Ford Motor Company

Lead Counsel, Ford Energy

Ford Motor Company$150K — $180K *
Energy & Utilities
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. State Bar.
  • Minimum 5 years of legal experience in the energy industry, in-house or at a major law firm.
  • Proven experience in energy-related commercial sales and project development.

Responsibilities

  • Serve as lead legal counsel for BESS sales organization, managing complex commercial agreements.
  • Provide strategic regulatory advice on federal and state energy regulations.
  • Advise on legal risks related to product development and performance guarantees.
  • Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks in large-scale battery operations.
  • Act as a core member of the BESS team, balancing risk and innovation.

Benefits

  • Competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses.
  • Ford vehicle benefits.
  • Opportunity to shape the energy strategy of a leading global brand.
  • Hybrid work model with 4 days onsite.
  • Support from a well-established, forward-thinking company.
Full Job Description
Job Description

The Opportunity

As we scale the Ford Energy business, we are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Attorney to serve as a primary legal partner. This individual will play a critical role in the commercialization of our energy storage products, navigating complex sales transactions, and ensuring compliance with the evolving regulatory landscape. This role sits within Ford's Office of the General Counsel but will be dedicated full-time to support of Ford Energy.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic, "start-up" environment within a Fortune 50 company, helping to build the legal framework for a business that will define Ford's future in sustainable energy.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities
  • Commercial Transactions & Sales: Serve as the lead legal counsel for the BESS sales organization. Draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial agreements, including Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, and Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs).
  • Regulatory & Compliance: Provide strategic advice on federal and state energy regulations (including FERC, NERC, and state PUC requirements). Ensure BESS products and projects meet industry standards and safety certifications (e.g., UL, NFPA).
  • Product Development Support: Advise the business and engineering teams on legal risks associated with product roadmaps, warranty structures, and performance guarantees for utility-scale and/or commercial energy storage solutions.
  • Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with the deployment and operation of large-scale battery assets.
  • Strategic Partnership: Act as a core member of the BESS team, providing nuanced legal guidance that balances risk with the need for speed and innovation in a rapidly growing market.


Qualifications

Position Qualifications and Key Capabilities

Required
  • Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
  • Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. State Bar.
  • A minimum of 5 years of legal experience within the energy industry, either at a major law firm or in-house.
  • Proven experience in energy-related commercial sales, project development, or structured finance.

Preferred
  • Direct experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or renewable energy technologies.
  • Deep familiarity with energy market structures, interconnection processes, and grid-side regulatory requirements.
  • Experience navigating industry standards including UL.
  • Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into actionable business advice.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving business unit.
Leadership Attributes
  • Visionary strategic thinker able to navigate rapidly evolving global energy storage markets.
  • Calm and patient negotiator with the ability to translate and apply complex legal concepts to business goals.

Location & Travel
This role follows our hybrid work model, requiring the employee to be onsite 4 days per week at one of our primary innovation hubs in Dearborn, Michigan or Palo Alto, California. Domestic and potentially international travel required.

At Ford Energy, you have the backing of an industrial manufacturing powerhouse with the agility of a dedicated energy startup offering industry leading technology. We offer a competitive compensation package including performance-based bonuses, Ford vehicle benefits, and the opportunity to shape the energy strategy of one of the world's most iconic brands.

#FordEnergy

#LI-CB1

About Ford Motor Company

Ford Motor Company manufactures or distributes automobiles in addition to offering financial services. The company sells to dealerships for retail sales, and for sale to fleet customers, including commercial fleet customers, daily rental car companies, and governments. Ford’s vehicle portfolio includes automobiles, buses, tractors, and trucks. Retail financing includes retail installment sale contracts for new and used vehicles, and direct financing leases for new vehicles to retail customers, government entities, daily rental car companies, and fleet customers. Finance receivables in the non-consumer portfolio include products offered to automotive dealers. Ford’s environmental initiatives include compressed natural gas, flexible fuel vehicles, electric drive vehicles, Hydrogen, PC power management, and so on. Ford Motor Company was founded by Henry Ford in 1903 and is headquartered in Dearborn, Michigan.

Ford Motor Company Careers

Join the dynamic team at Ford Motor Company, a global leader in automotive innovation and manufacturing. At Ford, we are committed to driving human progress by providing outstanding vehicles and mobility solutions. This is an exciting time to become part of our inclusive team, where job opportunities abound and growth is not just a possibility, but a promise.

Work You’ll Do

At Ford Motor Company, you will collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the industry. Our professionals are at the forefront of automotive technology, leading projects that redefine transportation and sustainability. With a culture rooted in continuous improvement and respect for all, Ford offers a workplace where leadership, diversity training, and innovation are part of everyday life.

Join Our Market-Leading Team

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Engage in work that makes a difference. Ford Motor Company is pioneering developments in electrification, autonomous vehicles, and smart mobility solutions. Our team of over 190,000 employees worldwide is dedicated to crafting experiences that improve the way the world moves.

Be Part of a Great Team

Working at Ford means more than just having a job; it means being part of a global family. Our culture promotes teamwork, integrity, and respect—values that underpin everything we do. We believe in nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment where every employee can thrive.

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Ford Motor Company is not just a great place to work; it’s a place to build a lasting career. Our employees enjoy competitive benefits, comprehensive health care, and retirement plans that rank among the best in the industry. We support career advancement through extensive training programs and hands-on experience in the latest automotive technologies.

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Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student interested in an internship, Ford has opportunities that will harness your skills and ignite your ambition. Our hiring process is straightforward and respectful, designed to match your skills and passions with the right position.

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Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Ready to start your journey with Ford? Prepare your resume, sharpen your interview skills, and become part of a company that’s building the future of transportation.

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Learn more about Ford Motor Company
Size
183,000 employees
Market Cap
$44.8 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$1.2 billion
Founded
1903
5 Year Trend
-2.1%
Revenue
$127.1 billion
NASDAQ

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