Intellectual Property Specialist Internships
Intellectual property specialist internships give university students, recent graduates, and early-career switchers hands-on project experience in patent research, trademark analysis, and IP portfolio management, mentorship from working IP specialists and attorneys, 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 Specialist Internship Market
Who's Hiring
Tips for Your Intellectual Property Specialist Internship Search
Apply for summer roles in the fall
Large law firms, corporations, and government IP offices recruit summer intellectual property specialist interns the preceding fall, often filling cohorts before spring semester begins. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to start dates. Check listings regularly starting in September so you don't miss structured programs with early deadlines.
Build a portfolio before you apply
IP intern candidates with no work history stand out by showing documented project work. A patent claim draft, a trademark clearance memo, or a written IP landscape analysis gives recruiters something concrete to assess. Include the tools and legal frameworks you used and link to the work wherever it's publicly accessible.
Work your campus network alongside direct applications
Campus career fairs surface structured IP internship programs tied to your university, and professors or career center staff often know which firms recruit from your school before roles post publicly. Apply directly to smaller companies running their own cohorts at the same time so you're not limited to employers visiting campus.
Practice explaining your reasoning out loud
Intellectual property specialist intern screens often involve a written exercise, a legal analysis scenario, or a case-based conversation about patent or trademark issues. Interviewers weigh how you think through ambiguous problems as much as the final answer. Practice walking through your reasoning aloud before interviews, not just reviewing notes silently.
Target structured IP internship pipelines early
Many large law firms and corporate IP departments run formal patent prosecution or IP management internship programs designed to train candidates new to the field. These cohort programs recruit early and fill fast. Identify the ones that match your background, whether in engineering, science, or pre-law, and apply in the first wave.
Set your work-type filter before you start
On-site roles are 50% of the intellectual property specialist internships listed here. Decide what you can realistically commit to before you start sorting through listings. Filter by location and work type from the beginning so you spend your time on roles you can actually take, not ones you'll rule out after reading the full description.
Intellectual Property Specialist Internships: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get an intellectual property specialist internship?
Lead with coursework and projects rather than work history, since hiring teams expect limited experience at the intern level. For IP roles, the concrete artifact that gives recruiters something to assess is a written patent claim draft, a trademark clearance memo, or a documented IP research project. Combine direct applications to companies with campus career fairs, where recruiters often move faster for students they meet in person.
Can an intellectual property specialist internship turn into a full-time job?
Many employers extend return offers to strong interns, but conversion is never guaranteed. For intellectual property specialist interns, what drives it most is delivering real work product, fitting into team headcount when the offer is made, and understanding the return-offer timeline early. Treat the internship as a long audition, perform well on substantive assignments, and avoid counting on conversion as a plan.
When should I apply for intellectual property specialist internships?
Earlier than most students expect. Large law firms, corporations, and government agencies recruit summer intellectual property specialist interns the preceding fall, sometimes as early as September or October. Smaller companies and co-op programs post closer to their start dates, so openings appear year-round. Checking listings regularly and applying as soon as a role opens gives you the best shot at structured cohorts.
Are intellectual property specialist internships paid?
Most professional intellectual property specialist internships in the U.S. are paid. Compensation varies by company size, industry, and location, and listings show it where the employer discloses it. Unpaid arrangements exist primarily at nonprofits or through academic credit arrangements, so read each listing carefully to understand what is on offer before applying.
What should an intellectual property specialist internship resume include?
Lead with projects rather than work history. Include two or three complete, documented projects showing the tools and legal frameworks you used, such as a patent landscape analysis, a trademark search report, or an IP clearance memo, with links to the work where possible. Add relevant coursework in IP law, patent prosecution, or licensing. Keep the resume to one page.
Are there remote intellectual property specialist internships?
Yes. Remote and hybrid roles make up 50% of the intellectual property specialist internship listings here, with the rest on-site. Remote cohorts fill fast because they draw applicants from across the country, so apply early once you find a role that fits. Filter by work type to see only the listings you can realistically take.
What is a patent prosecution internship for intellectual property specialists?
Patent prosecution internships are structured programs at law firms and corporate IP departments that train candidates new to the field in drafting patent claims, responding to office actions, and managing prosecution timelines. They target students in engineering, science, or law who have not yet worked professionally in IP. These programs recruit early and are competitive, so apply in the first wave of postings.
Can international students get intellectual property specialist 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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