Senior Patent Agent

Job Description

Job Description

Ready to make connectivity from space universally accessible, secure and actionable? Then you’ve come to the right place!

E-Space is bridging Earth and space to enable hyper-scaled deployments of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and services. We are building a highly-advanced low Earth orbit (LEO) space system that will fundamentally change the design, economics, manufacturing and service delivery associated with traditional satellite and terrestrial IoT systems.

We’re intentional, we’re unapologetically curious and we’re 100% committed to innovate space-based communications and deliver actionable intelligence that will expand global economies, protect space and our planet and enhance our overall quality of life.

About the Role

E-Space designs and manufactures low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites for 5G communications, associated ground-based Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and radar systems for space-based and ground-based applications. 

We are seeking a Senior Patent Agent to take substantial ownership of patent preparation and prosecution across these technologies. Working directly with Lead IP Counsel and engineering teams, you will turn complex inventions into high-quality patent applications and pursue commercially meaningful claim coverage. 

This is a hands-on role: approximately 60% of your time will involve drafting applications, with approximately 30–40% devoted to prosecution. You will personally draft most assigned applications and all U.S. Office Action responses for assigned matters, and review outside counsel’s non-U.S. Office Action responses. The role calls for an experienced practitioner who can produce high-quality work with limited supervision and is proficient using AI-based tools effectively.

• Patent drafting and invention development. Interview inventors, develop technical disclosures, and personally draft provisional and nonprovisional utility patent applications, including claims, specifications, and drawing instructions. Identify broad claim coverage and well-supported fallback positions. 

• U.S. prosecution. Analyze Office Actions and cited references; develop response strategies; prepare substantive responses and claim amendments; and conduct examiner interviews. 

• International prosecution. Review and provide instructions on foreign counsel’s proposed responses and amendments for technical accuracy, claim scope, and consistency with portfolio objectives. Coordinate with outside counsel on PCT and national phase matters. 

• Portfolio strategy. Recommend filing, claim, and continuation strategies for Lead IP Counsel’s approval. Assume increasing responsibility for selected portfolio decisions as familiarity with the business and portfolio grows and authority is delegated. 

• Collaboration and execution. Work with engineers, the IP paralegal, and outside counsel to resolve substantive issues, meet deadlines, and align patent work with product development and business priorities. 

• At least five years of substantive utility patent preparation and prosecution experience; ten or more years is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to independently handle complex drafting and prosecution matters with limited supervision is essential. 

• Active registration and good standing to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office in utility patent matters. 

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in electrical engineering, computer engineering, computer science, software engineering, aerospace engineering, or a closely related discipline, with a strong foundation in communications and electronic systems. 

• Substantial patent preparation and prosecution experience in wireless communications, together with a strong technical foundation and patent experience involving related software, electronic hardware, and antenna systems. 

• Demonstrated skill in personally drafting complex patent applications, developing claim strategies, and preparing substantive Office Action responses. 

• Proficiency using AI-based tools with sound judgment in evaluating and verifying their output. 

• Strong command of U.S. patent drafting and prosecution requirements, including patent eligibility, novelty, obviousness, written description, enablement, and claim clarity; familiarity with PCT procedures and foreign prosecution through local counsel. 

• Ability to work directly with inventors, understand complex architectures, identify inventive features, and manage multiple matters with strong writing, analytical, organizational, and communication skills. 

• Experience preparing and prosecuting patent applications involving phased array antenna systems and IoT devices is highly desirable. 

• Experience with satellite communications, non-terrestrial networks, spacecraft technologies, or space-based or ground-based radar is a plus. 

• Experience with 5G/NR, cellular protocols, RF systems, beamforming, beam steering, signal processing, embedded software, firmware, or digital hardware. 

• In-house experience or law firm experience supporting technology companies with international patent portfolios; prior engineering or research experience is also valued. 

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Santa Clara, California preferred. The role requires daily collaboration with contracts, business development, and program management professionals in a fast-paced defense and government services environment. Occasional travel to client sites, government facilities, or other company locations may be required. The position operates under the general supervision of the General Counsel or designee, with significant latitude for independent judgment on day-to-day legal matters.

Qualified candidates should submit a resume, writing sample demonstrating government contracts legal analysis, and a cover letter summarizing relevant experience. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

This is a fast-paced, high-impact environment - flexibility to occasionally work extended hours or weekends during critical periods is expected.

This is a full time, exempt position. The total compensation packaged will be determined by various factors such as your relevant job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.  We are redefining how satellites are designed, manufactured and used—so we’re looking for candidates with passion, deep knowledge and direct experience on LEO satellite component development, design and in-orbit activities. If that’s your experience – then we’ll be immediately wow-ed. E-Space is not currently able to provide employment sponsorship for candidates who do not hold work authorization for the location of this role. 

Why E-Space is right for you:

As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in driving our success.  Our team members have a strong sense of dedication and responsibility; this includes a strong commitment to our mission to create an entirely new suite of global capabilities to improve lives, business efficiencies and build a smarter planet. This means that there will be times when extra hours, including nights and weekends, may be needed to meet critical deadlines and mission goals.  In return, we offer a dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a high-growth industry.  

We want you to make the most of your journey at E-Space. That’s why we support and invest in the physical, emotional and financial well-being of our team members and their families. Some of what you can expect when working at E-Space:

• An opportunity to really make a difference

• Sustainability at our core

• Fair and honest workplace

• Innovative thinking is encouraged

• Competitive salaries

• Continuous learning and development

• Health and wellness care options

• Financial solutions for the future

• Optional legal services (US only)

• Paid holidays

• Paid time off

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.