Engineer / Scientist / Technical or Mechanical Expert

European Patent Office; Wien; Hybrid; EUR 79,000 - 113,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30+ days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Remote work policy: work from anywhere

Job summary

European Patent Office is seeking a Patent Examiner for a five-year, renewable contract with hybrid work in Germany or the Netherlands. The role involves examining patent applications, assessing novelty and inventive steps, and applying EPC rules to grant decisions.

Training is provided, with relocation to Munich/Berlin or The Hague as applicable. The position targets candidates with a master's degree in technical fields and language proficiency (English, French, or German).

Qualifications

• Master's level diploma covering one or more technical fields mentioned above
• Excellent knowledge (at least C1) of one official language (English, French or German) and ability to understand the other two
• Citizenship of an EU/EPO member state; work experience in industry is an advantage

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 using digital search tools, scientific databases and patent information sources 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 EPC and related texts

Skills

Applied Maths

AI & NLP

Quantum Computing

ICT Security

Cryptography

Image Processing

Power Systems

Video Engineering

Mechanical Eng

Medical Device Eng

Education

Master's degree in a technical field

Job description

When joining the EPO, relocation to the country of one of our duty stations (Munich, The Hague, Vienna or Berlin) is required. This means you need to reside in the country of your duty station (Germany, Austria or the Netherlands). You are not required to live in the city itself.

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

Location: Hybrid based in 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 using digital search tools, scientific databases and patent information sources 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 these fields:

• Applied Maths, AI, and Quantum Computing: artificial intelligence/machine learning, applied math & NLP, quantum computing
• Computer: ICT security or cryptography, network security, image processing, AR/AV, HCI, GUI, computer devices, AI applications, error detection & correction, distributed processing & CPU, software execution
• Electrical Engineering & Power Systems Electric Power Distribution & Protection (photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, hydropower plants etc, to grid/power networks) via AC and/or DC lines (including HVDC), power conversion, energy storage, wireless power transfer and battery charging technologies (e.g. EVs/HEVs charging)
• Electromechanics – electrical connectors Electrical Connectors, Electrical Connectors & Displays - coupling devices, terminals, and current collectors across automotive (including high‑voltage/EV systems), industrial, and consumer applications. Key areas include electromechanical contact design, busbar assemblies, termination technologies (crimping, IDC, welding), board‑to‑board and cable‑to‑board interconnects, electromagnetic shielding (EMI/EMC), and mechanical latching and environmental sealing.
• Video Engineering: digital video coding and compression (MPEG, HEVC, VVC, point cloud), video transmission (DVB, ISOBMFF, HbbTV), digital cameras, image sensors and camera control
• Mechanical Engineering: Tobacco processing and aerosol generation, Air Conditioning, Heating Systems, Conveyors, Furniture and Hand Tools
• Medical Device Engineering: Medical Mechanics - design, development, testing or manufacture of medical devices and surgical technologies. Minimally invasive devices: catheters, guidewires, delivery systems; Drug delivery: microneedles, injectors and related devices; Surgical devices: surgical instruments, powered and robotic surgical systems; Spinal implants: pedicle screws, rods, intervertebral cages, disc prostheses
• Semiconductors: Semiconductor manufacturing technology, Lithography Technologies, Magnetic Applications and Electromagnetic Components, Lithography Chemistry (Photoresists & Photomasks), Physical aspects of OLED displays, lighting devices and organic photovoltaic devices, Semiconductor devices and manufacturing technology
• Telecom & Wireless: Messaging, Topology, Access, Multiple Access & Transmission Lines, Network Management, PowerSaving, Sync, SatCom, Resource Allocation, Wireless & Data 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 genuinely curious about technology and enjoy continuously learning about new scientific developments, emerging technologies and patent law
• are analytical, detail-oriented and open-minded
• are confident using digital technologies and AI-supported tools to analyse information while applying own critical thinking
• value both independent work and team collaboration
• are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions and exercising sound professional judgement

No prior IP (intellectual property) experience? No problem, we provide full 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
• examiner training: a comprehensive two-year development programme covering all aspects of patent search and examination, starting with a six-week Academy programme on‑site and delivered in English
• 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 2027 and are already building a talent pool for upcoming roles in 2028. 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

Being a member of the talent pool gives you a chance to join our journey from the very beginning and to be fully prepared for when the next positions go live.

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.

In line with the EPO's values and the standards of honesty and integrity expected of its employees, candidates are expected to uphold these same principles throughout the selection process.

We recognise that AI tools may be used to support the preparation of job applications. Candidates nevertheless remain responsible for the content of their application and for the accuracy of the information submitted – and we encourage candidates to ensure that their job application remains an authentic reflection of their own qualifications, skills and experience.

During interviews and assessments, candidates are expected to rely on their own knowledge, experience and judgement, without the use of AI tools or other forms of real‑time assistance, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

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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)

Working mode: Hybrid **

Pre-selection outcome communicated by: end December 2026

Technical Interviews estimated for: October – January 2027

Final interviews planned for: November – February 2027

*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 (duty station: Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (duty station: The Hague). The final location will be discussed later and depends also on team‑specific needs.

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For LinkedIn posting on sites outside of TH/MUC/BER we add this:

When joining the EPO, relocation to the country of one of our duty stations (Munich, Berlin, The Hague or Vienna) is required. This means you will need to reside in the country of your duty station (Germany, Austria or the Netherlands). Please note that your place of residence will need to be either at your place of employment or within a reasonable commuting distance.