Patent Agent /Technical Advisor - Electrical Engineering

About Slater Matsil, LLP

Slater Matsil, LLP is a globally-focused Intellectual Property (IP) boutique of technology-minded individuals. We maintain a client-centric perspective, whether we are discussing technology with inventors in the design room, developing IP strategies with management in the board room, or advocating for our clients' rights in the courtroom. Our blue chip client list includes many of the world's largest electronics and telecommunications companies, and several of North America's pre-eminent law firms, who look to us for our unique combination of legal and technical expertise.

The Opportunity

We are seeking an exceptional Patent Agent/Technical Advisor who thrives at the intersection of diverse electrical technologies and intellectual property. This is a dynamic role where typically no two days are alike - one day you may be dissecting processor architectures, the next you may be analyzing software implementations, and the day after you may be evaluating switched-mode power supply innovations.

The Role

As our Patent Agent/Technical Advisor, you will serve as the critical bridge between inventors and the patent process. You'll need to rapidly absorb complex technical concepts across the full spectrum of electrical engineering disciplines, translate innovative ideas into robust patent applications, and advocate for our clients' intellectual property rights with patent examiners.

Your Daily Impact:

·        Engage directly with inventors to understand breakthrough technologies across diverse electrical engineering domains

·        Draft comprehensive patent applications that capture the essence of innovations while maximizing protection scope

·        Navigate patent prosecution with USPTO examiners, articulating complex technical distinctions and arguments

·        Seamlessly transition between vastly different technologies – e.g., from RF systems to digital signal processing, from power transmission to embedded software

Technical Expertise Required

We need someone with genuine depth and breadth in electrical engineering who can confidently navigate (one or more of the below):

·        Analog & Mixed-Signal Systems: Circuit design, signal conditioning, ADC/DAC architectures

·        Digital Systems: Processor architectures, digital logic, FPGA implementations, embedded systems

·        Wireless & RF Technologies: Communication protocols, antenna systems, modulation schemes, RF front-ends, radar

·        Power Systems: Switched-mode power supplies, power transmission, battery management

·        Control Systems: Feedback control, PID controllers, motor control, automation

·        Electromechanical Systems: Actuators, sensors, MEMS devices,

·        Digital Signal Processing: DSP algorithms, filtering, algorithm implementation

·        Software: Embedded software, firmware, system software

What Sets You Apart

Essential Qualifications:

·        Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering (Master's or Ph.D. preferred)

·        5 years of hands-on engineering experience in industry/academia, R&D or product development

·        Proven ability to quickly master new technical domains

·        Patent bar eligibility (current registration preferred but not required)

·        Experience with patent drafting and prosecution (preferred)

Critical Skills:

·        Technical Credibility: Inventors should feel confident that you truly understand their technology

·        Rapid Learning: Ability to become conversant in new technologies within a short time, not months

·        Communication Excellence: Translate complex technical concepts into clear, precise patent language

·        Technical Writing: Create compelling technical narratives that stand up to examination

·        Intellectual Curiosity: Genuine excitement about learning new technologies daily

·        Systems Thinking: Understand how different technologies interconnect and influence each other

The Ideal Candidate

You're an engineer at heart who gets energized by technical challenges. You've worked on real products and understand the practical constraints of implementation. When an inventor starts sketching on a whiteboard, you're right there with them, asking the right questions and seeing the connections they might have missed. You can switch contexts from analog circuits to software algorithms without missing a beat.

Your colleagues describe you as technically sharp, intellectually curious, and an excellent communicator. You write with precision and clarity, and you can explain complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences. Most importantly, you're excited by the variety - the prospect of learning about cutting-edge innovations across the entire electrical engineering spectrum appeals to you rather than intimidates you.

Why This Role Matters

In this position, you'll be protecting the innovations that drive technological progress. Your work directly impacts the competitive advantage of companies pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electrical engineering. Every patent you help secure represents years of R&D investment and the creative efforts of brilliant engineers.

Why Slater Matsil?

At Slater Matsil, your science and technology expertise is highly valued. Over 50% of our patent professionals have advanced degrees (including many with a Ph.D.) and many were previous inventors themselves. We understand the engineer's mindset because we are engineers.

Our firm culture emphasizes:

·        Working with world-class inventors from Fortune 500 companies

·        A technology-first approach to intellectual property

·        Continuous learning and professional development

·        Recognition and rewards for technical excellence

Growth Opportunities

This role offers significant career development potential, including:

·        Slater Matsil offers Patent Agents a leadership track that is unique to the industry. Upon at least eight years’ experience as a Patent Agent and a proven track record with the firm, Patent Agents may be considered for “Distinguished Patent Agent” status, which provides an opportunity to expand on your leadership abilities.

·        Alternatively progression to Patent Attorney (with law degree)

·        Technical specialization in high-value technology areas

·        Interaction with industry-leading innovators and technologies

Application Process

Please submit to careers@slatermatsil.com:

1.     Your resume highlighting your electrical engineering experience and any IP-related work

2.     A writing sample (technical report, patent application, or technical article) if available

We value diversity of thought and experience. If you're excited about this role but don't meet every qualification, we encourage you to apply and tell us what unique perspective you'd bring to our team.