Intellectual Property Consultant Internships
Intellectual property consultant internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience, mentorship from working IP consultants, and, at many employers, a path toward a full-time offer. Openings are concentrated in {{top_industries_phrase}}, with BAE Systems USA, Textron Systems, and Type One Energy among the employers posting roles now.
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See related jobsWhat Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Business Graduate Intern to join our Agreements team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Support ongoing operational activities (e.g. invoicing, tracking, customer relations, etc.)
- Learn and utilize intellectual property management software for monthly data analysis and reporting
- Interface with internal/external stakeholders during contract facilitation
- Demonstrate attention to detail through review of contracts and in communication
The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
- Pursuing a Business Degree or related field
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Experience conducting research utilizing the web
- Excellent written communications
- Attention to detail
- Experience with business and marketing concepts
- Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Technology Partnership Agreements, Licensing, and Intellectual Property (IP) Department 1982 is responsible for negotiating and executing CRADA, NFE and Licensing agreements, and managing and deploying Sandia's IP portfolio.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
What Your Job Will Be Like
We are seeking a Business Graduate Intern to join our Agreements team!
On any given day, you may be called on to:
- Support ongoing operational activities (e.g. invoicing, tracking, customer relations, etc.)
- Learn and utilize intellectual property management software for monthly data analysis and reporting
- Interface with internal/external stakeholders during contract facilitation
- Demonstrate attention to detail through review of contracts and in communication
The selected applicant can work a combination of onsite and offsite work. The selected applicant must live within a reasonable distance for commuting to the assigned work location when necessary.
Salary Range
At Sandia, we value the important work done by our interns and its contribution to National Security. Because of this, our interns earn competitive pay rates. Our pay structure is based on earned credit hours, classification, and degree level. Your pay rate will be determined during the hire process and included in your offer package. You can view the Intern Pay Rate chart here.
Qualifications We Require
You bring the confidence and skills to be eligible for the job by meeting these minimum requirements:
- Earned bachelor's degree
- Currently attending and enrolled full time in a related accredited graduate program
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0
- Ability to work up to 30 hours per week during the academic year, and up to 40 hours per week during the summer
- U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, asylees or refugees in the U.S.
Qualifications We Desire
- Pursuing a Business Degree or related field
- Experience with Microsoft Office, including PowerPoint, Word, and Excel
- Experience conducting research utilizing the web
- Excellent written communications
- Attention to detail
- Experience with business and marketing concepts
- Experience with data analysis, including statistical analysis
Posting Duration
This posting will be open for application submissions for a minimum of three (3) calendar days, including the 'posting date'. Sandia reserves the right to extend the posting date at any time.
About Our Team
The Technology Partnership Agreements, Licensing, and Intellectual Property (IP) Department 1982 is responsible for negotiating and executing CRADA, NFE and Licensing agreements, and managing and deploying Sandia's IP portfolio.
About Sandia
Sandia National Laboratories is the nation’s premier science and engineering lab for national security and technology innovation, with teams of specialists focused on cutting-edge work in a broad array of areas. Some of the main reasons we love our jobs:
- Challenging work with amazing impact that contributes to security, peace, and freedom worldwide
- Extraordinary co-workers
- Some of the best tools, equipment, and research facilities in the world
- Career advancement and enrichment opportunities
- Flexible work arrangements for many positions include 9/80 (work 80 hours every two weeks, with every other Friday off) and 4/10 (work 4 ten-hour days each week) compressed workweeks, part-time work, and telecommuting (a mix of onsite work and working from home)
- Generous vacation, strong medical and other benefits, competitive 401k, learning opportunities, relocation assistance and amenities aimed at creating a solid work/life balance*
World-changing technologies. Life-changing careers. Learn more about Sandia at: http://www.sandia.gov
- These benefits vary by job classification.
Security Clearance
This position does not currently require a Department of Energy (DOE) security clearance.
Sandia will conduct a pre-employment drug test and background review that includes checks of personal references, credit, law enforcement records, and employment/education verifications. Furthermore, employees in New Mexico need to pass a U.S. Air Force background screen for access to Kirtland Air Force Base. Substance abuse or illegal drug use, falsification of information, criminal activity, serious misconduct or other indicators of untrustworthiness can cause access to be denied or terminated, resulting in the inability to perform the duties assigned and subsequent termination of employment. Under federal law, citizens and agents of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, and the Russian Federation are generally prohibited from accessing Sandia National Laboratories. Accordingly, such individuals will not be considered for employment unless they are also a citizen of the United States.
If hired without a clearance and it subsequently becomes necessary to obtain and maintain one for the position, or you bid on positions that require a clearance, a pre-processing background review may be conducted prior to a required federal background investigation. Applicants for a DOE security clearance need to be U.S. citizens. If you hold more than one citizenship (i.e., of the U.S. and another country), your ability to obtain a security clearance may be impacted.
Members of the workforce (MOWs) hired at Sandia who require uncleared access for greater than 179 days during their employment, are required to go through the Uncleared Personal Identity Verification (UPIV) process. Access includes physical and/or cyber (logical) access, as well as remote access to any NNSA information technology (IT) systems. UPIV requirements are not applicable to individuals who require a DOE personnel security clearance for the performance of their SNL employment or to foreign nationals. The UPIV process will include the completion of a USAccess Enrollment, SF-85 (Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions) and OF-306 (Declaration of for Federal Employment). An unfavorable UPIV determination will result in immediate retrieval of the SNL issued badge, removal of cyber (logical) access and/or removal from SNL subcontract. All MOWs may appeal the unfavorable UPIV determination to DOE/NNSA immediately. If the appeal is unsuccessful, the MOW may try to go through the UPIV process one year after the decision date.
EEO
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status and any other protected class under state or federal law.
NNSA Requirements for MedPEDs
If you have a Medical Portable Electronic Device (MedPED), such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, drug-releasing pump, hearing aids, or diagnostic equipment and other equipment for measuring, monitoring, and recording body functions such as heartbeat and brain waves, if employed by Sandia National Laboratories you may be required to comply with NNSA security requirements for MedPEDs.
If you have a MedPED and you are selected for an on-site interview at Sandia National Laboratories, there may be additional steps necessary to ensure compliance with NNSA security requirements prior to the interview date.
Intellectual Property Consultant Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Intellectual Property Consultant Internship Search
Apply earlier than you think necessary
Large law firms, corporate IP departments, and technology companies running structured cohorts recruit summer interns the preceding fall. Smaller firms and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Starting your search well before you need the role, rather than waiting for a single hiring season, keeps you competitive across both timelines.
Build a project portfolio before you apply
IP consultant intern recruiters want something concrete to assess. Documented patent landscape summaries, prior art search reports, trademark clearance memos, or freedom-to-operate analyses demonstrate the work directly. Note the databases and tools you used, and make at least one sample shareable so a recruiter can review it without asking.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured intern programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which employers recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Applying directly to companies running smaller cohorts at the same time widens the pool you reach beyond what any single channel covers.
Practice your IP internship screen out loud
IP consultant intern interviews typically involve a case-style exercise, a written or verbal patent analysis walkthrough, or a problem-solving discussion around a technology or trademark scenario. Practice explaining your reasoning as you work through problems, since interviewers weigh how you think through ambiguous IP questions as much as the final answer you reach.
Target structured IP internship programs early
Larger law firms and corporate legal departments run formal internship cohorts designed to train candidates new to the field, often branded as summer associate or IP analyst programs. These programs recruit on fixed timelines, fill fast, and are competitive. Identify the ones that match your background and apply in the first wave of their cycle.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 50% of the intellectual property consultant internships listed here. Decide what you can commit to before you search, then filter by location and work type on Migrate Mate so you are reviewing roles you can actually take rather than sorting through listings that don't fit your situation.
Intellectual Property Consultant Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an intellectual property consultant internship?
Lead with coursework and personal projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For IP consultant candidates, the concrete artifact recruiters want to assess is a documented project portfolio, patent analysis sample, or written case study. Combine direct applications to companies running smaller cohorts with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an intellectual property consultant internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. What actually drives it for IP consultant interns is consistent performance on real work, available headcount on the team, and return-offer decision timelines, which vary by employer. Position yourself by delivering on your assigned projects and asking early about the team's hiring plans, without counting on a specific outcome.
When should I apply for intellectual property consultant internships?
Earlier than most candidates expect. Large employers, including law firms and corporate IP departments running structured programs, often recruit summer interns the preceding fall. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their actual start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly rather than waiting for a single seasonal push gives you the widest window.
Are intellectual property consultant internships paid?
Most professional intellectual property consultant internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings display it where the employer chooses to disclose it. Unpaid arrangements are less common at established firms and corporate legal departments, though they do appear occasionally at nonprofits and early-stage startups.
What should an intellectual property consultant internship resume include?
Lead with projects, not work history. Highlight two or three documented projects that show IP-relevant skills, such as patent landscape analyses, freedom-to-operate summaries, prior art searches, or trademark clearance exercises, noting the tools and databases you used and linking to any published or shareable work. Add relevant coursework in IP law, technology, or business, and keep the whole document to one page.
Are there remote intellectual property consultant internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 50% of the intellectual property consultant internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill quickly because they draw applicants from every region, so apply early once you decide remote works for you, and use the work-type filter to surface those listings without sorting through roles you cannot take.
Can international students get intellectual property consultant internships?
Yes. F-1 students can intern through CPT while enrolled or through OPT work authorization after finishing a degree, and the employer does not have to file anything for either, so many companies are open to international interns. Confirm your eligibility and timing with your university's international student office before accepting an offer.
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