Engineers / Scientists / Tech Specialists

Engineers / Scientists / Tech Specialists

Join to apply for the Engineers / Scientists / Tech Specialists role at European Patent Office

Duration of contract: Five years, renewable (full-time)

Location: Germany (Munich, Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we explore breakthrough technologies before they reach the public. As a patent examiner, you'll assess whether inventions meet the criteria for patent protection and in doing so support innovation that improves lives, drives industries and shapes the future.

We are an inclusive, purpose-driven organisation committed to sustainability, fairness and excellence – diversity is part of our DNA. Whether you come from research, academia or industry, if you're curious, open to learning and looking for a meaningful intellectual challenge you'll find your place at the EPO.

Your role and impact

As a Patent Examiner, you will:

• examine patent applications – including technical documentation and drawings – in one of our official languages (English, French or German).
• analyse new inventions to evaluate their novelty and inventive step.
• conduct in-depth research across scientific and technical fields to identify the most relevant prior art
• apply legal and procedural frameworks to make clear, high-quality decisions on whether a patent should be granted
• communicate your findings clearly and constructively with applicants and other parties
• collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse and inclusive environment
• maintain high-quality standards with strong attention to detail and scientific rigour
• contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts

Your profile

The technical areas that we are currently recruiting for:

• Agri-Tech & Smart Systems: mechanical engineering with expertise in agricultural machinery or systems.
• Batteries & Fuel Cells: electrochemistry, material development, production processes, pack / stack / cell design, and software / simulation / control systems.
• Biotechnology: DNA Analysis, protein and peptide analysis, genomic to proteomics and protein engineering, non-coding RNA biotechnology, viruses, viral vectors and/or gene therapy, plant and animal genetic engineering, medicinal chemistry or biochemistry with focus on conjugates, immunology
• Computer: applied, emerging or business technologies.
• Electromechanical Devices & Sensors : position sensors and encoders, based on electrical, magnetic or optical principles, speed measurement, Accelerometers, Optical fibre sensors; cooling of electronics, electromagnetic shielding, constructional details of electronic devices
• Electric Motors and Control : control of electric machines/motors: background as electrical engineer, expert in the field of electric machine/motor control, with broad knowledge on various types of electric machines and profound knowledge of power electronics and control of electric machines/motors
• Image, Audio & Video: display processing and control circuits, digital video coding and compression, digital cameras, image sensors, and camera control, image processing, computer vision, and pattern recognition
• Laboratory Equipment: Microfluidics, Lab-on-a-Chip, Dispensing Technologies, Bio-Analytics
• Materials Science: laminates, recycling of polymers and textile engineering
• Semiconductors: lithography technologies, laser technology, semiconductor memory devices, semiconductor devices and manufacturing technology, semiconductor packaging
• Steel Metallurgy: heat treatments of ferrous metals or alloys
• Telecom & Wireless : data networks, power saving in wireless communication systems, wireless networks

You will thrive with us if you:

• have a solid background and relevant expertise in the specified fields, built up during your studies, in projects, and/or as a result of professional experience
• enjoy deep technical analysis, reading technical drawings and solving intellectual puzzles
• are open to learning patent law, are eager to acquire new skills and to develop your knowledge of technologies in different fields
• are curious, detail-oriented, open-minded and an analytical thinker
• value both independent work and team collaboration
• are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions

We provide full legal and procedural training to get you started.

Our minimum requirements for this post

• Diploma of completed studies at master's level covering one or more technical fields mentioned above
• Excellent knowledge of one of our official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge of English and the willingness to learn the missing languages
• Work experience in industry would be an advantage
• Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer

• competitive salary: €6 921 to €9 901 net/month
• 30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements
• generous remote work policy
• family-friendly policies: childcare, education and relocation support
• pension and insurance: excellent social security coverage
• training and development: legal training, technical upskilling and mobility opportunities
• inclusive culture: 35+ nationalities, supportive networks and a strong DEI commitment
• facilities: on-site gym, health services, staff clubs and more
• top locations: high quality of life and a thriving international community

Equal Opportunities

The European Patent Office is an equal opportunities employer and supports diversity and inclusion.

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