European Patent Examiner in Electromechanics - electrical connectors

Location: The Hague

As a  European Patent Examiner in Electromechanics - electrical connectors , 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.

Duration of contract:  Five years, renewable (full-time)

Location:

Germany (Munich/Berlin) or the Netherlands (The Hague)
Working mode:  Hybrid

At the European Patent Office (EPO), we explore breakthrough technologies before they reach the public.

Your role and impact
As a Patent Examiner, you will:

examine patent applications  – including technical documentation and drawings – in one of our official languages (English, French or German)

analyse new inventions  to evaluate their novelty and inventive step

conduct in-depth research  using digital search tools, scientific databases and patent information sources to identify the most relevant prior art

apply legal and procedural frameworks  to make clear, high-quality decisions on whether a patent should be granted

communicate your findings  clearly and constructively with applicants and other parties

collaborate with international colleagues

maintain high-quality standards  with strong attention to detail and scientific rigour

contribute to Europe's innovation ecosystem  by ensuring fair and consistent application of the European Patent Convention (EPC) and related legal texts

Your profile
We're looking for expertise in at least one of these fields:

Disconnectible and non-disconnectible electrical connectors, coupling devices, terminals, and current collectors across automotive (including high-voltage/EV systems), industrial, and consumer applications. Key areas include electromechanical contact design, busbar assemblies, termination technologies (crimping, IDC, welding), board-to-board and cable-to-board interconnects, electromagnetic shielding (EMI/EMC), and mechanical latching and environmental sealing

You will thrive with us if you

have a solid background and relevant expertise in the specified fields, built up during your studies, in projects, and/or as a result of professional experience

enjoy deep technical analysis, reading technical drawings and solving intellectual puzzles

are genuinely curious about technology and enjoy continuously learning about new scientific developments, emerging technologies and patent law

are analytical, detail-oriented and open-minded

are confident using digital technologies and AI-supported tools to analyse information while applying own critical thinking

value both independent work and team collaboration

are comfortable making structured, evidence-based decisions

No prior IP (intellectual property) experience? No problem.

We provide full legal and procedural training to get you started.

Our minimum requirements for this post

diploma of completed studies at master's level 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

competitive salary: €7 076 to €10 164 net/month (depending on location and experience)

30+ days of annual leave + flexible working arrangements

generous remote work policy: work from anywhere in the country of employment; up to 60 days from abroad (EPC states)

family-friendly policies: childcare, education and relocation support

pension and insurance: excellent social security coverage

examiner training: a…