Careers home page > Are you interested in the role of the patent examiner?

Be part of the future, become a Patent Examiner in 2026!

We are already paving the way for next year, so don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to turn your expertise into a career that protects inventions! Become part of our exclusive Talent Pool!

We are looking for talented engineers, scientists, researchers and experts to join our examiner teams, that shape Europe‘s wealth and economy by helping companies and inventors grow with their creations.  

You don’t know anything about intellectual property? Don’t worry! You don‘t need to be experienced in intellectual property. What we value the most is the expertise in your technical area and your curiosity! We invest the first year in your training, while paying a full salary. You will be taking courses and examining real applications, having your personal mentor on your side. 

Want to know more about the daily work of an examiner? Henrik will explain.

Technical fields open in this round: 
 ⦿ AI & Quantum Computing: Artificial Intelligence and Advanced Computing Technologies
 ⦿ Batteries and Fuel Cells: Electrochemistry, Lithium-Ion Battery & Fuel Cell Materials, Production Technology (Processes & Equipment) for Batteries
 ⦿ Chemical Engineering: Refrigeration, Cryogenic Gas Liquefaction & Separation, Gas Treatment & Distillation
 ⦿ Computer and Digital: Display Control, Distributed Processing & CPU, HCI, GUI, Computer Devices, Security & Location Based Services, Software Execution
 ⦿ Electro-mobility & EVs: EV drivetrain power electronics, incl. both structural and control-related aspects, System aspects related to safety of EVs
 ⦿ Electronics & Electromechanics: Alarm and Control Systems, Antennas & Microwaves, Electrical Components & Devices, Electrical Tests & Measurements, Electro Mechanical Devices, Lighting
 ⦿ Healthcare Informatics: processing of medical or healthcare related data, e.g. to determine diagnoses or treatment recommendations based on patient, sensor or image data, control medical devices
 ⦿ Bioinformatics and Chemoinformatics: analysis, interpretation, and management of complex biological and chemical data, including genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, molecular modelling, systems biology and computational materials science
 ⦿ Image, Audio & Video: Image Processing & Channel Coding, Pattern Recognition 3, Speech & Audio Signal Processing
 ⦿ Materials Science: Alloys, Laminates & Textiles, Natural Polymeric Products, Polycondensates & Polyacrylates, Polyolefin & Compounds
 ⦿ Mechanical & Automotive engineering: Cardiovascular Implants, Conveyors, Finishing & Closure Elements, Hand Tools, Locks and Ovens, Physical Operations, Composites, Packaging Machines & Methods, Welding, Grinding, Sheets, Filaments & Bottling, Metallurgy, Steering & Chassis
 ⦿ Medical electronics
 ⦿ Power Electronic Converters & Motor Control: Electrical Power Converters, Electric Motors and Control
 ⦿ Robotics & control engineering: Robotic control (e.g. control of manipulators, robotic arms), Control and monitoring of control systems 
 ⦿ Semiconductors: Memories, Lasers & OLEDs, OLEDs & Imagers, SC Connect & Process & Cool, SC Devices active/passive
 ⦿ Solar & Wind Energy Engineering: Solar Cells, Wind Turbines
 ⦿ Telecom & wireless: MIMO & NFC, PowerSaving, Sync, Wireless Networks

Why should you be considering this change and moving to Munich, The Hague or Berlin? Our track record speaks for itself: the EPO is one of the best and most stable employers in Europe.

Here is an overview of our amazing benefits:

Explore our technical fields:

Agri Food

Digital

Electronics & Physics

Energy

Health

Infrastructure & Mechanics

Materials & Production

Mobility & Space Technologies

Why the EPO?

Who we are
We are the patent office for Europe. We are proud to deliver high-quality patents and efficient services that foster innovation, competitiveness and economic growth.

Our vision
We will empower and motivate our staff to set worldwide standards in intellectual property. Our Office will be effective and transparent, respond to the needs of our users and be agile in managing the changing demands and conditions of a dynamic global patent system. Our work will contribute to a safer, smarter and more sustainable world. Join us on this exciting journey to a more digital, collaborative and sustainable organisation.

Would like to learn more?

What's in it for you?
✓ A competitive salary
✓ Family-friendly benefits
Generous flexibility options based in Netherlands or Germany
✓ A good work-life balance
✓ Relocation benefits and various allowances
✓ Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes
✓ 30 days' leave per year
✓ Free gym access
✓ Social activities and clubs

Our work environment
We believe that diversity is fundamental to our success. Our inclusive work environment respects, values and celebrates our individual differences. We want you to be yourself at work.

➥ Diversity and Inclusion
➥ Life at EPO


🖂 jobinfo@epo.org