Overview
A company specializing in autonomous vehicle technology is seeking a Corporate Counsel to join their Legal team. This role involves providing legal support across the organization, focusing on commercial agreements, compliance programs, regulatory affairs, and other legal matters related to scaling autonomous vehicle operations globally.
Responsibilities
- Draft, review, and negotiate commercial and supplier agreements including hardware supply, software licensing, services, joint development, and partnership contracts
- Develop and maintain legal playbooks, templates, and negotiation guidelines
- Design, implement, and oversee compliance programs and policies covering data privacy, safety, regulatory obligations, and corporate governance
- Provide day-to-day legal counsel to cross-functional teams such as engineering, operations, business development, government affairs, marketing, and human resources
- Advise on regulatory matters related to autonomous vehicle testing, deployment, and commercialization at federal, state, and local levels
- Manage relationships with outside counsel and coordinate external advisors on litigation, intellectual property, and regulatory filings
- Monitor and analyze evolving laws and regulations affecting autonomous vehicles, transportation, data privacy, and employment, and communicate business implications to leadership
- Develop and deliver training on legal compliance, contracting best practices, and risk management
- Assist with corporate transactions, equity matters, and board-related activities as needed
Skills and Abilities
- Strategic risk assessment
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Sound judgment in ambiguous situations
- Ability to balance innovation with compliance
Qualifications
- J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar
- 5–8 years of legal experience, including a mix of law firm and in-house counsel roles; experience in technology, automotive, or mobility sectors preferred
- Proven experience drafting, reviewing, and negotiating complex commercial and supplier agreements
- Experience developing or managing compliance programs, policies, or internal controls
- Expertise in at least one of the following areas: regulatory affairs, safety/product liability, data privacy (e.g., CCPA, CPRA, APPI, GDPR), or employment law
- Strong business judgment with the ability to balance legal risk against operational objectives in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of explaining complex legal concepts to non-legal audiences
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in autonomous vehicles, automotive, robotics, or advanced transportation technology
- Familiarity with NHTSA regulations, FMVSS standards, state autonomous vehicle legislation, or transportation safety frameworks
- Experience advising on data privacy issues related to connected or autonomous vehicles, including geolocation, telematics, and rider data
- Background in government affairs, public policy, or working with regulatory agencies such as DOT, NHTSA, or state DMVs
- Experience supporting companies through high-growth stages, including Series C/D funding rounds
- Ability to operate as a generalist across multiple legal disciplines within a lean legal team
- Privacy certifications such as CIPP/US or CIPP/E
Physical Requirements
- Standard office working conditions including prolonged sitting, standing, and computer use
- Minimal travel required (1%-10%)
Compensation and Benefits
- Salary range: $180,000 to $220,000 USD
- Comprehensive healthcare including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; domestic partners eligible after one year cohabitation
- Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care
- Retirement benefits with immediate vesting and employer safe harbor match
- Generous paid parental leave with phased return to work
- Flexible vacation policy plus paid company holidays
- Wellness programs supporting overall wellbeing
Location
Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with opportunities to support autonomous vehicle operations worldwide.