Patent Engineer or Agent (Video Encoding)

Michael Best • Full-time • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States • $90k / year • 1m ago

The Position

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP is seeking a Patent Engineer or Agent to join our Intellectual Property Practice Group. This position can be based out of our Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Denver, Raleigh, or Salt Lake City office. A minimum of 2 years of patent drafting and prosecution experience at a firm or in-house is required. Our ideal candidate will hold a degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering and must have experience with video processing and, in particular, video codecs, including relevant standards for video encoding and decoding. Experience in virtual/augmented reality and AI is a plus.

The Company

This is an opportunity to work with the Best. We are Michael Best & Friedrich, LLP. We are a full-service law firm with more than 350 lawyers and technical professionals who work in collaborative, interdisciplinary practices to serve clients around the world.

We work with companies in all kinds of industries, as well as trade associations, nonprofits, educational institutions, governments, family trusts, and high-net-worth individuals. Since our firm’s founding in 1848, we’ve continuously evolved to meet our clients’ changing needs and expectations. One thing remains the same: For generations, clients have relied on Michael Best for exceptional legal service and business acumen.

The Location

We have offices in Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Madison, Manitowoc, Waukesha); Illinois (Chicago); Utah (Cottonwood Heights, Salt Lake City); Colorado (Denver, Broomfield); Texas (Austin); North Carolina (Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington); California (Los Angeles); Nebraska (Lincoln) and Washington D.C. Our contemporary offices spaces are ideal for concentration and collaboration supporting our culture of working together to make great things happen for our clients. This position can be located in our Chicago, Madison, Milwaukee, Waukesha, Denver, Raleigh, or Salt Lake City office.

Job Requirements:

Bring Your Best

Knowledge Base & Education:

2+ years of prosecution experience at a firm or in-house is required, as well as experience with portfolio management
Undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Computer Science, or Computer Engineering
Strong knowledge and solid experience in one of the following areas: video processing and video codecs
Familiar with video coding standards
Experience in virtual/augmented reality and AI is a plus, but is not required
Graduate-level experience or advanced technical degree is a plus, but not required
Involvement with patent analysis/opinions of counsel and IPRs is a plus, but is not required
Admission to the USPTO is a plus

Adaptability:

Ability to learn and embrace new skills and best practices as the position evolves and Firm needs change
Ability to manage time and deadlines for a variety of ongoing projects
Ability to work well independently as well as effectively within a team

Collaboration:

Ability to develop relationships and foster teamwork at all levels of the Firm

Communication:

Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with a diverse group of internal and external clients, attorneys, and staff
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to manage confidential information and sensitive situations with tact and discretion

Problem Solving Skills:

Ability and confidence to identify and analyze issues, make decisions, and initiate actions/solutions
Ability to be adaptable and flexible when faced with unexpected changes

Professionalism:

Ability to maintain composure and demonstrate good judgment

Other:

Valid authorization to work in the U.S.

Why You Should Apply

At Michael Best, we are proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive Total Rewards package that provides a variety of resources designed to enhance its employees’ overall well-being, both at work and at home. Competitive base pay, outstanding benefits, opportunities for learning and growth, programs designed to help you plan for the future, and perks that inspire your downtime are all part of our total compensation package.

Learning and Growth

Challenging and Dynamic Role
Career Development Planning
Professional Growth Opportunities
Performance Management and Coaching
Specialized Training Programs

Health & Wellness

Medical
Dental
Vision Care
Health Savings Accounts
Flexible Spending Accounts
Wellness Program
Employee and Family Assistance Program

Total Compensation

Competitive Base Pay
Annual Merit Review/Incentive Pay
Outstanding Benefits
Unlimited PTO Plus 10 Paid Holidays

Planning for the Future

401(k) with Company Contribution
Short Term Disability Plan
Long Term Disability Plan
Life Insurance
Critical Illness Insurance
Parental/Family Leave

Culture and Workplace

Respected Organization with Collaborative Culture
Growing Firm with an Exciting Future
Flexible Remote Work Policy (Ability to work remote up to 2.5 days per week)
Contemporary Work Environment
Positive and Respectful Work Climate

To be considered for this position, please submit an application via our online portal.

Recruitment Agencies: Michael Best is not accepting unsolicited agency resumes for this position. Please do not forward resumes to our careers email address or any Firm employees. Michael Best is not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes.

Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michael Best Strategies LLC, and Michael Best Consulting LLC (collectively known as "Michael Best") are steadfastly committed to providing equal employment opportunity and maintaining a workplace for employees and applicants for employment that is free from discrimination based upon age, race, religion, color, disability, marital status, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please contact our Recruiting team at 414.225.4999 or careers@michaelbest.com to let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.

For Colorado applicants only (as required by the Colorado Equal Pay Act): The starting salary for patent engineer and agent positions in our Denver office is $90,000. Pay is determined based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, depth of experience in the practice area. Patent engineers and agents are eligible to participate in Michael Best’s ESA bonus program, subject to the program’s conditions and restrictions. This position is considered full-time and is therefore eligible to participate in employer-sponsored benefits, including: medical, dental, vision, as well as elective/voluntary life, disability, and accident coverage. All full-time employees are eligible to participate in the firm's 401k plan.