Quality Analyst

Position Summary

Duties & Responsibilities

• Support the Quality Control department, providing direct supervision, mentorship, and training to staff to maintain internal and USPTO standards.
• Oversee QC processes for all patent submissions, ensuring documents are technically sound and compliant with USPTO guidelines.
• Develop and implement QC strategies, policies, and SOPs to enhance accuracy, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
• Perform rigorous reviews of patent applications, amendments, and IP-related documentation prior to filing.
• Partner with patent attorneys, agents, and paralegals to resolve discrepancies and streamline the submission lifecycle.
• Monitor key quality KPIs, identify error trends, and execute corrective action plans.
• Stay current on USPTO policy changes and "Manual of Patent Examining Procedure" (MPEP) updates, communicating impacts to the broader team.
• Drive process optimization initiatives within the quality assurance systems to reduce cycle times and filing errors.
• Lead internal and external audits to ensure ongoing adherence to legal and industry standards.

Education & Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a Technical field (Engineering, Science), Pre-Law, or Business Administration.
• At least 3–5 years experience in Intellectual Property (IP) quality control or patent prosecution.
• Extensive, demonstrable experience working directly with USPTO guidelines and electronic filing systems (EFS-Web/Patent Center).
• Ability to successfully obtain and maintain a Tier 1 Investigation (Low Risk) security clearance.

Skill & Certification Requirements

• USPTO Registered Patent Agent or USPTO Bar admission is highly preferred.
• Deep mastery of MPEP guidelines and 37 CFR regulations.
• Exceptional attention to detail with the ability to spot subtle legal or formatting discrepancies.
• Strong ability to translate complex regulatory updates into actionable training for staff and attorneys.
• Experience with IP Management Software (e.g., FoundationIP, Anaqua, or AppColl) and USPTO search databases.
• Possess excellent communication skills (e.g., excellent written and verbal communication skills acquired via customer service work).
• Skilled in Microsoft Project Professional.
• Skilled in Microsoft SharePoint for version control and repository management.
• Ability to uphold USPTO interests and influence others by making valid, relevant points in a professional manner.