Lithography Engineer

Join to apply for the Lithography Engineer role at European Patent Office

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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.

Profile

The technical areas that we are currently recruiting for:

• Lithography technologies: Photolithography, EUV (Extreme Ultraviolet), nanoimprint, optical projection systems, photolithographic processes and other advanced patterning technologies. Required qualifications: Solid understanding of lithography systems used in semiconductor manufacturing (e.g., DUV, EUV, mask aligners, photoresists, photomask, resolution enhancement techniques, simulation).

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, 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.

Minimum Requirements

• Diploma of completed studies at master’s level covering one or more technical fields mentioned above.
• Excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one of our official languages (English, French and German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English (in which case the willingness to learn the missing languages and to reach level B2 within a set time frame would be required).
• 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 (depending on location and experience).
• 30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements.
• Generous remote work policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad (EPC states).
• 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 (depending on location).
• Top locations: high quality of life and a thriving international community.
• (see full list of benefits)

What to Expect Next

We are recruiting for positions starting from 2026 and are already building a talent pool for upcoming roles. If selected to join our talent pool, you will receive:

• Priority access to future vacancies.
• Exclusive access to learning offers and resources to enhance your IP awareness and readiness to become a patent examiner.
• Regular updates and insights.

Ready to Apply?

Click Apply and take the first step toward a meaningful role in which science, innovation and purpose come together.

Process

Visit our Jobs & careers webpage to learn how best to prepare your application and read more about our recruitment process. The successful candidate will be selected based on qualifications, competencies, professional experience and language knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by technical assessments, interviews and/or a personality questionnaire.

We are currently recruiting for future opportunities starting in 2025 and building our talent pipeline for future growth. Apply now to secure your place on our team and be part of our journey from the very beginning.

Key Information

• Job group: 4
• Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 6 921 to 9 901, depending on experience and location)
• Working mode: Hybrid
• Technical Interviews estimated for: October 2025 – January 2026
• Final interviews planned for: November 2025 – February 2026

*After deduction of EPO‑internal tax (no other national income tax applies) and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.

Additional Information

• Seniority level: Associate
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Science, Research, and Engineering
• Industries: Government Administration

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