Patent Examiner; Computer Science

Overview

Job Summary

The USPTO drives U.S innovation for the benefit of all Americans and providing intellectual property protection for innovators and entrepreneurs worldwide. We are looking for talented individuals to examine ideas that benefit society and bring innovation to market. You'll shape the future of patent examination, advance key processes, and support innovation in cutting-edge ways.

Sub Agency Name :
Office of the Commissioner for Patents

Organization Codes: CM/CM56

Relocation:
False

Hiring Path: fed-transition; public

MCOTags: 07

Agency Marketing Statement :
We need our engineers and scientists to demonstrate versatility, display leadership qualities, and possess enthusiasm about the work they’re undertaking as we continue to push innovation forward. With your technical expertise, you will review cutting edge inventions making patentability determinations, managing deadlines and deliverables. In addition, our Patent Examiner (Computer Science) positions may offer a $30,000 recruitment bonus for new federal employees (with a 48-month service commitment).

Employees will receive $10,000 after entrance on duty (EOD) and may be eligible for a 2nd installment of $20,000 after attaining promotion(s) to GS-12 within 36 months of EOD. The USPTO's mission is to foster innovation, competitiveness, and job growth in the United States by enabling individuals and entities to generate economic benefits through creation, invention, and branding.

• The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.
• Examine patent applications and protect groundbreaking ideas. Review applications, plan and conduct searches, and apply prior art to determine if inventions meet patentability standards.
• Early in your career, work closely with supervisors and senior examiners, receiving extensive guidance as you develop your skills and review your findings. Prepare clear and thoughtful office actions. Draft detailed explanations of 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. Contribute to improving processes through analytical research and active involvement in shaping the future of patent work. Test new ideas and methods; evaluate alternative examination approaches and share 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. Be a voice for improvement by providing ongoing feedback to leadership.
• In addition, our Patent Examiner (Computer Science) positions may offer a $30,000 recruitment bonus for new federal employees (with a 48-month service commitment). Employees will receive $10,000 after EOD and may be eligible for a second installment of $20,000 after attaining promotion(s) to GS-12 within 36 months of EOD. You will be required to file a confidential financial disclosure report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days of assuming the position and annually thereafter, and complete ethics orientation within 3 months.
  
  Review conflict of interest laws and standards of ethical conduct; determine disqualification implications for devices or processes covered by your technology area if you have relevant interests.

Education:

Applicants should have sufficient knowledge to understand the fundamental concepts and techniques of computer science. Courses offering introduction to computer science techniques, system design, and related fields are acceptable. Foreign education may be used to meet requirements with proper evaluation.

Requirements:
Evaluations

Your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to determine minimum qualifications. The process includes category rankings (gold/bronze), referral to the hiring manager for gold, and On-Demand interviews. Depending on qualification level, preference eligibles with certain disabilities may receive priority. Responses to job questions must be supported by resume information.

OPM qualifications for Patent Examiner (Computer Science) GS-1224; refer to OPM's Individual Occupational Requirements and the Patent Examiner Series 1224. Foreign education must be evaluated for equivalency; provide transcripts and evaluation letter if requested.

Note:

Your resume must be limited to two pages. Submit online via USAJOBS; upload only the document in the Resume section. If you need help,…