Patent Engineer Mechanical

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC | Full time Chicago, United States | Posted on 05/22/2026 We are a boutique firm located in the heart of Chicago, specializing in United States and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Our team of practitioners includes many individuals having years of industry experience as engineers and inventors prior to becoming patent attorneys. A combination of significant real world engineering experience and legal experience results in a highly focused and skilled team of practitioners who provide services to numerous Fortune 500 technology companies. Job Description Looking to use your mechanical engineering skills in a different way? Take an unexpected path that leverages your knowledge of engineering in the legal field of patent prosecution and counseling. Our Patent Engineer position is an exciting blend of both the legal and engineering career paths, allowing you to experience the latest in cutting-edge technology as you help inventors establish their intellectual property rights for their new inventions. Hanley, Flight and Zimmerman, LLC (HFZ) is seeking individuals wanting to pursue a career as a patent engineer and, if you choose, ultimately, a career as a patent attorney. As an engineer, you have the technical background to understand the engineering principles inherent in the patent prosecution and counseling work we provide for Fortune 500 companies and corporations. You will engage with inventors creating the advanced technologies that are modernizing industries and revolutionizing how people interface with our world. We work with clients within the automotive and aerospace sectors, telecommunications and software industries, with artificial intelligence and wireless technologies, the oil and gas industry and consumer products, as well as valve technologies and biomedical devices and instrumentation - to name a few. HFZ’s team of seasoned intellectual property practitioners will help you learn the art of practicing patent law from the ground up. You will be involved in all stages of the patent process, including preparing and filing applications, formulating prosecution strategies and arguments, and assisting clients with their intellectual property portfolio management decisions. With guidance, you can help identify what’s unique about an invention and build a case for protecting it. Come work in an innovative environment where you can develop strong relationships, help companies with their long-term business strategies, and experience new and different technologies everyday. Compensation: Thesalary range for this position is $70,000-$80,000. Actual salary will vary and may be above or below this range based on experience. Year-end bonus potential – discretionary and based on productivity. Comprehensive Benefits Program includes Health, Life and Disability Insurance and available Dental and Vision insurance. 401K plan. This is an in-office, Chicago-based role with hybrid flexibility. Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC is committed to diversity as a core value of the firm. We continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates the diverse voices of our employees. A diverse and inclusive workforce enriches our work experience and enhances the value of our legal services. HFZ is an Equal Opportunity/ M/F/Vet/Disabled Employer. Requirements Excellent undergraduate academic credentials (minimum GPA 3.5 preferred). Strong analytical and writing skills. Candidate Preferences candidates with an official LSAT score - a real plus candidates with a Patent Office Registration Number - a real plus Advanced engineering degrees and/or engineering-related work experience. #J-18808-Ljbffr