 30 days of employment ( Day 1 for Air Liquide) / Your benefits start after just 1 day of employment

Recruiter: Deondre Taylor | Deondre.Taylor@Airliquide.com| (302) 277-2429
  • Safety Leadership: Serve as a safety role model; promote a high level of safety awareness, ensure IMS compliance within the team/facility, and support continuous improvement in safety practices.

  • Etch Process & Gas Design: Lead projects involving plasma etching processes, the design of new etching gases, and process evaluation for semiconductor applications.

  • Analytical Method Development: Develop and implement new gas analytical methods (e.g., GC with TCD/FID/MS, FTIR, ICPMS, and moisture analyzers) to characterize new electronic specialty gases, understand their stability/breakdown mechanisms, and support purification technologies.

  • Structure-Property Evaluation: Build fundamental knowledge of the relationship between etching gas structures and functional performance using both in-situ and ex-situ advanced analysis and film characterization techniques.

  • Experimental Design & Operation: Define, design, and execute bench-scale to pilot-scale experiments to meet R&D deliverables in a timely manner.

  • Intellectual Property & Literature: Conduct literature and patent searches, recognize and document patentable findings, and actively promote the innovative development of intellectual property.

  • Collaboration & Relationship Building: Develop and sustain relationships with global Air Liquide business partners, operations units, customers, OEMs, and academic/consortia partners to transfer process know-how and meet immediate technical needs.

  • Technical Communication: Prepare high-quality presentation materials and reports for internal teams, global R&D networks, and external technical conferences or journals.

  • Agility: Maintain a self-driven, flexible mindset to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing R&D priorities.

__________________Are you a MATCH? Required Qualifications:
  • Education: Ph.D. in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Material Science in thin film semiconductor manufacturing technology, electronic gas applications, or material science or a Master's degree with 3+ years of industry relevant experience.

  • Analytical Competency: Strong expertise and hands-on experience with multiple analytical and film characterization techniques (e.g., GC, MS, ICPMS, FTIR, Ellipsometry, XRR, XPS, AES, SEM, etc).

  • Global Collaboration: Proven ability to work efficiently on multi-disciplinary, international teams and build internal/external networks.

  • Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with a strong publication or presentation track record in technical conferences or journals.

  • Problem Solving: Self-motivated individual with the ability to define and solve complex problems in collaboration with business units and external partners

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Technical Expertise: Hands-on experience with plasma-based tools (CCP, ICP) and tool troubleshooting/maintenance is highly desired. Hands-on experience with gas handling is also highly desired.

  • Instrumental Proficiency: Practical, hands-on familiarity with ICPMS instrumentation and associated analytical protocols.

  • Project Coordination: Demonstrated capacity to successfully oversee and execute multiple research initiatives concurrently.

  • Analytical Insight: Competence in synthesizing data and identifying potential technical bottlenecks that may impact R&D timelines.

  • Results Orientation: Proactive mindset with the agility to navigate obstacles and adapt to shifting R&D requirements while managing risk.

  • Professional Growth: Continuous commitment to learning and a self-driven motivation to expand organizational technical capabilities.

Our Differences make our Performance


At Air Liquide, we are committed to build a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces the diversity of our employees, our customers, patients, community stakeholders and cultures across the world.


We welcome and consider applications from all qualified applicants, regardless of their background. We strongly believe a diverse organization opens up opportunities for people to express their talent, both individually and collectively and it helps foster our ability to innovate by living our fundamentals, acting for our success and creating an engaging environment in a changing world.


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