Supevisory Design Patent Examiner - TC 2900

This position is announced as remote, subject to agency policy and applicable law. Employees who are current participants in the USPTO's Telework Enhancement Act Program (TEAP) may be approved to continue to work from their current alternate worksite as their official duty station in this position, with reporting to the office as required pursuant to the TEAP Operating Procedures. Employees whose current alternate worksite is within 50 miles of the USPTO headquarters in Alexandria, VA, are not eligible for new participation in TEAP in this position but may continue to telework and report to the office in accordance with USPTO telework policy.

As a Supervisory Patent Examiner, you will:

• 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.
• Play a key role serving as head of a Patent Examining Art Unit under the general administrative direction of the Group Director.
• Guide authoritative interpretation of legal precedents for making a wide variety of decisions involving the subject matter of a Technology Center.
• Evaluate cutting-edge technologies by testing innovative tools, including artificial intelligence, and provide insights on their potential to transform how we work; as well as participating in pilot programs and new initiatives. Help shape and refine new work structures and processes, offering recommendations for streamlining operations and improving outcomes.
• Lead through the energetic and dynamic exercising of the full range of supervisory and managerial duties associated with the direction of work in the art unit, developing and training employees, reviewing and evaluating the work and performance of subordinates, and determining the staffing needs of the unit.
• Selectee(s) may be required to perform an initial rotational assignment at the Patent Training Academy prior to assignment in the Technology Center.

• Applicants will only be accepted from United States Citizens and Nationals.
• Your resume and question responses must demonstrate the job-related competencies.
• You must meet the definition of specialized experience.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
• If selected, you may be required to complete a one-year supervisory probationary period.
• You must meet all qualification requirements upon the closing date of this announcement.
• Time-in-grade/band requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
• Suitable for Federal Employment.
• This position requires the completion of an OGE-450 Financial Disclosure.

You must meet the following United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements for the advertised position. OPM's prescribed Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Professional and Scientific Positions can be found at: Group Coverage Qualifications Standards for Professional and Scientific Positions and the Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) for GS-1226, Patent Examining Series: General Schedule Qualification Standards. You must meet all qualification requirements including time-in-grade (refer to 5 CFR 300.604 for more information on time-in-grade) by the closing date of the job announcement.

Patent Examining Series: 1226 Individual Occupational Requirements:

Basic Requirements:

Evaluation of Graduate Education: Qualifying graduate education must have been in a field appropriate to the position to be filled. An LL.B. or J.D. degree from a recognized law school or membership in the bar of any State, territory, or the District of Columbia is also qualifying for GS-9.

Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service.

Candidates for the GS-15 grade level must have at least 52 weeks of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service.

Specialized experience is defined as experience examining patent applications and reviewing drawings as related to articles of manufacture.

Selective Placement Factor: Must have full signatory authority.

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.