European Patent Examiner in Semiconductors

European Patent Examiner in Semiconductors

Curious about future innovation?

Imagine finding yourself every single day exploring breakthrough developments before almost anyone else. As a patent examiner, you have the chance to support the inventors who will shape our world and the lives of millions of people for years to come.

Supporting innovation, competitiveness, sustainability and economic growth: that's our mission at the European Patent Office (EPO)

As the patent office for Europe, we are proud to deliver high-quality services that promote a safer, smarter and more sustainable world, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the highest ESG standards. As an equal opportunities employer, the EPO is shaped by the diversity of our people's personalities, knowledge and cultures. Interested in joining us?

What's in it for you

• Exclusive access to innovation: gain unique insights into the latest inventions before they reach the market
• Inspiring work environment: work with multilingual people from a wide variety of cultures and backgrounds
• Job with a purpose: contribute with your insights to the future of technology
• Professional growth: access our comprehensive training portfolio and explore opportunities to realise your full potential
• Workplace flexibility: benefit from our working arrangements, generous leave policies and a family-friendly work environment

What you will do as a patent examiner

• Perform end-to-end examination – in our three official languages – of patent applications, i.e. the texts and drawings that describe an invention for which an individual or a company seeks legal protection
• Research, find and use the most relevant prior art, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of the invention's novelty and inventive step
• Support the entire innovation ecosystem by making well-reasoned decisions on whether a patent is to be granted, applying both your technical knowledge and understanding of legal frameworks
• Ensure the uniform and effective application of the European Patent Convention and other legal texts, contributing to the robustness of Europe's intellectual property system

What we are looking for

We are currently seeking scientists, engineers and IT, technical, mechanical and material experts who share our passion for innovation and wish to work at the cutting edge of technology, analysing the latest inventions, particularly in the technical areas of:

• Semiconductor processes and devices: process integration and manufacturing of CMOS & memory technologies
• Laser (background as physicist with broad knowledge in laser technology, in particular with R&D experience)
• Semiconductors: Organic LEDs, OLED displays and Packaging
• Semiconductor technology: Interposers for integrated circuit packaging; Manufacture of the back end of the line (BEOL) of integrated circuits; Etching of insulating or conducting layer; Masking; Ion implantation, Diffusion, Gettering, Ohmic, Schottky and MIS contacts
• Semiconductor devices and manufacturing technology (Physicist or Electrical Engineer background)

Apply if you have

• a relevant technical background: you have the expertise required for the areas specified from your studies, projects and concrete work experience
• analytical-thinking and decision-making skills: you excel at breaking down complex problems and making informed decisions with confidence and clarity based on thorough research and analysis
• curiosity and an eagerness to learn: you enjoy solving technical puzzles and are always keen to learn; you have a thirst for knowledge and staying abreast of the latest developments in your field and beyond and are eager to acquire new skills and pick up technologies in different fields
• clear communication skills: you are able to explain things clearly and feel comfortable interacting with colleagues and applicants to process patent applications efficiently

... Sound like you?

By the way, no previous IP (intellectual property) knowledge is needed: we take care of that side of things via our dedicated legal training.

Minimum requirements

• Master's degree (or equivalent/higher) 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)
• Work experience in industry would be an advantage
• Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer at the EPO

• A competitive salary
• Family-friendly benefits
• Generous flexibility options allowing you to work from anywhere in the country of employment (min. onsite attendance applies) and up to 60 days from any EPC contracting state
• Relocation benefits and various allowances (e.g. household, dependants, childcare, education, expatriation, installation, rent allowance)
• Contributory medical insurance and pension schemes
• 30+ days of leave per year and flexible working hours
• Free gym access
• Social activities and clubs

Start making a difference. Simply click Apply.

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.

Our values
All our relationships within our Office and with partners around the world will prosper through trust, fairness, mutual respect, adaptability, collaboration and a commitment to excellence.

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. Join us on this exciting journey to a more digital, collaborative and sustainable organisation.

🖂 jobinfo@epo.org