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 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 ForMinimum 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 ApplySubmit 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.
