Help shape the future of patent quality. The Office of Patent Quality Assurance (OPQA) is hiring highly skilled technical experts to help improve how patent examination is evaluated across the USPTO. These roles blend technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaboration to boost examination quality, strengthen examiner performance, and support consistent application of patent laws and examination policy.
The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.
As a senior technical leader within the Office of Patent Quality Assurance, you'll influence how patent examination is evaluated across the USPTO. Your expertise will help strengthen examination quality, improve consistency, advise executive leadership, and enhance the effectiveness of programs that support innovation nationwide.
You'll make an impact by: Leading agency-wide quality reviews of patent examination work, including office actions, allowances, and Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications, to promote consistent application of patent laws, regulations, and examination policy.
Driving continuous improvement by analyzing examination trends, evaluating quality data, and transforming review findings into practical recommendations that strengthen patent examination programs and organizational performance. Advising executive leadership, Technology Centers, and management officials on complex patent examination, scientific, engineering, and legal issues while helping shape quality assurance initiatives with agency-wide impact.
Developing innovative training, mentoring, and coaching programs that enhance examiner performance, improve examination consistency, and strengthen technical expertise across the Patent organization. Partnering with Patent Examiners, Supervisory Patent Examiners, Technology Centers, and other stakeholders to communicate quality findings, build consensus, and implement solutions that improve examination quality.
Championing strategic initiatives by leading special projects, preparing statistical analyses, recommending program improvements, and providing trusted technical advice that influences the future direction of patent quality.
Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.
NNEKA.UKPABI@USPTO.GOV · 571-272-0612
This position is with Patent and Trademark Office, Department of Commerce.
The posted pay range is $183257 – $197200/yr.
This position is eligible for telework.
Applications close on 2026-10-13.
There are 6 openings for this position.
This position is open under the 'Fed Transition' hiring path.
Source: USAJOBS.gov — U.S. Federal Government
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