Patent Reexamination Specialist (Electrical Engineering)

Transmission & Distribution World; Alexandria (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 142,000; Full time

Job summary

The United States Patent and Trademark Office seeks a Patent Reexamination Specialist to support the Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) in Alexandria, Virginia, applying advanced electrical engineering and legal expertise to complex ex parte and inter partes proceedings.

The role covers the full cycle of reexamination from initial request to certificate, participation in conferences, and assisting patent owners and third-party requesters; on-site work is required with potential telework per agency

Qualifications

• Must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management qualification standards for Professional and Scientific positions.
• One full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-14 in the Federal service.
• Experience analyzing patent applications related to electrical engineering.
• Experience conducting prior art searches and evaluating references.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert technical and legal evaluation of reexamination proceedings and related requests.
• Prosecute the full cycle of patent applications from filing to allowance.
• Participate as a conferee to review actions and work products in reexamination and reissue cases.
• Assist patent owners and third-party requesters regarding reexamination proceedings.

Skills

Electrical engineering expertise

Patent analysis

Legal/procedural knowledge

Job description

Summary

Imagine your career advancing innovation at the forefront of patent law and technology. The Central Reexamination Unit (CRU) reviews complex reexamination proceedings, supplemental examination requests, reissue applications, and other assigned matters. Join our expert team as a Patent Reexamination Specialist, applying advanced electrical engineering and legal expertise to resolve challenging, high-impact issues and support the USPTO's mission to protect American innovation.

Duties

The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per leave year. The individual selected for this position will... Provide expert technical and legal evaluation of the issues in ex parte and inter partes reexamination proceedings, and Supplemental Examination requests. Conduct reexamination proceedings in accordance with requirements of 35 U.S.C. Section 132 and 133, the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 37, relevant case law and the guidelines provided in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP) from initial request to the issuance of a Reexamination Certificate where appropriate. Examine applications in accordance with requirements of 35 U.S. C. Section 132 and 133, the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 37, relevant case law and the guidelines provided in the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure (MPEP). Incumbent is responsible for prosecution of the full cycle of applications from filing to allowance. Participate as a conferee in conferences held to review the proposed courses of action and work products of other examiners in the CRU for reexamination proceedings and reissue applications. Provide assistance to patent owners, third-party requesters, and their respective representatives regarding reexamination proceedings.

Qualifications

You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Group Coverage Qualifications Standards for Professional and Scientific Positions. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Analyzing patent applications related to electrical engineering in accordance with quality standards; AND Developing recommendations concerning patent claims based on examination results; AND Performing patent examination functions by conducting prior art searches and evaluating references. Selective Placement Factor: Must have full signatory authority. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.