Patent Engineer

Are you an engineer seeking to specialise your career path or a recent engineering graduate?  We are looking for Patent Engineers passionate about new and exciting technologies to join the team in the Auckland and Wellington offices, to develop a career as a patent attorney. This role is ideal for engineers who not only have a solid technical background but also possess a deep appreciation for the broader aspects of English, history, or the arts, making the complex world of intellectual property more accessible and engaging.

Patent Attorneys are experts in intellectual property (IP), assisting clients to protect, commercialise, enforce, and defend their IP rights.  You do not need a legal background to embark on this career path. We provide comprehensive support and training to help you acquire the necessary legal skills alongside your technical expertise. As a Patent Engineer, you will build on your engineering experience by studying toward your Masters in Intellectual Property, whilst gaining on the job experience toward becoming a fully qualified patent attorney.

As a Patent Engineer, you will assist qualified attorneys in assessing client inventions and preparing, filing, and prosecuting patent applications in NZ, Australia and internationally. In this role, you will navigate  diverse and cutting-edge technologies, from the bottom of the ocean to outer-space. At the same time, if you love English, you can find satisfaction in the nuanced art of drafting patent applications and employing your creativity in arguing for the novelty and inventiveness of new inventions. You will join a multi-disciplinary team of like-minded engineers and scientists as you manage ever-unique tasks for local and international clients. 

What’s in it for you?

Be part of a dynamic and inclusive team, where you will gain fantastic experience and structured career development.

We are not your typical law firm – we dress for our day, have a flat structure and collegial vibe where bringing your whole self to work is at the heart of who we are. We offer competitive remuneration along with benefits as follows:

• Fully funded Patent Attorney qualification and study leave
• Medical insurance
• Paid parental leave of up to 18 weeks plus 3 weeks partner leave
• Leave purchase scheme (up to 2 weeks)
• Formal professional development programmes
• Structured wellness programme, including a paid Wellness Benefit
• Flexible working, with hybrid working as standard
• Social club funded by the firm
• Beautiful new offices in the heart of the CBD

You will have the opportunity to work across different levels in the organisation and make an impact with the work you will be doing.  You will have exposure to some fascinating subject matter created by brilliant and creative minds in different industries. This position offers a unique blend of technical, legal, and creative challenges, perfect for those who are not only fascinated by engineering but also drawn to the humanities.

If you’re looking for an interesting opportunity that offers growth and career development and has a great culture, then this is the role for you.

Who are we?

AJ Park is the IP Firm of choice in New Zealand.  We support our clients with intelligent action and are well respected both within the patent profession and by the clients we work with.

We offer a rewarding career, community and team spirit, and opportunities to develop technically and personally.

Find out more about us here, or to apply, please send your CV, covering letter and academic transcript to careers@ajpark.com.

Please note that this opportunity is only open to residents of New Zealand.