Technical Specialist or Junior Patent Agent, Semiconductors

About the Opportunity:

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist or junior Patent Agent with semiconductor fabrication experience to join our Electronics Group. 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.

You will apply your technical knowledge to drafting patent applications, responding to Office Actions, and working with inventors on complex semiconductor technologies. Technical Specialists receive extensive training and formal mentoring and are expected to sit for the Patent Bar within their first one to two years at the firm.

What Sets Us Apart

• The resources of a leading IP law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
• Fully remote opportunities and a hybrid option with regular remote workdays and scheduling flexibility
• A vibrant in-person culture focused on collaboration, learning, and connection
• Free daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista bar
• Dedicated formal mentoring, including one assigned mentor and an assigned peer buddy
• Meaningful visibility within practice groups of approximately 55–70 professionals
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and build a 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

• Draft semiconductor-related patent applications
• Prepare responses to Office Actions and other USPTO filings
• Work with inventors to develop technical disclosures
• Research emerging semiconductor technologies
• Prepare technical analyses for attorneys and patent agents
• Support U.S. and foreign patent prosecution

What We’re Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering; related degrees may be considered based on relevant experience
• Experience with semiconductor fabrication or process engineering
• Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Interest in applying technical experience to patent law

• A passion for technology, innovation, and all things geeky

• For Patent Agent candidates, USPTO registration and one to two years of patent prosecution experience

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering with a semiconductor-related focus
• Industry experience in semiconductor fabrication or process engineering
• Experience drafting patent applications or responding to Office Actions
• 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.
• Fully remote candidates considered; travel to Washington, DC 1-2 times per month during the first year expected. Firm assists with travel costs.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary range for Technical Specialist title: $130,000-$170,000, based on position level, experience, education, and qualifications
• Starting salary range for Patent Agent title: $140,000-$180,000, based on position level, 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.

How to Apply

Submit the following as one PDF labeled “FirstName LastName Application Materials:”

• Resume
• All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) 
• Recent writing sample. Semiconductor-related writing samples preferred. If you used generative AI in your writing sample, please include a cover page that includes details of how you used AI.  

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.