Senior Counsel, Commercial (Robotics)

OpenAI • San Francisco, CA

2d • $297,000 - $347,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We 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.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience across a leading law firm and/or in-house legal department supporting technology companies.
• Significant experience drafting and negotiating sophisticated commercial agreements, particularly involving hardware supply, manufacturing, procurement, development, licensing, and strategic partnerships.
• Comfortable operating in fast-paced, entrepreneurial environments where priorities evolve quickly and there isn't always an established playbook.
• Sound business judgment and ability to provide practical legal advice that enables teams to move quickly while appropriately managing risk.
• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and tailor guidance to technical and business audiences.
• Ability to build strong cross-functional relationships and influence through partnership rather than authority.
• High degree of ownership, intellectual curiosity, and enthusiasm for emerging technologies.
• Ability to operate independently while effectively managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• JD and license or qualification to practice in California.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• Equal opportunity employer
• Background checks administered in accordance with applicable law
• Consideration for employment consistent with applicable laws for qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records
• Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities

What This Job Offers

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