Become a Patent Examiner

Are you an engineer or scientist with a Master’s degree in Engineering, Science, or IT? You don’t need a law degree to become a Patent Examiner—just a passion for technology and innovation!

How Does It Work?

We invest in you from day one, providing a full year of world-class training with full pay. Your technical knowledge is the foundation; we’ll teach you the rest.

Join the European Patent Office and enjoy a secure, fulfilling career with flexible working conditions, exceptional benefits, and the opportunity to shape the future of innovation.

What is it like, to work as a Patent Examiner?

✅ Innovation will be a constant part of your life.
✅ You get a glimpse of the future! You will be first one to see the latest inventions in your field.
✅ You will have a stable workplace where you get inspired and you can develop further.
✅ Whether you work in the Office, from home or from one of our Member States: work-life balance has never been better!

Sounds impossible to have it all? We have not even listed all benefits!

Don’t miss the next examiner recruitment campaign and sign up for the job alerts bellow! 🚀

The technical areas that we are currently particularly interested in are:

▪ Agri-Food: Agriculture, Tobacco
▪ Digital: Core AI & Quantum Computing, Data Processing, Cybersecurity/ICT, Computer Devices, Computer Aided Design, Audio Transducers, Wireless Networks, Video Coding & Compression, Video Coding & Transmission, Video Processing & Cameras, Optical Communication, Error Handling, Sync&Mux, Racks, Frames, MIMO & NFC, Radar, Lidar, Distributed Processing
▪ Electronics & Physics: Digital Memories & Electronic Switches, Robotic & General Control, Antennas & Microwaves, Optics, Acoustic, Display Control
▪ Energy: Power Electronics / Electronic Drives, Power electronic converters / switched mode power conversion, Electric Motor Control, Electric Power Distribution
▪ Health: Healthcare Informatics, Soft prostheses, Medical diagnosis
▪ Infrastructure & Mechanics: Crushes, Culinary equipment, Refrigeration, Electrical Connectors
▪ Materials & Production: Refining, Metallurgy, Textiles, Coatings
▪ Mobility & Space Technologies: Cycles, Frames, Steering & Chassis, Electric Vehicles, Electro-mobility

If you are curious about future innovation too, please join us and complete your basic info below!
We would like to keep in touch with you for further career opportunities, expected to arise in Spring 2025.

The EPO encourages Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). Almost 6 300 staff from 34 countries are living proof that a successful organisation is one that leverages the diversity of its workforce.

We provide fair and equal opportunities for all staff, regardless of nationality, belief, sex, origin, health and sexual orientation or identity. Equal pay for women and men has been our practice since we opened our doors in 1977.

The EPO has an inclusive work environment and culture, and promotes this diversity in all activities, whether conferences, e-learning materials, awareness campaigns, networking or other events.