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Patent Search Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

... patent development and the One Health initiative. Purdue's main campus is located in West Lafayette ... The search committee will begin with review of applications submitted by November 30, 2025 and will ...

Author and review high-quality technical reports, protocols, patents, and CMC modules for IND/BLA ... Stay Safe During Your Job Search Fraudulent recruiting communications have become increasingly ...

Support intellectual property activities, invention disclosures, and patent documentation ... year Search managed by: Richard Bauchle Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military ...

Design Engineer

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Support intellectual property activities, invention disclosures, and patent documentation ... year Search managed by: Richard Bauchle Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled Military ...

Patent Search information

See Indiana salary details

$57.1K

$116.8K

$146.1K

How much do patent search jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent search in Indiana is $116,790.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,800.00 and $145,100.00 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 Indiana?

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

Infographic showing various Patent Search job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Internship, 81% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 70% In-person, 9% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,790 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Senior Hardware Test Engineer - Micro-Soldering / PCB ECO (On-site. West Lafayette, USA)

Elevate Ventures

West Lafayette, IN • On-site

$75 - $100/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Overview

Push wearable hardware to its limits—Test, break, and perfect the next era of human-computer interaction

On-site – West Lafayette, IN | Base $75k – $100k$145k – $190k Bay-Area equivalent after cost-of-living + equity + full benefits

We provide relocation packages and visa transfers (if required) for engineers currently in the San Francisco Bay Area and other U.S. hubs.

About Ixana

Ixana is a Purdue University spinoff pioneering brain-inspired wearable computing. We\'ve developed Wi-R, a patented communication tech that\'s 100x more energy-efficient than Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Join our 60-person team building the next era of real-time, AI-powered human-computer interaction.

The Wi-R Revolution

Wi-R is our patented non-radiative near-field communication technology that creates secure \\"wire-like wireless\\" experiences through small E-field bubbles around your body. This breakthrough enables unprecedented energy efficiency at sub-0.1 nanojoules per bit, making long-term wearable and implantable devices finally practical.

See Wi-R in action: visit ixana.ai for demos of high-speed data streaming through skin contact. (Remove links in final version.)

The Role: Hardware Test Engineer

Own the testing and validation pipeline for our bleeding-edge wearable prototypes—run experiments, break boards, and help shape the next Wi-R device rev.

What You’ll Do
  • Perform ultra-fine micro-soldering (0201 & smaller), re-balling, and SMT-level PCB rework

  • Rapidly execute hardware ECOs, manage lab tools, and maintain test environments

  • Run functional tests and diagnostics using scopes, analyzers, and jigs

  • Stress test devices and capture detailed failure logs, photos, and measurements

  • Collaborate with hardware engineers to feed real-world feedback into the next design iteration

What We\'re Looking For

Required:

  • Mastery of micro-soldering (0201), BGA rework, and SMT repair

  • Hands-on experience with oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hot-air tools, and reflow ovens

  • Attention to detail and a root-cause-first troubleshooting mindset

  • EE degree or strong portfolio of real-world test/debug projects

Preferred:

  • Experience with wearables, low-power IoT systems, or RF-sensitive hardware

  • Familiarity with AOI, X-ray, or boundary scan tools

Compensation
  • Base salary $75 000 – $100 000 USD — equivalent to ≈ $145k – $190k Bay-Area purchasing power

  • Meaningful early-stage equity

  • Relocation bonus, partner job-search help

What does $75K–$100K in West Lafayette, IN feel like elsewhere?

  • San Jose, CA (Silicon Valley): Equivalent to $145K–$190K

  • Portland / Hillsboro, OR: Equivalent to $115K–$153K

  • Chandler, AZ: Equivalent to $102K–$135K

  • Austin, TX: Equivalent to $116K–$155K

All figures based on BestPlaces July 2025 cost-of-living indices. West Lafayette index = 83.5. These reflect real-world purchasing power, not just cash numbers.

Benefits Package
  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance

  • 401(k) retirement plan

  • 5 days a week in office. Flexible work arrangements and generous PTO

  • Relocation support for qualified candidates

  • Professional development opportunities and conference attendance

  • Patent development and technology leadership opportunities

  • Immigration and work visa support as long as you are already in US on a work permit

  • Full visa sponsorship (STEM‑OPT transfer / H‑1B / TN / future green card)

Why Join Us
  • Work on deep tech that matters

  • Collaborate with world-class experts and industry leaders

  • Own your work end-to-end and see real impact

  • Enjoy a culture of speed, rigor, and respect

  • Competitive perks, equity, and global exposure

Location

West Lafayette, IN – On-site at our R&D Center

Application Requirements
  • Resume

  • Portfolio of hardware testing or rework projects (if applicable)

  • A brief summary of a board-level bug or test scenario you’ve solved (optional but encouraged)

Ready to re-wire the future of human-computer interaction?

Apply via our careers page. In your note, tell us how you envision using Wi-R to transform everyday experiences—across healthcare, industry, or consumer tech.

Ixana is an equal opportunity employer committed to advancing human-computer interfaces through innovative low-power electronics innovation.

Keywords: Hardware Test, PCB Rework, Micro-Soldering, Oscilloscope, SMT, IoT, Wearables, Debugging, Wi-R, Startup, Root Cause Analysis

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