Description

Patent Agent / Technical Advisor (Physics, Electrical Engineering, or Materials Science – Semiconductor Focus) 

 
Patterson + Sheridan, LLP is seeking a Patent Agent or Technical Advisor to support our intellectual property practice, with a focus on semiconductor technologies.

The ideal candidate will have either a Ph.D. in Physics or Materials Science, or an M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, with deep technical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Semiconductor device physics (e.g., CMOS, FinFET, GAA architectures)
• Semiconductor manufacturing processes (e.g., deposition, etch, lithography, CMP)
• Material processing and device fabrication equipment and process tools
• Material characterization techniques
• Optics and photonics (communication technologies, optical metrology and inspection systems)
• Plasma physics or vacuum systems relevant to material processing
• Advanced packaging, wafer bonding, or 3D integration technologie

This position is a full-time, exempt role located in our Houston (preferred), Waco, San Jose, Orange County, Greensboro, Huntsville, or Shrewsbury offices.

What You’ll Work On

You will support leading technology companies in protecting innovations across the semiconductor ecosystem, including:

• Chip design and device architectures
• Front-end and back-end semiconductor manufacturing processes
• Wafer fabrication equipment and subsystems
• Advanced packaging and wafer-to-wafer bonding technologies
• Metrology, inspection, and process control systems

You will work closely with attorneys and directly with inventors to:

• Draft and prosecute patent applications
• Analyze inventions and identify patentable subject matter
• Develop strategic IP portfolios aligned with client business objectives

Why Patterson + Sheridan

As a full-service intellectual property law firm, Patterson + Sheridan provides a platform for technical advisors, patent agents, and attorneys to develop deep expertise in patent preparation and prosecution while working with sophisticated, innovation-driven clients.

We offer:

• Direct exposure to cutting-edge semiconductor technologies
• Meaningful responsibility and client interaction early in your career
• A collaborative, high-performance environment focused on technical excellence
• Opportunities for growth into a registered Patent Agent or Patent Attorney role

Additional Notes

• We are particularly interested in candidates who bring hands-on experience with semiconductor fabrication, device physics, or process development, and who are motivated to apply that expertise in a legal and strategic context.
• The salary range for this position is $90,000–$120,000 for California-based applicants. Compensation may vary for candidates in other locations and will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and local market conditions.

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Requirements

Required:

• Ph.D. in Physics, Ph.D. in Materials Science, M.S. in Electrical Engineering, or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering
• Strong academic credentials with a focus on semiconductor-related technologies
• Demonstrated ability to understand complex technical systems and translate them into clear, precise written descriptions
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects

Preferred:

• Registration to practice before the United States Patent and Trademark Office
• Experience drafting and prosecuting patent applications
• Industry or research experience in semiconductor devices, fabrication processes, or semiconductor equipment
• Experience with wafer processing, device fabrication, or cleanroom environments
• Prior experience in a law firm or in-house IP setting