Patent Associate Engineering

Job Overview:
An esteemed law firm is seeking a Patent Associate with 1–4 years of experience in patent prosecution to join its Patents and Innovations Counseling & Prosecution practice group. This position is ideal for individuals with a technical background in engineering or computer science disciplines, combined with an interest in life sciences. The ideal candidate will be USPTO-registered, have strong academic credentials, and demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills. This opportunity allows the associate to work on cutting-edge technologies and develop deep experience across a range of scientific and legal matters.

Location:

• Salt Lake City, UT

Duties:

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

• Conduct patentability, freedom-to-operate, and IP due diligence analyses

• Assist in developing and managing global patent portfolios for high-tech and life sciences clients

• Collaborate with inventors, engineers, in-house counsel, and other stakeholders

• Support patent litigation teams with technical insights and document preparation

• Stay informed on developments in patent law and emerging technologies

Requirements:

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

• Strong interest in life sciences, demonstrated through academic or industry experience

• Ability to manage multiple projects with high attention to detail and efficiency

• Team-oriented with a client-focused approach to problem-solving

Education:

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

• Advanced degrees (M.S. or Ph.D.) in relevant technical fields preferred

Certifications:

• Member of the bar in at least one U.S. jurisdiction

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

Skills:

• Technical background in one or more of the following:

  • Electrical Engineering

  • Mechanical Engineering

  • Chemical Engineering

  • Materials Science

  • Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning

• Strong legal research and analytical capabilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Superior academic credentials

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-based, fast-paced environment

Benefits:

• Discretionary merit-based bonuses

• Monthly wellness reimbursements

• 24/7 access to virtual counseling and behavioral health support

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance (including for spouses/domestic partners and dependents)

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

• Paid parental leave

• Parenting support concierge and telemedicine access

• Parents and caregivers resource groups

• Career coaching for working parents

• In-home and center-based back-up childcare

• Tutoring and college coaching for dependents

• Health Savings Accounts with firm contributions

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

• 401(k) retirement plan with matching contributions

• Pretax commuter and parking benefits

• Basic and supplemental life insurance

• Short- and long-term disability coverage

• Voluntary insurance options including:

  • Long-term care

  • Critical illness

  • Hospitalization and accident insurance

  • Identity theft protection

  • Pet insurance

• Medicare consulting support

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