European Patent Examiner in Audio and Video Engineering

European Patent Examiner in Audio and Video Engineering (22501)

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

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

Application deadline: 3 May 2026

Your role and impact

• 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

We're looking for expertise in at least one of these fields:

• Audio Engineering (audio transducers including electrodynamic, piezoelectric, electrostatic and MEMS technologies; speakers and speaker systems; microphones; headphones; audio systems such as stereophonic and surround sound systems; hearing aids)
• Video Engineering (Digital video coding and compression, including MPEG, HEVC, VVC, EMC, EVC and point cloud technologies)

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 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

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 or German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English with a willingness to learn the missing languages and reach level B2 within a set time frame
• Work experience in industry would be an advantage
• Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

Benefits

• Competitive salary: €7,076 to €10,164 net/month (depending on location and experience)
• 30+ days of annual leave and flexible working arrangements
• Generous remote work policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad for 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 with 35+ nationalities, supportive networks and a strong DEI commitment
• Facilities: on‑site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location)

Process

The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications, competencies, professional experience and language knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by technical assessments, interviews and/or a personality questionnaire.

A talent pool (reserve list) will be constituted should more candidates than required at this time be considered suitable following the selection procedure. Such talent pools are valid for a period of 24 months and talent pool candidates may be contacted should a vacancy with substantially the same profile arise during that period.

Key information

• Job group: 4
• Grade: G7 to G10 (nets (basic) monthly salary: €7,076 to €10,164, depending on experience and location)
• Career path: Technical
• Working mode: Hybrid
• Technical interviews estimated for: April – June 2026
• Final interviews planned for: May – June 2026

Equal Employment Opportunity

We welcome all applications for vacant positions. We consider each on its professional merits – regardless of your nationality, ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, parental responsibilities, age, religion or belief.