Job Description

Patent Associate Attorney – Mechanical or Chemical Engineering

Locations: Chicago, Denver, Indianapolis, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., or Wilmington

Compensation: $175,000 – $255,000 base salary + bonus

Benefits: Full benefits package

Employment Type: Full-Time

Visa Sponsorship: Not available

HireNow Staffing is partnering with a top-tier Am Law 100 firm to recruit a seasoned and skilled Junior Patent Associate Attorney to join its Intellectual Property practice. This opportunity is ideal for an early-career patent professional who brings strong technical depth, excellent writing skills, and a clear commitment to patent prosecution within a sophisticated, collaborative environment.

This is a selective search . Candidates must meet the required experience, academic, and technical criteria to be considered for interview.

The Opportunity

This role offers the chance to work on complex, high-value patent matters for innovative clients across a range of industries. Associates are given meaningful responsibility early, supported by experienced partners and teams known for technical rigor and mentorship.

You will focus primarily on patent prosecution , drafting and prosecuting applications involving mechanical technologies, while also supporting chemical or materials-science-related inventions as needed. The practice values precision, clarity, and strategic thinking—both technically and legally.

Key Responsibilities

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to perform the following responsibilities to be considered:

• Draft and prosecute U.S. and international patent applications involving mechanical and related technologies

• Assist with patentability, freedom-to-operate, and related analyses

• Prepare responses to USPTO Office Actions with technical and legal accuracy

• Collaborate with partners, senior associates, and technical specialists on complex patent matters

• Communicate effectively with inventors and clients to understand and translate technical concepts

• Conduct prior art searches and support portfolio development strategies

• Manage assignments with strong attention to detail, deadlines, and quality standards

Required Qualifications (Must-Haves)

Candidates must meet all of the following to be considered:

• 1–3 years of patent prosecution experience only (strict requirement), gained as a patent agent or patent attorney

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering , Chemical Engineering , or a closely related discipline

• Demonstrated experience working with mechanical technologies

• USPTO registration (required)

• Admission to a U.S. state bar or eligibility to waive in

• Strong academic credentials from an accredited institution

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Stable resume demonstrating consistent career progression

Preferred Qualifications (Strongly Emphasized)

Candidates meeting these criteria will receive priority consideration .

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or a related field

• Experience supporting patent applications involving chemical processes, materials science, or related technologies

• Prior experience at an Am Law firm, IP boutique, or well-regarded patent practice

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across technical and legal teams

• Strong organizational skills and a detail-oriented approach to complex work

Why This Role Stands Out

• Opportunity to build a long-term patent prosecution career within a nationally respected IP practice

• Exposure to sophisticated technologies and high-quality client work

• Strong mentorship and professional development in an Am Law 100 environment

• Competitive compensation with full benefits and bonus structure

• Multiple office locations offering flexibility and national platform resources

HireNow Staffing Disclaimer

HireNow Staffing is acting as a direct placement partner for this role. All candidate information is handled confidentially and evaluated against defined requirements.
This job description outlines the general scope of responsibilities and qualifications. Duties may evolve based on client needs and practice demands. Only candidates meeting core qualifications will be considered for interview.

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