Associate General Counsel

Archer • San Jose, CA

2d • Remote

About The Position

Archer Aviation is seeking an experienced, highly-motivated Associate General Counsel, Head of Employment to join our Legal team. This is a critical role designed for a legal professional who thrives at the intersection of law, strategy, and operations. Reporting to Archer's General Counsel, you will serve as a key partner to the People team and business leaders, providing the legal framework and operational support necessary to scale our global workforce. The ideal candidate has a "roll-up-the-sleeves" mentality and a high degree of emotional intelligence. You aren't just an advisor in a traditional legal silo; you are a builder and an operator who will help refine our existing structures and create new ones as we expand. We are looking for someone who thrives with speed, and the inherent dynamic nature of a high-growth, innovative, and evolving workplace.

Requirements

• A J.D. degree and a minimum of 12+ years of employment law experience, preferably with a mix of top-tier law firm and in-house experience in a high-growth environment.
• Proven track record of conducting and overseeing complex, sensitive internal investigations from inception to resolution.
• Deep knowledge of California employment law is required.
• Licensed to practice law in California (or eligible to register as In-House Counsel).

Nice To Haves

• Experience with global expansion, trade secret litigation, and government contracting is highly preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to build strong relationships across the company and navigate complex human dynamics with professionalism and tact.
• A genuine interest in a fast-paced environment.
• Comfortable making sound decisions amidst inherent shifting priorities and can pivot quickly as business needs evolve.
• Proven ability to manage the end-to-end HR legal function, using sound business judgment to balance risk mitigation with commercial objectives.

Responsibilities

• Provide proactive, practical legal advice on the full spectrum of global employment matters, including hiring, compensation, performance management, and wage and hour compliance.
• Translate legal requirements into efficient, scalable business processes.
• Review and enhance existing company policies, handbooks, and employment agreements.
• Identify opportunities to hone our current structures to support a rapidly growing, global organization.
• Take a primary role in refining and executing our internal investigations process, including developing standardized investigation protocols and conducting sensitive investigations into workplace matters with a balanced, objective approach that prioritizes both legal protection and company culture.
• Lead internal and external threat assessment and mitigation strategies, with a specific focus on protecting trade secrets and company intellectual property.
• Drive the legal and operational strategy for international growth, managing the complexities of global mobility, PEO/EOR frameworks, and cross-border compliance.
• Act as a versatile resource for the broader organization, providing guidance on matters ranging from product development, risk assessments, government contract frameworks and regulatory compliance.

Benefits

• Archer is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to job applicants with physical or mental disabilities, and those with sincerely held religious beliefs.
• Archer is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusivity in the workplace.
• All aspects of employment are decided on the basis of merit, qualifications, and business needs.
• We do not discriminate based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree