Technical Specialist

Technical Specialist

Job Category: Lawyers, Agents, and Scientists Requisition Number: TECHN001698

Posted: April 3, 2026

Full-Time

Hybrid

Washington, D.C.

Description

Application requirements

Due to the exciting level of interest in our firm, we are unable to individually contact all candidates to collect materials to complete applications. To submit a complete application, please ensure the following documents are included as 1 PDF labeled (firstname lastname Application Materials):

• Resume
• Writing Sample
• All Academic Transcripts (undergraduate, graduate, law school, etc.)

About Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C.

Named for several years as a "great place" to work by The Washington Post and Washington Business Journal, Sterne, Kessler, Goldstein & Fox P.L.L.C. is proud to be one of the most highly regarded intellectual property specialty law firms in the world. We recognize that it is the talent and dynamism of each individual at Sterne Kessler that makes that possible. With that in mind, we have cultivated an environment that is welcoming, inclusive, and intellectually stimulating with just the right touch of fun and exuberance. We offer a competitive compensation package with excellent benefits and are Metro-accessible in a prime downtown location with many nearby restaurants and shops.

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

About the Technical Specialist Role

Sterne Kessler is looking for a Technical Specialist to join our Electronics Group. We are looking for top-notch engineers from industry and academia, as well as recent graduates who are interested in pursuing a career in intellectual property law. As a Technical Specialist, you will be supported by two formal mentors. Also, Technical Specialists are expected to study and sit for the Patent Bar within their first 1-2 years with the firm. Upon passing the US patent exam, Technical Specialists become practicing Patent Agents.

Role location: This role is based in our Washington, D.C. office on a hybrid basis, with regular in-office days. You have flexibility to pick which days you work in the office. Sterne Kessler offers relocation reimbursement up to a certain amount to offset moving costs.

Responsibilities & Requirements

As a Technical Specialist in the Electronics Group, you will:

• Perform research into developing and emerging technologies
• Prepare written and oral reports to attorneys and/or patent agents
• Assist and prepare patent applications and other Patent Office filings, such as Information Disclosure Statements, replies to Notice to File Missing Parts, responses to Office Actions and Appeal Briefs for signature by attorneys and/or patent agents
• Interact with inventors to obtain disclosures
• Maintain and organize prosecution files
• Assist with prosecution of foreign patent applications by preparing letters of instruction to foreign associates for signature by attorneys and patent agents
• Maintain and monitor docket of work due dates

Requirements:

• Master's in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering.
• Genuine interest in applying your scientific and research experience to the IP and patent law field

Preferred skills:

• A GEEKy hobby! Really! Ask about our GEEK WEEK gatherings
• PhD in electrical engineering and/or computer engineering
• An enterprising spirit to build on the comprehensive formal and informal training you will receive

Working with Us

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.

Salary range: The salary range for this role is $110,000 to $155,000 at a 1900 billable hour goal. Technical Specialists are expected to start with a 1900 billable hour goal.

Benefits:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in addition to virtual care services through CloseKnit
• On-site Wellness Center in our Washington, D.C. office
• Staffed by a full-time Nurse Practitioner, offers firm employees and other qualified family members with a range of medical services
• Relocation expense reimbursement (up to an approved amount) for moving to the DC metro area
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care
• Wellness program
• Firm-paid life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) coverage
• Firm-paid short and long term disability insurance
• Supplemental life insurance and supplemental AD&D coverage, supplemental long term disability insurance*, long term care insurance options
• 401(k) retirement savings plan
• Transportation commuter benefit program
• Back-up childcare and family support
• Pet insurance discount
• Employee Assistance Program services

Equal Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.