Technical Specialist or Junior Patent Agent, Electronics Group

Posted yesterday

sterne kesslerWashington (DC)

Paralegals and Legal Assistants All Other Legal Services

SENIORITY

Senior

SALARY

$125,000 per year

Apply

About the role

About the Technical Specialist Role Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist or junior Patent Agent to join our Electronics Group in Washington, DC. We will consider engineers entering patent law as well as registered Patent Agents with one to two years of patent prosecution experience. The title will depend on the selected candidate’s experience and USPTO registration status. We welcome candidates from industry, academia, and graduate programs who are interested in applying their technical expertise to intellectual property law. Technical Specialists receive extensive training and formal mentoring and are expected to prepare for and sit for the Patent Bar within their first year at the firm.

What Sets Us Apart:

The resources and sophistication of a leading IP law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
Hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and choice in your in-office schedule
A vibrant in-person culture that encourages collaboration, learning, and connection
Free daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista bar
Dedicated formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors
Meaningful visibility and impact within practice groups of approximately 55-70 professionals, where individual contributions are recognized
Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and develop a long-term career in patent law
Recognized multiple times by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal as a great place to work

What You'll Do:

Research emerging technologies and innovations
Assist in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings
Work with inventors to understand and develop technical disclosures
Support patent prosecution and communication with foreign associates
Prepare written and oral analyses for attorneys and patent agents
Manage prosecution files and monitor deadlines

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
Interest in applying technical experience to patent law
A passion for technology, innovation, and all things geeky

Preferred Qualifications:

PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
Research or industry experience in a relevant technical discipline
Technical writing experience, such as publications, patents, dissertations, or conference papers
An entrepreneurial mindset and eagerness to learn
Location and Work Arrangement

Hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with flexible in-office scheduling and a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting salary range for Technical Specialist title: $125,000-$155,000 based on experience, education and qualifications
Starting salary range for Patent Agent title: $135,000-$165,000 based on experience, education and qualifications
Billable Hour Goal: 1,900 hours
Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an on-site Wellness Center, a 401(k) plan, relocation assistance, backup childcare, wellness programs, and firm-paid life and disability insurance
Compensation philosophy:

The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm. Equal Opportunity Employer Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Before you apply

Applying takes about a minute. These four things decide how fast it moves after that.

Your profile is current

It's what we read first. Occupations, seniority and locations matter more than a long history.

Two examples you can talk through

Not a portfolio — just two pieces of work where you can explain the decisions and what you'd change.

A number in mind

What you're on now and what would make you move. We negotiate better when we know both.

Your notice period

Employers plan around it, and it's the question that stalls offers most often.

Once you apply, someone reads it and calls you before anything reaches the employer — usually within two working days.