Patent Examiner (Mechanical Engineering) (Remote)

About the job

Do you aspire to use your engineering background to serve on the cutting edge of innovation? Now you can, by being the first to examine new inventions to determine and grant patents as a Patent Examiner at America's Innovation Agency! As a U.S. patent examiner, you will use your background to review applications to determine whether patents can be granted for inventions.

Join us for virtual webinars and fireside chats to learn why you should work with us as a patent examiner. By attending any of these events, you will learn more about the agency, the patent examiner position, and why employees love to work at the USPTO. Register and learn more here: https://bit.ly/3Me1sN6

>> EXPLORE becoming a patent examiner: http://bit.ly/USPTO_PE

>> MEET our diverse group of employees: http://bit.ly/USPTO_WhoWeAre

>> LEARN MORE about the USPTO's comprehensive work-life balance package and benefits, visit: https://bit.ly/3yj8yXy

Duties

As a patent examiner, you will spend your time:

• Searching prior art using specialized technology systems to ensure that an invention is new and unique. Prior art is information that has been disclosed to the public about an invention before a given date including related patents, published articles and public demonstrations.
• Reviewing patent applications for potentially new inventions and innovations to ensure they meet the agency's requirements.
• Writing legal office actions on patentability and respond to patent applications.

New patent examiners receive top-notch training during the first months on the job that will give you the tools you need to be successful in your role.

>>TO APPLY, apply on USAJOBS by the cut-off date on 5/1/2024: https://bit.ly/3sdVg0O

Qualifications

You must have either (A) successfully completed a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in Engineering OR (B) a combination of qualifying education and experience.

Experience is defined as interpreting and applying basic or intermediate mechanical engineering and/or scientific principles, theories, concepts and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology; planning and conducting research; applying appropriate references to the claimed invention, etc.

Still earning your degree? No problem! We love hiring soon-to-be grads. If you’re a student who plans to complete your qualifying education within 9 months, you can still submit your application right now. We’ll verify you successfully completed your degree before your start date.

Conditions of Employment

Applications will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals and your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies. If selected, you will be required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.

The duties of the position will depend on the level of the role, and the level a selectee is selected for will depend on a vary of factors, including education and experience.

The full list of duties, qualifications, and conditions of employment can be found on the USAJOBS posting: https://bit.ly/3sdVg0O

We value our diverse, inclusive, and collaborative team members at the USPTO. We know the talents of each colleague enrich our vibrant workplace. The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor.