Patent Engineer (Entry-Level)

Husch Blackwell • Full-time • St Louis, MO, US • $70k - $100k / year • 3w ago

Husch Blackwell LLP is a full-service litigation and business law firm with multiple locations across the United States, serving clients with domestic and international operations. At Husch Blackwell, we believe that diverse, equitable, and inclusive teams lead to better outcomes.

We have openings for a Patent Engineer starting in June 2025. This position may be filled in-person or hybrid at out office locations in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, or St. Louis.

The Patent Engineer will collaborate with a team of patent agents, patent and intellectual property (IP) attorneys, and partners within the Technology, Manufacturing, and Transportation (TMT) Strategic Business Unit. Husch Blackwell has a dedicated program manager for Patent Agents & Patent Engineers. The program manager focuses on the professional development of patents agents and engineers and assists with workload management.

This is a non-traditional career path for new engineers, though there are 13,000 engineers/scientists without a law degree in the U.S. working to protect inventions with patents. It may be great choice if you enjoy learning about new developments in a wide variety of fields and industries and get excited explaining or evaluating technologies with others.

This role focuses on preparing and prosecuting patent applications. Essential job functions include:

Assist attorneys with the prosecution of patent applications (i.e., patent examination), including responding to Office actions and communicating with Patent Examiners.
Conducting and analyzing comprehensive patent searches to identify prior art and assess the patentability of inventions.
Drafting high-quality patent applications, including detailed written descriptions and figures, to protect innovative technologies.
Willingness to pursue registration as a Patent Agent before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office within a few years.

Position Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Computer Science/Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Mechanical Engineering or a related field.
Strong analytical and research skills with attention to detail.
Excellent written (technical and persuasive) and verbal communication skills, interacting in a professional and courteous manner with clients and colleagues.
Ability to work both collaboratively within a team and independently with strong organizational and time management skills.
Prior applying technical knowledge in an engineering internship, teaching assistant, or research assistant role is highly preferred.

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. The Firm will provide reasonable accommodations as necessary to allow an individual with a disability to apply for and/or perform the essential functions of a position. If you need assistance to accommodate a disability, please contact HR.

Please include a resume, an unofficial transcript, and one technical writing sample when applying.

Husch Blackwell is committed to retaining, recruiting, developing, and promoting talented lawyers and business professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We foster an engaged, diverse, and inclusive team culture of accountability and purpose that makes our Firm and our communities better.

EOE/Minority/Female/Disabled/Veterans.

Principal Applicants Only.