Patent Examiner (Physics)

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 (such as semiconductors) 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. Come be a part of history in the making at the forefront of innovation.

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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

• TO APPLY, apply on USAJOBS by the next cut-off date of 2/2/2026
• IF YOU ARE A VETERAN: We love hiring vets! Veterans interested in applying, please first email a copy of your resume, academic transcripts, and DD-214 to HireVets@uspto.gov. To learn more, visit http://bit.ly/USPTOVeterans
• IF YOU HAVE A DISABILITY: Individuals with disabilities are a large part of helping further our goal of protecting our nation's intellectual property rights. If you have a disability and are interested in applying, you may be eligible for special consideration under Schedule A. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3C4vdZM

Qualifications

Degree in physics; or related degree that included at least 24 semester hours in physics.

OR

Combination of education and experience -- courses equivalent to a major in physics totaling at least 24 semester hours, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Specialized experience:

Applying biological science, physics, or scientific principles, theories, concepts, and methodologies used in the evaluation of technology; assisting in the collection of and recognizing discrepancies in data. Examples of work include taking measurements and collecting information, learning to take proper samples, conducting routine calculations, checking of numerical data, preparing graphs and data profiles, and/or accomplishing routine analyses.

If you are a student nearing graduation, within 9 months from the date of your applications, you can still apply! Just submit your application now, and we will verify your degree before your start date.

The full list of qualifications and requirements can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

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.

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 full list of duties, qualifications, and conditions of employment can be found on the USAJOBS posting.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), 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.