Sr. Commercial Counsel, Business Development

Archer•San Jose, CA

5h•$230,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise. Our sights are set high and our problems are hard, and we believe that diversity in the workplace is what makes us smarter, drives better insights, and will ultimately lift us all to success. We are dedicated to cultivating an equitable and inclusive environment that embraces our differences, and supports and celebrates all of our team members. As Senior Commercial Counsel, Business Development, you will be a strategic partner to Archer’s global go-to-market teams including sales, marketing, and strategic partnerships. You will serve as the lead negotiator for our most complex commercial transactions, including aircraft sales agreements, high-value government contracts, market entry partnerships, and enterprise SaaS agreements. You will be responsible for accelerating "deal velocity" and revenue recognition while ensuring the company’s commercial interests and intellectual property are protected during rapid global expansion.

Requirements

6–10 years of experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or in-house legal department (with at least 3 of those years with an in-house legal team).
Proven track record of owning strategic commercial deal negotiation from initial draft to signature, and supporting post-signature deal execution, in close collaboration with sales, business development, and product teams.
Specific experience with US and international public-sector, defense contracting, and government procurement (including FAR/DFARS).
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for business stakeholders.
A proactive attitude and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
Intellectual curiosity, practical business judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
J.D. degree from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one state bar.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with aviation and the aerospace industry, particularly with emerging technologies development, aircraft operations, and/or private piloting.
Experience advising on the development, sale, and use of Artificial Intelligence products and services and related compliance advice.
Familiarity with using, implementing, and administering contract management systems (e.g., Ironclad) and e-billing tools.

Responsibilities

Lead the legal structuring, drafting, and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including aircraft sales, operations and services agreements, enterprise SaaS subscriptions, and strategic partnership deals.
Act as the primary legal point of contact for US and foreign government and defense contracting, including ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements and managing the unique complexities of public sector procurement.
Partner with business development leadership to develop and refine global "playbooks," standardizing contract templates and negotiation positions.
Support the launch of new products and services by developing the commercial legal frameworks required for market entry, ensuring seamless transitions from product development to revenue generation.
Collaborate closely with Finance and Deals Desk to ensure revenue recognition compliance and optimize the "Quote-to-Cash" process.
Identify and mitigate commercial risks in international expansion, including export controls (ITAR/EAR) and cross-border trade compliance.
Coordinate cross-functionally in a proactive manner to ensure legal support is fully integrated with the business and provided in an efficient and timely manner.

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