Patent Agent - Mechanical (IRV)

Stinson LLP is seeking an experienced patent agent to join the patent prosecution group of our Intellectual Property and Technology Division. The role focuses on procuring patent protection for clients across industries such as industrial automation software, aviation, medical devices, consumer products, transportation, agribusiness, cannabis, HVAC, infrastructure protection, and electrical/fiber optic connectors.

About the role

This position involves drafting and prosecuting U.S. and foreign patent applications, conducting patentability assessments, and assisting with freedom-to-operate and due diligence evaluations. The role requires collaboration with supervising partners, legal administration assistants, paralegals, and docketing specialists.

Responsibilities

• Draft and globally prosecute patent applications.
• Coordinate and correspond with foreign law firms and associates to file foreign patent applications.
• Communicate with clients to process and legalize formal documents for U.S. and foreign patent filings.
• Review country-specific requirements and obtain Foreign Filing Licenses as needed.
• Maintain client patent portfolios and prepare notices regarding upcoming deadlines.
• Correspond with foreign law firms on filings, deadlines, and billings.
• Anticipate supervising partner or client needs for specific projects and delegate tasks to paralegals or legal administrative assistants.
• Meet an annual billable hour requirement of 1,650 hours.
• Perform other duties as assigned (5% of role).

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, higher degree, or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or a related engineering field (or equivalent work experience).
• U.S. Patent & Trademark Office registration.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
• Experience managing a patent prosecution docket and taking ownership of patent applications throughout all phases of prosecution.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with legal teams and docketing specialists.
• Law firm or in-house IP experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in patent preparation and prosecution.
• Extensive experience across mechanical, electro-mechanical, electrical, and software technologies.

Skills

• Exceptional writing, analytical, and communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Professional, customer-service-oriented, and deadline-driven in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and independent thinking.
• Team player who motivates and educates colleagues.
• Regular and predictable attendance.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision health plans.
• Medical savings accounts.
• Firm-provided Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Wellness Program, and Caregiving Support Concierge Services.
• Employer-paid life insurance and AD&D.
• Short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Generous paid time off for holidays, vacation, bereavement, jury duty, sick/safe time, parental leave, and military leave.
• Work-life programs, including service bonuses, backup child/elder/pet care, and employee discount programs.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $96,000 – $120,000, based on experience, skills, qualifications, and location.

Work Environment

This role operates in a professional office environment, routinely using standard office equipment. The position may require additional hours to complete work. Physical demands include regular sitting, talking, and hearing, with occasional standing, walking, and lifting up to 25 pounds. Vision abilities required include close vision.