Experienced Patent Agent/Technical Specialist

About the role

This position focuses on patent prosecution for deep AI technologies. The work supports innovation across multiple practices from Chicago, Indianapolis, or Minneapolis. The role translates technical inventions into precise legal protections.

Software engineers turn product ideas into working code. Engineers work in small teams, review each other's work, and ship in small batches. Most teams follow agile practices such as sprints and daily standups. Engineers also write tests, fix bugs, and improve performance. The field values clear communication as much as technical skill. Engineers spend part of every week on planning, code review, and debugging, not just writing new code. The ability to explain a technical decision in plain words separates strong engineers from the rest.

Key facts

What you'll do

Prepare and prosecute U.S. and foreign patent applications to secure enforceable rights in technology-driven industries. Develop and manage patent portfolios to organize and safeguard technical assets. Track deep AI advancements by reviewing relevant white papers to maintain current technical knowledge.

Requirements

Hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering; a Master's degree is preferred. Demonstrate at least 3 years' experience with deep AI concepts as a significant asset to the team. Show strong technical skills, initiative, good character, and interpersonal abilities necessary for client interactions. Be registered to practice before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or commit to sitting for the patent bar within 12 months of hire.

Practical notes

This role is based in Chicago, Indianapolis, or Minneapolis and is full-time. The position requires U.S. citizenship or permanent eligibility for patent bar registration. External recruiters and agencies are not accepted for this role. Typical interview steps

Hiring for engineering roles usually starts with a recruiter screen, followed by one or two technical rounds. Candidates often solve a coding problem, discuss past projects, and answer system design questions. Some loops include a take-home task. Final rounds typically cover team fit and give candidates a chance to ask questions. Interviewers look for how you break down an unfamiliar problem, not just whether you reach the answer. Practicing a few problems aloud and reviewing your own past projects are the best preparation.

Good to know

Deep AI concepts are central to modern machine learning and neural network methods. Patent prosecution links technical disclosure to legal claims in technology-driven industries. Technical specialists often translate complex ideas into precise patent documentation. Portfolio management organizes patent assets across a technology roadmap. Staying current on research involves reviewing white papers and technical publications.

Questions to ask

Good questions to ask the employer in the interview: what does success look like in the first six months, how is the team structured, what is the current biggest challenge, and how are decisions made. Asking about growth paths and the review process is also well received. Employers expect questions, and good ones show preparation.

Career growth

Engineering careers usually progress from individual contributor to senior, staff, and principal levels. Some engineers move into management and lead teams of five to twenty people. Others stay on the technical track. Growth follows demonstrated impact, not tenure alone. A typical engineering ladder has clear levels with defined expectations for scope, quality, and mentorship. Moving up usually requires owning outcomes end to end rather than completing assigned tickets.

About the company

Barnes & Thornburg LLP is seeking a motivated attorney with international trade experience to join our Washington, D. C. office.