Patent Examiner - Sensors and Control Systems

Pre-register for our next upcoming hiring campaign in the fields of:

• Sensors: Position sensors and encoders, based on electrical, magnetic or optical principles
• Speed measurement
• Accelerometers
• Optical fibre sensors

We're looking for scientists, engineers and technical experts (among others) in a variety of fields, who are ready to make a difference.

If you have a Master’s or PhD degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field and enjoy deep technical analysis, structured thinking, and solving intellectual puzzles, we invite you to pre-register your interest today.

Why pre-register?

While our next recruitment round is planned for autumn 2025, we want to connect with exceptional talent now. If you don’t have a profile in our system yet, you can pre-register now to be informed when roles open.

Already registered?

Set a job alert on our Jobs & Careers page to stay up to date.

Following fields are interesting for us (among others):

• Robotic control (e.g. control of manipulators, robotic arms) & general control theory
• Control and monitoring of control systems (e.g. processes in industrial automation systems, such as power plants, production and manufacturing systems, control of field devices), often using AI and machine learning models

Why join us?

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we work at the forefront of innovation. As a Patent Examiner, you’ll evaluate inventions long before they reach the public - from everyday consumer products to cutting-edge technologies.

We are committed to scientific excellence, fairness and sustainability - and shaped by the individuality and knowledge of our colleagues.

Whether your background is in research, engineering, or industry - if you’re curious, analytical, and committed to quality, we want to hear from you.

Required Qualifications:

• 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)
• Citizenship of one of the member states of the European Patent Organisation

What we offer (once roles are open):

• Competitive salary (€6 921 – €9 901 net/month depending on location/experience)
• 30+ days of annual leave, compensation hours, and flexible working
• Up to 60 days/year remote work from abroad (EPC states)
• Relocation, childcare and family support
• Legal training
• A collaborative, inclusive environment with 35+ nationalities
• Facilities: On-site gym, health services, staff clubs and more (depending on location)

For more information click here

Register your interest today

Don’t miss your chance to be part of a team where science, innovation and purpose meet. By pre-registering, you’ll be among the first to be informed once matching opportunities open later this year.

🌐 Register here.

Please be aware that you will need to apply to the respective vacancy once it opens.

Still studying? Let’s stay connected.

You’re currently studying for your Master’s or PhD in a technical or scientific discipline and you are curious about where your knowledge could take you?

Follow us here to stay up to date on future opportunities, events and insights into our work.

You may not be ready yet – but we’ll be here when you are.

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Our culture

We believe that diversity drives innovation. That’s why we’re proud to foster a workplace where everyone is welcome - regardless of gender, background or identity. We’re building a future-focused organisation where your individuality and expertise are not only accepted, but valued.