Technical Specialist, Mechanical & Design Group
About The Position
Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join its Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, DC. The role is intended for engineers and scientists from industry, academia, and graduate programs who want to apply their technical expertise to intellectual property law. Technical Specialists receive extensive training and formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors, and are expected to prepare for and sit for the Patent Bar within their first year at the firm. The position offers the resources and sophistication of a leading IP law firm alongside the visibility and community of a smaller organization. It includes hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and choice in the in-office schedule, while maintaining a collaborative in-person culture. The successful candidate will work on cutting-edge technologies and have opportunities to build a long-term career in patent law within a practice group of approximately 55 professionals.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or a related area of study.
- Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
- Relevant academic, research, or industry experience, including technical writing.
- Genuine interest in applying a technical background to intellectual property and patent law.
- Intellectual curiosity, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for technology and innovation.
Responsibilities
- Research emerging technologies and innovations alongside experienced patent attorneys.
- Collaborate with attorneys in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings.
- Engage with inventors to 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.
- Prepare for and sit for the Patent Bar within the first year at the firm.
Benefits
- Medical coverage
- Dental coverage
- Vision coverage
- On-site Wellness Center
- 401(k) plan
- Relocation assistance, including a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates
- Backup childcare
- Wellness programs
- Firm-paid life insurance
- Firm-paid disability insurance
- Free daily lunch
- Complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from an in-house barista bar
- Formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors
- Hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and choice in the in-office schedule
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
