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Summer Patent Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knoxville, TN | Full-Time, Summer 2026 Company: SkyNano LLC About SkyNano SkyNano is a fast-growing ... We've developed and patented an electrochemical process to convert CO into high-performance carbon ...

Knoxville, TN | Full-Time, Summer 2026 Company: SkyNano LLC About SkyNano SkyNano is a fast-growing ... We've developed and patented an electrochemical process to convert CO₂ into high-performance ...

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.) * On-site Health & Wellness ... patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their ...

Systems Software Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Social events (summer picnic, holiday party, team lunches, etc.) * On-site Health & Wellness ... patents related to cavity ring-down spectroscopy (CRDS) technology and are unparalleled in their ...

Showing results 21-40

Summer Patent Engineer information

See salary details

$74K

$152.7K

$300K

How much do summer patent engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for summer patent engineer in the United States is $152,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,500.00 and $180,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Summer Patent Engineer, you need a solid background in engineering or science (often pursuing or holding a relevant degree), strong analytical skills, and a keen understanding of patent law basics. Familiarity with patent databases, prior art search tools, and technical writing software is typically required. Excellent attention to detail, communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively set top candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate patent documentation, effective intellectual property protection, and successful teamwork in a highly technical legal environment.

What is a summer patent engineer?

A Summer Patent Engineer is typically an intern or temporary employee who works with patent teams during the summer months, often at a law firm or within a corporation's intellectual property department. Their main duties include supporting patent attorneys or agents with technical analysis, prior art searches, drafting patent applications, and evaluating the patentability of inventions. This role is ideal for students or recent graduates with an engineering or technical background who are interested in intellectual property law. The position provides hands-on experience with the patent process and can help individuals decide if they want to pursue a career in patent law or patent engineering.

What is the difference between Summer Patent Engineer vs Patent Agent?

AspectSummer Patent EngineerPatent Agent
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a technical degree; internship or summer program experienceMust pass the patent bar exam; technical background often required
Work EnvironmentInternship or temporary role within law firms, corporations, or patent officesFull-time role in law firms, corporations, or patent agencies
Industry UsageUsed as a training or internship position for studentsLicensed professionals authorized to prepare and file patent applications

While both roles involve patent law and technical expertise, a Summer Patent Engineer is typically an internship for students gaining experience, whereas a Patent Agent is a licensed professional authorized to practice patent law full-time.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a summer patent engineer expect during their internship?

As a Summer Patent Engineer, you can expect to work closely with patent attorneys, inventors, and R&D teams to assist in drafting patent applications, conducting prior art searches, and analyzing technical disclosures. Typical responsibilities include reviewing invention submissions, preparing technical descriptions, and helping evaluate the patentability of new ideas. This role often involves a mix of independent research and collaborative meetings, offering hands-on experience with intellectual property processes while developing communication skills essential for working with cross-functional teams.
More about Summer Patent Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Summer Patent Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Summer Patent Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Patent Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Patent Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Summer Patent Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Summer Patent Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Summer Patent Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $152,666 per year, or $73.4 per hour.

2027 2L Summer Associate - Patent Litigation

Perkins Coie LLP

San Francisco, CA • Hybrid

$18K/mo

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Job Description:

AshurstPerkins Coie is accepting applications from second-year law students interested in joining the firm as a 2L Patent Litigation Summer Associate for the Summer of 2027.

How to Apply

Pleasesubmitthe following materials:

  • Resume.

  • Undergraduate, graduate (if applicable), and unofficial law school transcript.

  • Writing sample (maximum 10 pages).

  • Cover letter describing your areas of interest and geographic preferences.

If you are selected for an interview, we may also ask that you provide references (name, email, and phone). All application materials should be uploaded in PDF format.

In your application, pleaseindicateyour preferredAshurstPerkins Coie office; you may list up to two offices. Candidates will be considered for the following offices:Chicago, Madison, New York, Palo Alto, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Evaluation Criteria

AshurstPerkins Coie2027 2LPatent Litigation Summer Associates will be selected based on the following criteria:

  • Law Students: Applicants must be a second-year law student in good standing pursuing the degree of Juris Doctor at an ABA-accredited law school.

  • Academic Achievement: A demonstrated record of academic achievement and excellent writing and interpersonal skills, as well as experience that will contribute to a successful career in the legal field.

  • Patent Litigation Interest: Applicants must have a demonstrated interest in practicing law in patent litigation.

  • Technical Background: Applicants are preferred to have a technical degree or scientific background, with preferred areas of study/experience in computer science, electrical engineering, physics, and/or similar areas, although all technical and scientific backgrounds may be considered.

About the Summer Associate Program

Our Summer Associate Program is the primary path to full-time associate hiring atAshurstPerkins Coie.Summer Associates receive meaningful, substantive work-research, drafting, analysis, and client-facing projects-alongside skilled attorneys and mentors. Our Summer Associates regularly attend hearings, client meetings, depositions, and deal closings, and can work on pro bono matters, as well asparticipatein professional development activities and attend social events that help build lasting relationships across the firm.

AboutAshurstPerkins Coie

AshurstPerkins CoieUSLLPis an international law firm recognized for its collaborative culture, commitment to excellence, and people-first approach.The firmhas been namedtoFortune's Best Places to Work list for 24 consecutive years, reflecting our belief that exceptional work happens in a culture of respect, growth, and inclusion.

Eligibility

All second-year students in good standing at an ABA-accredited law school are encouraged to apply.AshurstPerkins Coieis an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability status, or any other identity.

Compensation and Benefits

This position is not benefits-eligible; however, paid holidays are available. In California, Illinois, New York, Oregon, and Washington State, the monthly compensation for this role is$18,750per month.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records whoresidein Los Angeles County, San Diego County, or San Francisco County will be considered for employmentin accordance withthe applicable Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.

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