Direct Counsel
Junior/Mid-Level Patent Agent (CS/EE)
Reston, District of Columbia, US
Role snapshot
Direct Counsel is hiring a Junior/Mid-Level Patent Agent (CS/EE) on a full-time basis. This is a hybrid role based in Reston, District of Columbia, US.
- Company
- Direct Counsel
- Location
- Reston, District of Columbia, US
- Work mode
- Hybrid
- Job type
- Full-time
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Posted
- Nov 7, 2026
Who this role suits
People with roughly one to three years of experience who can own small pieces of work with light guidance and want to widen their scope.
How to prepare your application
- Prepare two or three stories about work you owned end to end, including one thing that went wrong and what you changed.
- Read what Direct Counsel publishes about its product or team, so you can say clearly why this role and this company.
Apply only on Direct Counsel's own site. A genuine employer never asks candidates for money, deposits or bank details to apply, interview or “secure” a job. If something looks wrong, use Report a problem with this listing and we will review it. Read how we check listings.
About the role
Direct Counsel is seeking a Patent Agent to join a leading global law firm's Patent Development & Strategy practice. The firm is seeking an early- to mid-level Patent Agent with a background in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline to support the continued growth of its patent development and strategy practice.
Locations: Boston, MA; Palo Alto, CA; Philadelphia, PA; Reston, VA; San Francisco, CA
QualificationsBachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
2+ years of patent prosecution experience.
Experience drafting and prosecuting U.S. and international patent applications.
Experience preparing responses to Office Actions and conducting patentability analyses.
Strong technical background in software, AI/ML, semiconductors, telecommunications, networking, computer architecture, or related technologies.
Prior experience in a law firm or in-house intellectual property environment preferred.
Experience with due diligence, opinions, freedom-to-operate analyses, licensing, or related patent counseling is a plus.
Draft and prosecute patent applications in electrical, computer, software, AI, semiconductor, and other technology-related fields.
Collaborate with inventors and attorneys to develop patent protection strategies.
Conduct prior art, patentability, and freedom-to-operate analyses.
Support IP due diligence and patent portfolio management matters.
Assist attorneys with client counseling and strategic patent matters.
Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills.
Strong attention to detail.
Excellent organizational and project management abilities.
Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
Strong problem-solving skills and sound business judgment.
The anticipated salary range is $100,000-$160,000, depending on geographic market, experience, skills, educational and professional background, and overall qualifications. The firm offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k).
Work ArrangementThis position offers a hybrid work arrangement, combining remote and in-office work. The specific arrangement will be determined at the time of hire.