About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced commercial attorney to serve as the primary legal partner supporting Robotics. In this role, you will provide practical, business-oriented legal counsel across hardware development, manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, and strategic commercial initiatives. You will work closely with Robotics leadership and cross-functional partners to help build scalable legal frameworks that enable innovation while thoughtfully managing risk.
This is a unique opportunity to help shape the legal foundation of a rapidly growing robotics organization developing cutting-edge technologies. You will negotiate high-impact commercial agreements, advise on complex operational matters, and partner closely with technical and business teams to support the development and commercialization of next-generation robotics systems.
This role is based in San Francisco, CA and requires in-person presence 4 days a week.In this role, you will:- Serve as the primary legal partner supporting Robotics leadership and cross-functional teams.
- Provide practical, business-oriented legal advice to teams across hardware engineering, manufacturing operations, supply chain, procurement, finance, and operations.
- Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements, including supplier, manufacturing, development, consulting, licensing, procurement, and strategic partnership agreements.
- Advise on legal issues arising throughout the hardware development lifecycle, including manufacturing, supply chain operations, vendor relationships, and emerging business initiatives.
- Identify commercial, regulatory, intellectual property, privacy, compliance, and other legal risks associated with commercial transactions, partnering with subject matter experts across the Legal organization as needed.
- Develop scalable legal processes, templates, playbooks, and guidance that enable the organization to move quickly while managing risk appropriately.
- Monitor and advise on legal and regulatory developments affecting hardware development, manufacturing, and global operations.
- Collaborate closely with colleagues across Employment, Privacy, Intellectual Property, Regulatory, Compliance, Security, Tax, Trade, and other Legal teams to provide coordinated legal support.
- Translate complex legal concepts into clear, actionable guidance for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Build trusted relationships across the organization and serve as a strategic advisor to Robotics leadership.
You might thrive in this role if you:- Have 8+ years of experience across a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department supporting technology companies.
- Bring significant experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements, particularly involving hardware supply, manufacturing, procurement, development, licensing, and strategic partnerships.
- Are comfortable operating in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where priorities evolve quickly and there isn't always an established playbook.
- Exercise sound business judgment and provide practical legal advice that enables teams to move quickly while appropriately managing risk.
- Communicate complex legal concepts clearly and tailor guidance to technical and business audiences.
- Build strong cross-functional relationships and influence through partnership rather than authority.
- Demonstrate a high degree of ownership, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for emerging technologies.
- Operate independently while effectively managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Have a JD and license or qualification to practice in California.
What success looks like:- Robotics teams view Legal as a trusted strategic partner and engage early on key initiatives.
- Commercial agreements are negotiated efficiently while balancing business objectives, operational needs, and legal risk.
- Practical legal frameworks, templates, and scalable processes enable the Robotics organization to move faster with greater consistency.
- Emerging legal and regulatory issues are identified proactively, with thoughtful recommendations that support informed decision making.
