European Patent Examiner in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

European Patent Examiner in Mechanical and Automotive Engineering (22499)

​

Duration of contract: Five years, renewable (full-time)
Location: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)
Application deadline: 19 April 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.

 

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 you're curious, open to learning and looking for a meaningful intellectual challenge you'll 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 across scientific and technical fields 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: 

• Mechanical engineering: Combustion, heat exchange & storage, steam production and water turbines
• Mechanical engineering: 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 engineering: Hand Tools, including Motor powered rotary tools, screw, staple and nailing tools, workshop equipment
• Mechanical engineering: Foundations & water management
• Mechanical engineering: Building elements, such as finishing & closure elements
• Automotive engineering: Vehicle structures, steering mechanisms, controlling and manufacturing methods

 

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 open to learning patent law, are eager to acquire new skills and to develop your knowledge of technologies in different fields
• are curious, detail-oriented, open-minded and an analytical thinker
• 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 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