Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or related field
Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
Relevant academic, research, or industry experience, including technical writing
Genuine interest in intellectual property and patent law
Intellectual curiosity and a passion for technology and innovation
Responsibilities
Research emerging technologies and innovations alongside patent attorneys
Collaborate with attorneys to prepare patent applications and filings
Engage with inventors to understand innovations and develop technical disclosures
Support U.S. and foreign patent prosecution efforts
Prepare written and oral technical analyses for patent strategies
Manage prosecution matters and monitor deadlines with the patent team
Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision coverage
On-site Wellness Center
401(k) plan
Relocation assistance
Backup childcare
Wellness programs
Firm-paid life and disability insurance
Full Job Description
About the Technical Specialist Role
Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join our Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, DC.
We welcome engineers and scientists 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 You'll Do
Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to research emerging technologies and innovations
Collaborate with attorneys in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings
Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to engage with inventors, understand their innovations, and develop technical disclosures
Support attorneys throughout U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
Prepare written and oral technical analyses to support attorneys in developing patent strategies
Work with the broader patent team to manage prosecution matters and monitor deadlines
What We're Looking For
Bachelor's degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or related area of study
Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
Relevant academic, research, or industry experience, including technical writing
Genuine interest in applying your technical background to intellectual property and patent law
Intellectual curiosity, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for technology, and innovation
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
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
Please submit the following materials 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.
