Technical Specialist, Mechanical & Design Group

About the Technical Specialist Role

Sterne Kessler is seeking a Technical Specialist to join our Mechanical & Design Group in Washington, DC.

We welcome engineers and scientists from industry, academia, and graduate programs who are interested in applying their technical expertise to intellectual property law. Technical Specialists receive extensive training and formal mentoring and are expected to prepare for and sit for the Patent Bar within their first year at the firm.

What Sets Us Apart

• The resources and sophistication of a leading IP law firm with the visibility and community of a smaller organization
• Hybrid flexibility with regular remote workdays and choice in your in-office schedule
• A vibrant in-person culture that encourages collaboration, learning, and connection
• Free daily lunch and complimentary coffee, tea, and espresso beverages from our in-house barista bar
• Dedicated formal mentoring, including two assigned mentors
• Meaningful visibility and impact within a practice group of approximately 55 professionals, where individual contributions are recognized
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge technologies and develop a long-term career in patent law
• Recognized multiple times by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal as a great place to work

What You’ll Do

• Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to research emerging technologies and innovations
• Collaborate with attorneys in preparing patent applications and Patent Office filings
• Work alongside experienced patent attorneys to engage with inventors, understand their innovations, and develop technical disclosures
• Support attorneys throughout U.S. and foreign patent prosecution
• Prepare written and oral technical analyses to support attorneys in developing patent strategies
• Work with the broader patent team to manage prosecution matters and monitor deadlines

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Physics, Civil Engineering, or related area of study
• Strong technical, analytical, writing, and communication skills
• Relevant academic, research, or industry experience, including technical writing
• Genuine interest in applying your technical background to intellectual property and patent law
• Intellectual curiosity, an entrepreneurial mindset, and a passion for technology, and innovation

Location and Work Arrangement

Hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with flexible in-office scheduling and a flat relocation allowance for eligible relocating candidates.

Compensation & Benefits

Starting salary range for Technical Specialist title: $125,000-$155,000 based on experience, education and qualifications

Billable Hour Goal: 1,900 hours

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, an on-site Wellness Center, a 401(k) plan, relocation assistance, backup childcare, wellness programs, and firm-paid life and disability insurance

Compensation philosophy: The actual salary rate offered to candidates within that range will depend on a variety of factors, including without limitation, years of relevant experience, education, and the candidate’s overall qualifications for the position as assessed by the firm.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials as a single PDF labeled: "FirstName LastName Application Materials"

Resume

All academic transcripts (unofficial copies accepted)

Recent writing sample. If you used generative AI in your writing sample, please include a cover page that includes details of how you used AI.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Sterne Kessler is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.