Patent Examiner; Chemical Engineering

Turn innovation into impact—become a patent examiner at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

We're looking for talented individuals with STEM backgrounds that want to lead advancements that benefit society as a whole and contribute by bringing ideas to market. You'll shape the future of patent examination, advance key processes, and support innovation in cutting-edge ways.

Duties

As a patent examiner, you will:

• Examine patent applications and protect groundbreaking ideas. You'll review applications, plan and conduct searches, and apply prior art to determine if inventions meet patentability standards.
• Prepare clear and thoughtful office actions. You'll draft detailed explanations of your examination decisions, discuss them in depth with supervisors or senior examiners, and refine your work based on their feedback before issuing official communications.
• Drive innovation in how we examine patents. Beyond day-to-day examination, you'll contribute to improving our processes through analytical research and active involvement in shaping the future of patent work.
• Test new ideas and methods. Try alternative examination approaches and share valuable feedback to help improve efficiency and performance.
• Evaluate cutting-edge technologies. Assist in testing innovative tools, including artificial intelligence, and provide insights on their potential to transform how we work.
• Participate in pilot programs and new initiatives. Help shape and refine new work structures and processes, offering recommendations for streamlining operations and improving outcomes.
• Be a voice for improvement. Provide ongoing feedback and insights to help leadership make informed decisions about examination practices, technology, and workflow enhancements.

How to apply

• Apply on USAJOBS by the next cut-off date of 11/3/2025
• If you are a veteran, please email a copy of your resume, academic transcripts, and redacted DD-214 to Hire Vets.
• If you have a disability, you may be eligible for special consideration under Schedule
  
  A.

Qualifications

Basic requirements include the successful completion of a full four-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in engineering, OR a combination of qualifying education and experience.

Specialized experience includes applying engineering, biological science, physics, or scientific principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology.

Education

An engineering curriculum must be accredited by the ABET as a professional engineering curriculum, OR must include differential and integral calculus and courses in five of the following seven areas: statics, dynamics; strength of materials; fluid mechanics, hydraulics; thermodynamics; electrical fields and circuits; nature and properties of materials; or any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics.

Conditions of Employment

Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals. If selected, you will be required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors.