European Patent Examiner in Video Engineering (22633)
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, 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.
As a Patent Examiner, you will:
We're looking for expertise in at least one of these fields:
No prior IP (intellectual property) experience? No problem.
We provide full legal and procedural training to get you started.
We are recruiting for positions starting from 2027 and are already building a talent pool for upcoming roles in 2028. If selected to join our talent pool, you'll get:
Being a member of the talent pool gives you a chance to join our journey from the very beginning and to be fully prepared for when the next positions go live.
The successful candidate will be selected on the basis of qualifications, competencies, professional experience and language knowledge, supplemented as appropriate by technical assessments, interviews and/or a personality questionnaire.
A talent pool (reserve list) will be constituted should more candidates than required at this time be considered suitable following the selection procedure. Such talent pools are valid for a period of 24 months and talent pool candidates may be contacted should a vacancy with substantially the same profile arise during that period.
In line with the EPO's values and the standards of honesty and integrity expected of its employees, candidates are expected to uphold these same principles throughout the selection process.
We recognise that AI tools may be used to support the preparation of job applications. Candidates nevertheless remain responsible for the content of their application and for the accuracy of the information submitted – and we encourage candidates to ensure that their job application remains an authentic reflection of their own qualifications, skills and experience.
During interviews and assessments, candidates are expected to rely on their own knowledge, experience and judgement, without the use of AI tools or other forms of real-time assistance, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
Ready to apply?
Click Apply and take the first step towards a meaningful role in which science, innovation and purpose come together.
For tips on how to prepare your application, and to read more about our recruitment process, visit our Careers page.
Job group: 4
Grade: G7 to G10 (net (basic) monthly salary* for this vacancy: EUR 7 076 to 10 164, depending on experience and location)
Career path: Technical
Working mode: Hybrid **
Pre-selection outcome communicated by: end December 2026
Technical Interviews estimated for: October 2026 – January 2027
Final interviews planned for: November 2026 – February 2027
*After deduction of EPO-internal tax (no other national income tax applies) and before deduction of staff contributions to the social security and pension schemes.
**The position will require relocation to the country of one of the following EPO sites: Germany (Munich/Berlin) or The Netherlands (The Hague). The final location will be discussed later and depends also on team-specific needs.
The European Patent Organisation is an intergovernmental organisation that was set up on 7 October 1977 on the basis of the European Patent Convention (EPC) signed in Munich in 1973. It has two bodies, the European Patent Office and the Administrative Council, which supervises the Office's activities.
We offer inventors a uniform application procedure which enables them to seek patent protection in up to 40 European countries. Supervised by the Administrative Council, the Office is the executive arm of the European Patent Organisation.
As the Patent Office for Europe, we support innovation, competitiveness and economic growth across Europe through a commitment to high quality and efficient services delivered under the European Patent Convention.
With expert, well-supported staff, motivated to set worldwide standards in quality and efficiency, we will continue to contribute to innovation across Europe, and play a leading role in developing an effective global patent system. All our relationships - within our Office and with partners around the world - will prosper through trust, transparency, fairness and mutual respect. Our processes will empower our people to use their knowledge and skills to the full.
The EPO is an equal opportunity employer providing our staff with the chance to build long-term stable careers. We offer one of the most comprehensive and family-friendly benefits packages in Europe.
