European Patent Examiner in Computer

European Patent Examiner in Computer (22503)

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

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

Application deadline: 3 May 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 organization 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

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

• Distributed Computing & CPU – operating system management and administration, embedded systems design and implementation, IT system infrastructure management incl. servers and hardware components, design and management of cloud infrastructure and environments, virtualisation platforms
• Error Detection & Correction – monitoring of computer systems, software testing and debugging, performance monitoring and testing, fault tolerance, software and hardware redundancy, backup strategy and management
• ICT security – cryptography, application security, wireless security, identity and access management (IAM), cloud security, cybersecurity, blockchain, AI alignment, safety or security
• Interactive and Visual Computing – human‑computer interaction (HCI), virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), computer vision, image processing
• Software Execution – software development techniques and paradigms, software design principles, code compilation and generation, source code management with version control, software deployment, virtualisation and container technologies, program loading and dynamic linking, user interface technologies, remote desktop systems

You will thrive with us if you

• have a solid background and relevant expertise in the specified fields, built up during studies, projects or 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 develop your knowledge across 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, German) and the ability to understand the other two; alternatively, excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English (in such cases, willingness to learn missing languages and reach level B2 within a set time frame 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 up‑skilling 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

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
• 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.

Eligibility and diversity statement

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.

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) may be constituted should more candidates be suitable following the selection procedure. Such talent pools are valid for a period of 24 months and may be contacted if a vacancy with substantially the same profile arises during that period.