European Patent Examiner in Mechanical Engineering (22630)

Job Description

European Patent Examiner in Mechanical Engineering (22630)

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, youll 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 youre curious, open to learning and looking for a meaningful intellectual challenge youll 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 Europes innovation ecosystem by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts

Your profile

Were looking for expertise in at least one of 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 implemetation 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

No prior IP (intellectual property) experience? No problem.

We provide full legal and procedural training to get you started.

Our minimum requirements for this post

diploma of completed studies at masters 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)