Head of Product Counsel – Sunnyvale, California (959-SLS)

Solutus Legal Search•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Our client, a high growth, physical AI and autonomous vehicle software company, has exclusively retained Solutus Legal Search to assist in its search for a Head of Product counsel. The company is a leader in physical AI, building the digital infrastructure needed to bring intelligence to moving machines across industries including automotive, defense, trucking, construction, mining, and agriculture. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, the company is at the forefront of autonomy and AI, and offers attorneys the opportunity to work on novel legal issues in a dynamic, high-growth environment. Reporting to the General Counsel, this attorney will play a highly visible and strategic role on a lean legal team, advising a variety of commercial verticals globally, Product, Engineering, and other business stakeholders on a wide range of matters arising from the development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies. The successful candidate will provide practical, business-oriented guidance on issues including product integrations, intellectual property, consumer protection, and legal considerations related to autonomy and AI. This lawyer will serve as a trusted advisor to cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle, helping translate complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal clients operating under tight timelines. The role also includes leading and supporting projects relating to global commercial contracts, compliance, safety, and IP protection; reviewing integrations for compliance with contractual, regulatory, and intellectual property requirements; and developing policies, playbooks, and processes that appropriately manage risk while enabling innovation and growth. In addition, this attorney will collaborate with regulatory team members, regulators, outside advisors, and industry groups to stay current on global legal developments relevant to autonomy and AI and will assist with M&A matters as needed. This is an incredible opportunity to head up the Product function and eventually build out the team at a successful, fast-growing, pre-IPO company at the forefront of autonomy and AI. This position is based in Sunnyvale, California with an in-office requirement of 5 days a week.

Requirements

Approximately 12+ years of law firm and/or in-house experience is desired, preferably with technology companies or in similarly innovative environments.
A J.D. from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one state bar are required.
Significant experience counseling software products including on open source issues, creative IP transactions, integration with hardware products, privacy-compliant and secure software development issues, and counseling product, engineering, security teams.
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, cross-functional initiatives and balance multiple priorities effectively.
Business-minded, execution-oriented lawyer who is energized by technology and comfortable operating with a high degree of autonomy in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

Nice To Haves

Automotive experience is a plus.
Experience spanning both law firm and in-house practice is preferred.
Familiarity with machine learning, autonomy, generative models, and related technologies is highly desirable.
A technical background, while not required, would be welcomed.

Responsibilities

Advise a variety of commercial verticals globally, Product, Engineering, and other business stakeholders on a wide range of matters arising from the development and commercialization of cutting-edge technologies.
Provide practical, business-oriented guidance on issues including product integrations, intellectual property, consumer protection, and legal considerations related to autonomy and AI.
Serve as a trusted advisor to cross-functional teams throughout the product development lifecycle, helping translate complex legal requirements into clear, actionable guidance for internal clients operating under tight timelines.
Lead and support projects relating to global commercial contracts, compliance, safety, and IP protection.
Review integrations for compliance with contractual, regulatory, and intellectual property requirements.
Develop policies, playbooks, and processes that appropriately manage risk while enabling innovation and growth.
Collaborate with regulatory team members, regulators, outside advisors, and industry groups to stay current on global legal developments relevant to autonomy and AI.
Assist with M&A matters as needed.