European Patent Examiner in Audio and Video Engineering

Stellenbeschreibung:

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: 19 April 2026

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

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, 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 (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 such cases, 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: €7 076 to €10 164 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

We are recruiting for positions starting as of October 2026 and are already building a talent pool for upcoming roles in 2027. If selected to join our talent pool, you'll get:

priority access to future vacancies
exclusive access to learning offers and resources to enhance your IP awareness and your readiness to become a patent examiner
regular updates and insights

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 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 7 076 to 10 164, depending on experience and location)

Technical interviews estimated for: April – June 2026

Final interviews planned for: May – June 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. **The position will require relocation to the country of one of the following EPO sites: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (The Hague). The final location will be discussed later and depends also on team-specific needs.

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.

Why join us?

✓See the latest inventions and enable innovation
✓Work with inspiring people from a variety of cultures
✓Develop yourself and take on an intellectual challenge

What’s in it for you?

✓A competitive salary
✓Family-friendly benefits
✓A good work-life balance
✓Generous flexibility options
✓Relocation benefits and various allowances
✓Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes
✓30 days' leave per year
✓Free gym access
✓Social activities and clubs

Who we are

We are the patent office for Europe. We are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

Our vision

We will empower and motivate our staff to set worldwide standards in intellectual property. Our Office will be effective and transparent, respond to the needs of our users and be agile in managing the changing demands and conditions of a dynamic global patent system. Our work will contribute to a safer, smarter and more sustainable world.

Our values

All our relationships within our Office and with partners around the world will prosper through trust, fairness, mutual respect, adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

Our work environment

We believe that diversity is fundamental to our success. Our inclusive work environment respects, values and celebrates our individual differences. We want you to be yourself at work. Join us on this exciting journey to a more digital, collaborative and sustainable organisation.