Technical Specialist or Junior Patent Agent - Wireless Communications

About the Opportunity

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist or junior Patent Agent with a background in wireless communications 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.

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 of a leading IP law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
• Hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and scheduling choice in your in-office schedule
• A vibrant in-person culture focused on collaboration and learning
• Free daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our barista bar

• Dedicated formal mentoring, including one assigned mentor and an assigned peer buddy

• Practice groups of approximately 55-70 professionals, where individual contributions are recognized
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and build 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

• Draft patent applications and related USPTO filings
• Prepare responses to Office Actions
• Work with inventors to develop technical disclosures
• Research emerging technologies and industry developments
• Support U.S. and foreign patent prosecution matters

What We're Looking For

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Experience or academic focus in one or more of the following:
  • Wireless communications (5G, LTE, 4G, 3G, or related technologies)
  • RF circuit design and communications
  • IoT or Bluetooth technologies
  • Interest in applying your technical expertise to intellectual property law

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

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field
• Relevant research, industry, or technical writing experience
• 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: $130,000-$160,000 based on experience, education and qualifications
• Starting salary range for Patent Agent title: $140,000-$170,000 based on experience, education and qualifications
• Billable Hour Goal: 1,900
• 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 a single PDF labeled “FirstName LastName Application Materials:”

• Resume 
• All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted) 
• Recent writing sample. 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.