European Patent Examiner in Medical Device Engineering

EPO; Den Haag; Hybrid; EUR 79.000 - 113.000; Vollzeit

Benefits dieser Stelle

Examiner training

On-site gym

Health services

Staff clubs

Flexible working arrangements

Remote work policy

Zusammenfassung

European Patent Office (EPO) is seeking a Patent Examiner for Medical Device Engineering in a hybrid role across Germany or the Netherlands. You will assess patent applications involving medical devices, analyze novelty and inventive steps, and perform in-depth prior art research using global databases.

You will apply legal frameworks and clearly communicate findings to applicants and colleagues. The role requires master’s level technical education, fluency (C1) in English, French or German, and

Qualifikationen

• Master's level degree in a technical field.
• Excellent knowledge (at least C1) of English, French or German and ability to understand the other two; or English C1 with plan to learn missing languages to B2 within a set time frame.
• Work experience in industry is an advantage.
• Citizenship of an EU member state of the European Patent Organisation.

Aufgaben

• Examine patent applications, including technical docs and drawings, in English, French or German.
• Analyse new inventions for novelty and inventive step.
• Conduct in-depth research using digital search tools and patent information sources.
• Apply EPC and related legal frameworks to grant decisions.
• Communicate findings clearly with applicants and parties.
• Collaborate with international colleagues in a diverse environment.
• Maintain high-quality standards with scientific rigour.
• Contribute to Europe’s innovation ecosystem through patent examination.

Kenntnisse

Technical analysis

Reading technical drawings

Critical thinking

Team collaboration

Curiosity about tech

Ausbildung

Master's degree in a technical field

Jobbeschreibung

European Patent Examiner in Medical Device Engineering

Duration of contract: Five years, renewable (full-time)Location: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)Application deadline: 2 November 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.

Working mode: Hybrid
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.

• Job group: 4
• Grade: G7 to G10
• Career path: Technical

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 at least one of these fields:

Engineers and scientists with experience in the design, development, testing or manufacture of medical devices and surgical technologies, such as:

• 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

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

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). 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.
• 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
• Facilities: on-site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location)

What to expect next

We are recruiting for positions starting from 2027 and are already building a talent pool for upcoming roles in 2028.

• 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.