General Counsel

Ambiq Micro, Inc.•Austin, TX

29d•Onsite

About The Position

Ambiq is seeking a General Counsel to build and lead its legal department following a successful IPO. This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the company's governance, compliance, and risk frameworks during a period of significant growth and transformation in the semiconductor industry. The General Counsel will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team and Board, translating complex regulatory landscapes into clear business decisions. The ideal candidate is a resilient self-starter with sharp instincts, composure to navigate ambiguity, and genuine excitement about Ambiq's mission to enable intelligence everywhere. Ambiq is a leader in low-power semiconductor solutions for AI edge applications, with a global presence and a strong track record of innovation. The company's technology is driving advancements in wearables, medical devices, IoT, and AI-powered edge applications. Ambiq values innovation, collaboration, focus, learning, and achievement, fostering a fast-paced, engineering-led culture.

Requirements

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited U.S. law school; active bar license in good standing.
12+ years of legal experience, with significant in-house counsel leadership at a semiconductor or high-tech company.
Ideally, tenure at a top-tier firm advising technology clients.
Demonstrated expertise in corporate governance, complex commercial agreements, global IP protection, and regulatory compliance.
Deep knowledge of semiconductor-specific legal terrain: export controls (ITAR/EAR), CFIUS, supply chain risk, and technology licensing in global markets.
Proven ability to lead high-stakes transactions including M&A, equity financings, and cross-border partnerships.
Strong employment law foundation with experience advising on global workforce matters and executive compensation.
Thick skin and sound judgment — ability to deliver difficult messages clearly, hold a position under pressure, and earn trust through honesty.
Business acumen that matches legal expertise: understanding how deals get done, acceptable risks, and advising without slowing the business.
Proven leadership in building legal teams, creating processes, and scaling a function in a fast-growth environment.
High integrity, sharp instincts, and the temperament to thrive in a fast-paced, engineering-led culture.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting a company's post-IPO transition — SEC reporting, public company governance, and Reg FD compliance.
Deep familiarity with semiconductor IP strategy, including patent portfolio management, design-around analysis, and licensing structures.
Track record of managing cross-border legal matters across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North American markets simultaneously.
Experience advising on AI, edge computing, or IoT regulatory matters.
Background or comfort in government affairs and standards bodies relevant to the semiconductor industry.

Responsibilities

Develop and own Ambiq's enterprise legal strategy, anticipating risk and accelerating growth.
Draft, review, and negotiate complex commercial agreements with customers, partners, suppliers, and investors.
Establish governance frameworks that meet post-IPO standards while maintaining company agility.
Advise on the strategic growth and optimization of Ambiq’s global IP portfolio (patents, trade secrets, trademarks, licensing).
Advise on structuring and negotiating technology transactions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, and licensing agreements.
Assess and manage IP risks in contracts, supplier relationships, and the competitive landscape.
Architect and oversee a proactive compliance program covering U.S. and international regulations (ITAR/EAR, trade sanctions, data privacy, immigration, labor law).
Cultivate a culture of compliance through policy development, executive education, and company-wide training.
Identify emerging regulatory trends and shape Ambiq's posture.
Oversee litigation strategy, regulatory matters, and disputes with a bias toward early resolution.
Ensure full compliance with securities laws as a public company (SEC reporting, insider trading policies, Reg FD, shareholder communications).
Lead legal due diligence and deal structuring for M&A, strategic investments, and partnership transactions.
Advise HR leadership on legal considerations related to equity programs and executive compensation.
Advise on employment law issues across multiple jurisdictions.
Partner with HR leadership to build legally sound and competitive people policies.
Provide counsel on sensitive employee relations matters.
Select, deploy, and actively manage outside counsel, ensuring quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Direct litigation strategy with a preference for early identification and decisive resolution.
Develop an outside counsel framework that scales with growth while controlling legal spend.