Technical Specialist, Mechanical & Design Group

Lawyers, Agents & Scientists•Washington, DC

1d•$125,000 - $155,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join its Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, DC. The role is for engineers and scientists from industry, academia, or graduate programs who want to apply 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. The position works alongside patent attorneys on emerging technologies, patent applications, Patent Office filings, inventor discussions, technical disclosures, and U.S. and foreign patent prosecution. It also supports patent strategy through written and oral technical analyses and helps the patent team manage prosecution matters and monitor deadlines. This is a hybrid position with regular remote workdays and flexible in-office scheduling. The firm offers a flat relocation allowance to eligible relocating candidates. The stated starting salary range is $125,000–$155,000, depending on experience, education, and qualifications. The billable hour goal is 1,900 hours.

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.