Patent Examiner (Biomedical Engineering)

Job Description

Department of Commerce

Patent and Trademark Office

Office of the Commissioner for Patents

Summary

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) drives innovation nationwide by providing intellectual property protection for inventors and entrepreneurs worldwide. We seek talented individuals to evaluate inventions that advance society and bring new ideas to market. As a patent examiner, you will help shape the future of patent examination, improve key processes, and support innovation using cutting-edge tools and technologies.

Who Can Apply

• U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
• Federal employees eligible under Career Transition Assistance Programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)
• Veterans and certain family members eligible for preference
• Individuals with disabilities eligible under Schedule A

Application Review Dates

Applications will be reviewed after these cut-off dates:
June 23, 2025; July 7, 2025; September 1, 2025; October 13, 2025; November 24, 2025; January 6, 2026; February 3, 2026; March 31, 2026; May 11, 2026; and the final closing date, June 12, 2026.

Duties

• Examine patent applications and protect innovative ideas by researching prior art and applying patentability standards.
• Prepare detailed office actions explaining your examination decisions, refining them with guidance from supervisors.
• Contribute to improving patent examination processes and participate in pilot programs and technology testing, including AI tools.
• Provide feedback to leadership to enhance examination practices and workflows.
• Participate in ethics training and submit required financial disclosures related to potential conflicts of interest.

Qualifications

Basic Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in engineering from an ABET-accredited program or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Professional engineering registration or passing the Engineer-in-Training exam may substitute.
• Specialized experience or graduate education may be required for specific grade levels (GS-7 through GS-11).

Additional Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering principles and ability to evaluate technology.
• Ability to conduct technical research, analyze data, and prepare written technical reports.
• Familiarity with professional and ethical standards related to patent examination.

Detailed qualification standards and education requirements are available at OPM’s Patent Examiner Series (GS-1224).

Conditions of Employment

• Background investigation and fingerprint check required.
• One-year probationary period for new federal employees.
• Must be registered with Selective Service if applicable.
• Position designated as Public Trust with moderate risk level.
• Reasonable accommodations available upon request.

Additional Information

• The USPTO participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility.
• Federal salary payments are made via direct deposit.
• Relocation expenses are not authorized.
• CTAP and ICTAP applicants eligible for priority selection if well-qualified.
• How You Will Be Evaluated
  Your qualifications will be assessed based on how well your resume, supporting documents, and responses to the assessment questions demonstrate that you meet the requirements outlined in this announcement.
  Evaluation Process:
  Your resume and documentation will be reviewed to confirm you meet the minimum qualifications and specialized experience required for this position.
  Your answers to the assessment questionnaire will be compared with your resume to place you in one of two categories: Gold or Bronze.
  Candidates in the Gold category will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. If you are in this category, your On-Demand interview will be reviewed by the hiring manager.
  Preference Eligibility:
  Preference-eligible applicants with a service-connected disability of 10% or more will be placed at the top of the highest quality category (Gold), depending on the grade level qualified for.
  Important Notes:
  Responses to assessment questions must be fully supported by your resume. Inconsistencies or unsupported claims may lead to adjustments in your rating.
  Information provided in cover letters should be reflected in your resume.
  Any updates to your application may affect your rating or shift your application to the next review cutoff date.
  Competencies Evaluated:
  Oral Communication
  Technical Skills
  Written Communication
  The questionnaire includes four short essay questions (maximum 200 words each). You must certify that these responses are your own work and not assisted by consultants or AI tools.
  Preview the questionnaire here:
  https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12726868
  Please answer each question thoroughly and draw on all relevant experience.
  
  Required Documents
  To complete your application, you must submit:
  Resume:
  Include citizenship status, education, work experience (job titles, dates, salaries), and detailed descriptions connecting your experience to the specialized qualifications listed. Keep the resume to 2 pages if possible.
  Transcripts:
  Provide copies of your college transcripts to verify education requirements. Unofficial copies are accepted for initial review; official transcripts will be required if selected.
  Supporting Documents (if applicable):
  Veterans’ Preference: DD-214 and disability documentation if claiming 10% or more service-connected disability.
  Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or Interagency CTAP (ICTAP) documents, including separation notices, SF-50s, performance appraisals, and promotion potential letters.
  Make sure to upload all relevant documents through the Department of Commerce application portal linked from USAJOBS.
  Failure to submit required documents may result in disqualification or lowered rating.
  
  How to Apply
  You must apply online.
  If you encounter any difficulties or lack computer access, contact [email protected] or call 571-272-6000 before the closing date.
  New applicants must create a USAJOBS account and upload a resume before applying.
  Once ready, click APPLY on the job announcement page. You will be redirected to the Department of Commerce site to complete your application. Be sure to click Submit at the end to finalize your application.
  To update a saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account, go to “Applications,” select the position, and choose “Update Application.”