ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Patent Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Ofinno

Patent Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$117K - $216K/yr

Patent Engineer About Ofinno: Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team's innovative ...

JBT Marel Corporation

Patent Attorney

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

Patent Attorney Development-oriented and visionary company is looking for a Patent Attorney. Are you experienced within IP and a self-driven person? 📍 Location: JBT Marel Boxmeer 🕒 Employment ...

Ofinno

Patent Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

$117K - $216K/yr

Patent Engineer About Ofinno: Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team's innovative ...

finnegan

Patent Paralegal II

Washington, DC · On-site

$70K - $95K/yr

Role Overview The Patent Paralegal II will assist the IP Operations team with administrative tasks, including preparation of filings, managing deadlines, and drafting related correspondence needed ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPatent JobsPatent Jobs in Virginia

Patent information

See Virginia salary details

$73.4K

$151.4K

$297.4K

How much do patent jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for patent in Virginia is $151,357.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,500.00 and $178,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What Are Patent Jobs?

Patent jobs involve helping people secure or defend intellectual property rights. A patent attorney helps with the application process for a patent or trademark. The duties of a patent paralegal include working to support the attorney by performing research and preparing paperwork. Patent analysts or patent agents ensure clients have grounds for filing a patent application or seeking intellectual property licenses. These professionals are often experts in the field applicable to the property in question, and thoroughly understand the design or concept of the item. Patent firms may have technical writers whose responsibilities involve working to write the patent.

Are patent agents in high demand?

Patent agents are in high demand due to the increasing number of patent applications and the need for specialized legal and technical expertise. They often work in law firms, corporations, or government agencies, and strong knowledge of patent law and technical fields enhances job prospects.

Is patent law a good career?

A career in patent law involves working with intellectual property rights, often requiring a background in science or engineering and passing the patent bar exam. It offers opportunities in law firms, corporations, and government agencies, with a focus on legal analysis, technical understanding, and client advising. The field can be financially rewarding and provides a stable career path for those with relevant expertise.

What is the difference between Patent vs Patent Examiner?

AspectPatentPatent Examiner
Required CredentialsTypically requires a technical degree, often in engineering or science, and knowledge of patent lawRequires a technical degree and familiarity with patent laws; may need legal or patent-specific training
Work EnvironmentResearch and development, innovation-focused, often in private companies or law firmsGovernment agency (USPTO), examining patent applications, working in an office setting
Industry UsageUsed across industries to protect inventions and intellectual propertyPrimarily within patent offices and legal settings to evaluate patent applications

While both roles involve patents, a Patent is an intellectual property right granted for an invention, whereas a Patent Examiner reviews patent applications to determine their eligibility. The Patent holder focuses on creating and securing patent rights, while the Patent Examiner works within a government agency to assess and approve these rights.

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

To thrive as a Patent Attorney, you need a strong background in law and a relevant technical or scientific field, typically supported by a law degree, state bar admission, and registration with the patent office (such as the USPTO). Familiarity with patent databases, intellectual property management systems, and patent drafting software is essential. Strong analytical thinking, meticulous attention to detail, and effective communication set outstanding patent attorneys apart. These skills are crucial for accurately protecting intellectual property, navigating complex legal requirements, and effectively representing clients.

Will AI replace patent lawyers?

Patent lawyers are responsible for drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, tasks that require legal expertise and understanding of complex technical details. While AI tools can assist with prior art searches and document review, they are unlikely to fully replace patent lawyers due to the need for legal judgment, strategic advice, and client interaction. Human oversight remains essential in patent law practice.

What are some common challenges faced by patent professionals in managing multiple cases simultaneously?

Patent professionals often handle a high volume of cases at different stages, which requires excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Balancing tight deadlines for filings, responding to office actions, and coordinating with inventors or clients can be demanding. Effective communication and prioritization are key to ensuring that each case receives the necessary focus and that critical deadlines are met. Leveraging docketing systems and collaborating closely with team members can help manage this workload efficiently.

What are patent professionals?

Patent professionals are experts who specialize in the field of intellectual property, particularly in helping individuals or organizations protect their inventions through the patent system. They may include patent attorneys, patent agents, and patent examiners. Patent professionals assist clients in preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications, as well as advising on patent strategy, infringement, and enforcement. Their expertise ensures that inventions are properly documented and legally protected, allowing inventors to secure exclusive rights to their creations.

What are patent jobs?

Patent jobs involve working on the legal and technical aspects of intellectual property protection, such as drafting, filing, and prosecuting patent applications. These roles often require knowledge of patent law, technical expertise in a specific field, and may involve collaboration with inventors and attorneys.
More about Patent jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Patent jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Patent jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Patent job openings:
Patent jobs near you
Infographic showing various Patent job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 90% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,357 per year, or $72.8 per hour.

Patent Engineer

Ofinno

Reston, VA • On-site

$117K - $216K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Patent Engineer
About Ofinno:
Ofinno is a leading research and development lab headquartered in Reston, Virginia, specializing in advancing communication and media standards. Our team's innovative work has led to significant contributions to technologies such as 5G cellular, Wi-Fi, and media compression. Ofinno holds strategic partnerships and licensing agreements with several of the world's leading technology companies that use such technologies. At Ofinno, we foster an environment of collaboration and excellence, where researchers can focus on delivering breakthroughs that shape the future of technology.
Position Overview:
As a Patent Engineer, you will play a pivotal role in transforming cutting-edge research into strategic intellectual property assets. This position focuses on identifying and protecting innovative technologies through in-depth collaboration with in-house inventors, rigorous patent prosecution, and alignment with global standards such as 3GPP. Your work will directly support the expansion and strength of our patent portfolio, reinforcing the company's position as a leader in wireless innovation. You will contribute to claim development, standards alignment, and strategic IP decisions that ensure our research efforts are effectively translated into long-term value and industry influence.
This position may be filled at different career levels based on a candidate's qualifications. As a result, the posted salary range of $117,000 - $216,000 reflects the full range across those levels.
Key Responsibilities:
On a daily basis, you will support our in-house researchers to:
  • Identify innovative features suitable for patenting and mine existing patent applications for additional subject matter to claim
  • Prosecute patent applications, including collaborating with inventors and team members on strategy, preparing response to office actions, and conducting examiner interviews
  • Develop claim charts that establish claim reads on the 3GPP standard
  • Ensure the integrity of patent files, assist in workload prioritization, and monitor compliance with deadlines
  • Provide patent landscaping and prior-art searches
Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or similar degree; Master's degree is preferred
  • 2+ years of patent prosecution or patent drafting experience
  • Knowledge of wireless communications (5G/6G)
  • Knowledge of 3GPP standards-related technologies
  • Demonstrated proficiency in writing, research, and technical skills, with a keen ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively
What else you should know:
Our people are our business. We know you have to see it to believe it, but here are some of the perks you can count on:
  • 401(K) matching - We help you plan and save for retirement with a 401(K) matching program that's available on day one.
  • Free healthcare plans - Ofinno covers full premiums for you and your family on select healthcare plans, including employer HSA contributions if applicable.
  • Free food - Our kitchen is always fully stocked, including lunch, protein bars, fruit, sodas, coffee and tea.
  • Unlimited Paid Time Off - Our lives are enriched by family time, vacations and personal time, so we offer unlimited paid time off and sick leave.
  • On-campus gym - Unwind, reduce stress and feel great - even when you're at work.
  • Please discuss with our great People Ops team about additional benefits offered.
What now?
What are you waiting for? We hope you will click on the link and forward your credentials to us today. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Apply