Head of Legal and Compliance

Austin, TX, Pittsburgh, PA, San Jose, CA Efficient is developing the world’s most energy-efficient general-purpose computer processor. Efficient’s patented technology uses 100x less energy than state of the art commercially available ultra-low-power processors and is programmable using standard high-level programming languages and AI/ML frameworks. This level of efficiency makes perpetual, pervasive intelligence possible: run AI/ML continuously on a AA battery for 5-10 years. Our platform’s unprecedented level of efficiency enables IoT devices to intelligently capture and curate first-party data to drive the next major computing revolution We're hiring our first in-house lawyer. As Head of Legal & Compliance , you'll own the entire legal function as a one-person operation, working closely with outsourced counsel for specialized matters. You'll be a hands-on generalist, comfortable moving between complex technology agreements in the morning and a vendor contract review in the afternoon. What You'll Do IP Strategy & Protection (Primary Focus) Structure, draft, and negotiate IP-heavy commercial agreements, including technology licenses, joint development agreements, and complex partnership arrangements. Manage and grow our patent portfolio in partnership with outside patent counsel, including filing strategy, prosecution oversight, and freedom-to-operate analysis. Protect trade secrets and confidential information across commercial relationships, partnerships, and employee agreements. Advise leadership on IP strategy as a core input to business and product decisions. Compliance Lead and mature the company's compliance program, right-sized for a startup. Own export control compliance (EAR, and ITAR where applicable) for a company operating in advanced semiconductor technology. Own and evolve company policies on data protection, anti-corruption, and other applicable regulatory requirements, while driving training across the organization. Prepare the company for customer and partner compliance diligence, including regulated industries. Commercial Contracts Review, draft, and negotiate day-to-day business contracts, including MSAs, SOWs, NDAs, customer agreements, vendor and supplier contracts, partnership agreements, and employment-related documents. Build scalable templates, playbooks, and processes that allow the business to move quickly without creating legal bottlenecks. Determine which matters should be handled internally versus outsourced, while managing external counsel relationships and budgets. General Corporate Serve as a trusted advisor to the executive team on legal risk across the business. Support corporate matters, including financings, board support, and equity administration, in partnership with outside counsel. What We're Looking For JD and active bar membership in good standing. 5+ years of legal experience spanning commercial, IP, and compliance matters. Direct experience structuring and negotiating technology licensing agreements, including familiarity with royalty models, field-of-use restrictions, and IP indemnification. Experience building or leading compliance programs, including export controls (EAR/ITAR). Strong commercial contracts background with sound judgment on market standards, negotiation priorities, and dealbreakers. Comfortable operating independently—you can prioritize effectively, make decisions with imperfect information, and know when to engage outside counsel. Startup mindset: pragmatic, low ego, and focused on helping the business find a path forward rather than simply saying no. U.S. citizenship is required due to the nature of our technology, customers, and export control requirements. Nice to Have Experience in the semiconductor industry, either in-house or advising semiconductor or hardware clients. Compliance experience supporting the defense industry, including DFARS, CMMC, facility clearances, or working with defense primes and government customers. Experience partnering with technical teams and the ability to understand chip architecture well enough to protect it. Prior experience as the first or an early legal hire. Why This Role You'll build the legal function from the ground up at a company where the technology is everything. You'll have real ownership, direct access to leadership, and a seat at the table for the company's most important decisions. We offer a competitive salary for this role, generally ranging from $210,000 to $290,000, along with meaningful equity and comprehensive benefits. The final compensation package will be based on your experience and location, with some flexibility to ensure we align with the right candidate. Why Join Efficient? Efficient offers a competitive compensation and benefits package , including 401K match, company-paid benefits, equity program, paid parental leave, and flexibility . We are committed to personal and professional development and strive to grow together as people and as a company. #J-18808-Ljbffr