Going back to Engineering from a different field

Hello All,

I have worked as a patent examiner for the last 10-15 years (don’t want to give an exact date) in an electrical engineering field. Before that, I worked in an engineering position for 3 years prior to being an examiner. I have a BS in EE from an ABET accredited school.

I’m looking to get back into electrical engineering proper. The current administration got rid of the patent examiner union and has been making the job crappy. They’ve also made high level changes to the office I disagree with.

I’m considering signing up for a certificate program that can progress into a masters and applying to jobs while working towards it. My question is, what would a hiring manager want to see? What can I show that my experience as an examiner could positively influence an engineering team?