Patent Associate Engineering

Job Overview:
A prominent intellectual property law firm is seeking a Patent Associate with 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution to join its Patents and Innovations Counseling & Prosecution team. This role is ideal for candidates with a technical background in engineering or computer science disciplines, who are also interested in innovations at the intersection of technology and life sciences. The position offers the opportunity to work on high-impact patent portfolios for clients engaged in cutting-edge research and development.

Location:

• Boulder, CO

Duties:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications

• Conduct patentability and freedom-to-operate analyses

• Collaborate with inventors, legal teams, and clients to develop and protect IP portfolios

• Support due diligence and transactional matters involving intellectual property

• Monitor and analyze technology and legal trends relevant to client industries

Requirements:

• 1–4 years of law firm experience in patent prosecution

• Background in engineering, applied sciences, or related technical fields

• Demonstrated interest in life sciences (academic or industry-related)

• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to manage a dynamic caseload and work within deadlines

Education:

• J.D. from an accredited U.S. law school

• Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in a relevant technical field preferred

Certifications:

• Admitted to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

• Registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

Skills:

• Technical expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

• Excellent legal writing and analytical skills

• Strong academic credentials

• Familiarity with patent law, USPTO procedures, and global IP strategy

• Team-oriented mindset with high attention to detail

Benefits:

• Discretionary performance bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 access to emotional and behavioral health support

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (including spouse/domestic partner and dependent children)

• Family-building benefits: IVF, surrogacy, adoption, and egg-freezing

• Paid parental leave

• Parenting concierge and telemedicine services

• Parents and caregivers resource group

• Career coaching for working parents

• In-home and center-based backup childcare

• Tutoring and college planning support for children

• Health Savings Accounts (with employer contributions)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) retirement plan with firm contribution

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability insurance

• Voluntary insurance options including:

  • Long-term care

  • Critical illness

  • Hospitalization and accident coverage

  • Identity theft protection

  • Pet insurance

• Medicare consulting support

• Firm-paid CLE, bar review fees, and bar dues