Mechanical Engineering

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work policy

Career development

Diversity & DEI

On-site gym

Pension and insurance

Job summary

The European Patent Office is seeking a Patent Examiner to assess patent applications with a focus on the technologies described. The role involves analyzing novelty, conducting prior art searches, and applying EPC procedures to reach high-quality decisions.

You will work in a collaborative, diverse environment and benefit from a structured two-year examiner development programme. Starting from 2027, relocation to Munich/Berlin or The Hague may be required; the organization offers competitive

Qualifications

• Master's degree in a technical field covering one or more listed areas.
• Excellent knowledge (C1) of one official language and ability to understand the other two; or English with willingness to learn missing languages to B2.
• Citizenship of a European Patent Organisation member state.

Responsibilities

• examine patent applications in one of our official languages (English, French or German)
• analyse new inventions to evaluate novelty and inventive step
• conduct in-depth research using digital search tools and patent information sources
• apply legal and procedural frameworks to decide on patent grant
• communicate findings with applicants and other parties
• collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse environment
• maintain high-quality standards with scientific rigour

Skills

Analytical thinking

Attention to detail

Language proficiency

Reading technical drawings

Using AI tools

Education

Master's degree in a technical field

Job description

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

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

Application deadline: 02.11.2026

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

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:

• Vaping devices and tobacco processing: The ideal candidate will have a degree in mechanical engineering, with some knowledge in basic electronics being an advantage.
• Mechanical and control aspects relating to air conditioning units and systems for cooling, heating, ventilation, humidification, dehumidification, filtration of air for habitable space, i.e. buildings.
• Mechanical aspects of conveying systems and warehouses for goods, including overview of control systems for logistics and implementation of robotics in warehouses.
• Mechanical aspects of furniture construction, motor powered rotary tools, screw, staple and nailing tools, workshop equipment.

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

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.

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)

Career path: Technical

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.

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.