Direct Counsel
Patent Prosecution Associate (14 Years) Engineering - Austin
Austin, Texas, US
Role snapshot
Direct Counsel is hiring a Patent Prosecution Associate (14 Years) Engineering - Austin on a full-time basis. This is a role based in Austin, Texas, US.
- Company
- Direct Counsel
- Location
- Austin, Texas, US
- Job type
- Full-time
- Experience
- 1–4 years
- Pay listed
- $225,000 - $310,000
- Posted
- Nov 2, 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.
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About the role
Job Description
Job Description
Patent Prosecution Associate (1–4 Years) – Engineering & AI Focus
Direct Counsel represents a well-regarded Am Law firm seeking a Patent Prosecution Associate (1–4 years) to join its dynamic Intellectual Property practice. This is an exciting opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies across engineering, AI/ML, and emerging life sciences applications.
The role is ideal for candidates who enjoy hands-on drafting, strategic portfolio development, and working at the intersection of innovation and law.
What You’ll Do:
- Draft and prosecute U.S. patent applications across a range of technologies
- Collaborate with inventors and clients to develop strong IP strategies
- Conduct prior art analysis and support portfolio management
- Work closely with attorneys and technical teams on complex innovations
What We’re Looking For:
- 1–4 years of patent prosecution experience at a law firm
- USPTO registration (Patent Bar) required
- Technical background in electrical, mechanical, or chemical engineering, materials science, AI/ML, or related fields
- Demonstrated interest or experience in life sciences strongly preferred
- Advanced degree and/or prior patent agent experience is a plus
- Strong academic credentials and excellent written and verbal communication skills
Why This Role:
- Work on cutting-edge technologies across AI, engineering, and life sciences
- Join a collaborative, innovation-driven IP practice
- Cravath-scale compensation: $225,000 – $310,000 + discretionary bonus
- Comprehensive, top-tier benefits including healthcare, family-building support, and wellness programs
- Robust professional development, CLE support, and career growth opportunities