Technical Specialist or Junior Patent Agent, Semiconductors
Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox · United States
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 organizationFully remote opportunities and a hybrid option with regular remote workdays and scheduling flexibilityA vibrant in-person culture focused on collaboration, learning, and connectionFree daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista barDedicated formal mentoring, including one assigned mentor and an assigned peer buddyMeaningful visibility within practice groups of approximately 55–70 professionalsOpportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and build a career in patent lawRecognized multiple times by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal as a great place to work
What You’ll Do
Draft semiconductor-related patent applicationsPrepare responses to Office Actions and other USPTO filingsWork with inventors to develop technical disclosuresResearch emerging semiconductor technologiesPrepare technical analyses for attorneys and patent agentsSupport U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
Minimum Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering; related degrees may be considered based on relevant experienceExperience with semiconductor fabrication or process engineeringStrong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skillsInterest in applying technical experience to patent lawA passion for technology, innovation, and all things geekyFor Patent Agent candidates, USPTO registration and one to two years of patent prosecution experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Electrical Engineering with a semiconductor-related focusIndustry experience in semiconductor fabrication or process engineeringExperience drafting patent applications or responding to Office ActionsAn 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 qualificationsStarting salary range for Patent Agent title: $140,000-$180,000, based on position level, experience, education, and qualificationsBillable Hour Goal: 1,900 hoursBenefits 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 insuranceCompensation 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:”
ResumeAll 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.
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 organizationFully remote opportunities and a hybrid option with regular remote workdays and scheduling flexibilityA vibrant in-person culture focused on collaboration, learning, and connectionFree daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista barDedicated formal mentoring, including one assigned mentor and an assigned peer buddyMeaningful visibility within practice groups of approximately 55–70 professionalsOpportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and build a career in patent lawRecognized multiple times by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal as a great place to work
What You’ll Do
Draft semiconductor-related patent applicationsPrepare responses to Office Actions and other USPTO filingsWork with inventors to develop technical disclosuresResearch emerging semiconductor technologiesPrepare technical analyses for attorneys and patent agentsSupport U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
Minimum Qualifications
What We’re Looking For
Bachelor’s, master’s, or PhD in Electrical Engineering; related degrees may be considered based on relevant experienceExperience with semiconductor fabrication or process engineeringStrong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skillsInterest in applying technical experience to patent lawA passion for technology, innovation, and all things geekyFor Patent Agent candidates, USPTO registration and one to two years of patent prosecution experience
Preferred Qualifications
PhD in Electrical Engineering with a semiconductor-related focusIndustry experience in semiconductor fabrication or process engineeringExperience drafting patent applications or responding to Office ActionsAn 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 qualificationsStarting salary range for Patent Agent title: $140,000-$180,000, based on position level, experience, education, and qualificationsBillable Hour Goal: 1,900 hoursBenefits 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 insuranceCompensation 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:”
ResumeAll 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.