Head of Legal

About the role

Etched, a company building AI chips tailored to specific model architectures, is looking for a Head of Legal to lead all legal operations while developing its next-generation AI hardware. As the founding legal leader, you will own commercial agreements, structure legal processes and act as a key strategic partner to the executive team, building and scaling the legal function.

Key responsibilities

• Advise on commercial agreements, corporate governance, intellectual property and employment law
• Design and negotiate complex commercial contracts, including supplier agreements, customer deals and IP licensing
• Work with finance, sales and operations to structure deals, transactions and customer and vendor relationships
• Build efficient legal processes and systems to support rapid growth
• Support employment matters such as visa sponsorship, compensation and compliance, and lead equity compensation programs
• Collaborate with external counsel on specialized technical matters and structure compliance frameworks
• Advise the executive team on risk management and legal strategy

Required profile

• 5-10 years of legal experience combining big law and in-house technology experience
• J.D. from an accredited law school and admission to practice in the relevant jurisdiction (California bar preferred)
• Track record of independently managing complex legal operations and owning key projects
• Strong business judgment, decision-making and business acumen
• Excellent written and verbal communication, able to explain legal concepts to non-legal stakeholders

Required skills

• Commercial negotiation and contract drafting
• Preferred: knowledge of AI hardware contracts (limitation of liability, indemnification, semiconductor IP, manufacturing agreements, warranties, supply chain, licensing, test/validation, revenue recognition)
• Preferred: experience working with engineering teams on technical contracts, and deep knowledge of AI, hardware, semiconductors and the AI research field

What we offer

• Full medical, dental and vision coverage, 100% of premiums, 90% for dependents
• Housing subsidy of $2,000 per month for those living within walking distance of the office
• Daily lunch and dinner in the office
• Relocation support for those moving to Cupertino