Patent Engineer - Electrical​/Computer

Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC | Full time

Chicago, United States | Posted on 10/15/2026

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.

Use your computer or electrical engineering background to build a career at the intersection of technology, invention, and patent law. As a Patent Engineer at Hanley, Flight & Zimmerman, LLC, you will work with inventors on cutting-edge technologies and help protect the ideas that move industries forward.

Hanley,Flight and Zimmerman, LLC (HFZ) is seeking individuals interested in pursuing a career as a patent engineer and,if they choose, acareer as a patent attorney. In this role, you will use your technical background to understand inventions, work with inventors and attorneys, help prepare patent applications, develop prosecution strategies and arguments, and support intellectual property portfolio decisions for technology-focused clients.

This position is well suited for recent graduates , graduate students, and experienced engineers who enjoy learning new technologies,writing clearly, and solving complex technical problems in a professional setting. Prior legal experience is not required;

HFZ provides training and mentorship as you learn patent prosecution from experienced practitioners.

HFZ workswith clients in automotive, aerospace, telecommunications, software, artificial intelligence, wireless technologies, oil and gas, consumer products, biomedical devices, instrumentation, and automation and process control technologies. Our team of seasoned intellectual property practitioners willhelp you learn patent law from the ground up while exposing you to new technologies every day.

Why consider patent engineering? The role lets you stay close to advanced technology without following a traditional engineering track. You will build writing, analytical,client-facing, and legal skills while learning how inventive ideas become protected assets.

HFZ is aboutique intellectual property firm in the heart of Chicago, specializing inU.S. and foreign patent prosecution and patent counseling. Many of our practitioners worked as engineers and inventors before becoming patent attorneys, so new patent engineers learn from colleagues who understand boththe technical and legal sides of the work. That combination helps HFZ serve numerous Fortune 500 technology companies while giving early-career professionals a practical, mentorship-focused environment in whichto grow.

• Electrical or computer engineering undergraduate degree
• Excellent undergraduate academic credentials, with a minimum 3.3 GPA preferred
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Interest in learning patent law and working with advanced technology

• Advanced engineering degrees, graduate coursework, research experience, internships, or engineering-related work experience are preferred.

Compensation and benefits include a salary range of $95,000-$110,000 per year, year-end bonus potential based on productivity, a comprehensive program with health, life, and disability insurance, available dental and vision insurance,a 401(k) plan, and hybrid flexibility for this in-office, Chicago-based role.

Actual salary may vary based on experience.

Hanley,Flight & Zimmerman, LLC is committed to diversity as a core value of thefirm. 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.