Description:

About Neurophos:
We are developing an ultra-high-performance, energy-efficient photonic AI inference system. We're transforming AI computation with the first-ever metamaterial-based optical processing unit (OPU).

As AI adoption accelerates, data centers face significant power and scalability challenges. Traditional solutions are struggling to keep up, leading to rapidly rising energy consumption and costs. We're solving both problems with an OPU that integrates over one million micron-scale optical processing components on a single chip. This architecture will deliver up to 100 times the energy efficiency of existing solutions while significantly improving large-scale AI inference performance.

We've assembled a world-class team of industry veterans and recently raised a $110M Series A led by Gates Frontier. Participants include M12 (Microsoft's Venture Fund), Carbon Direct Capital, Aramco Ventures, Bosch Ventures, Tectonic Ventures, Space Capital, and others. We have also been recognized on the EE Times Silicon 100 list for several consecutive years.

Join us and shape the future of optical computing!

Location: Austin, TX or San Francisco, CA. Full-time onsite position.

Position Overview:
We are hiring a General Counsel to join our leadership team. This role offers legal counsel, corporate support, and guidance to executives, the board, and senior leaders. The General Counsel will lead legal strategy and compliance programs, oversee all legal affairs, and influence organizational strategy, handling domestic and international transactions. This person will protect our intellectual property, navigate the complexities of the semiconductor and AI industries, and manage a growing IP portfolio. They will also lead strategic partnerships with top-tier foundries and global companies, establishing vital relationships. The ideal candidate is an experienced, innovative, collaborative problem solver with strong negotiation, writing, and analytical skills. They should expertly assess risks, think strategically, communicate effectively, and develop practical solutions to complex and novel challenges.

Key Responsibilities:

Provide legal advice to executives and management, or coordinate with external counsel, on issues such as regulation, privacy, risk, intellectual property, corporate administration, finance, treasury, and HR.
Lead our legal function and manage outside partnerships.
Prepare and review legal documents and data, advising on appropriate legal actions. Ensure that legal issues, contracts, disputes, and complex transactions comply with relevant legal frameworks.
Provide expertise and guidance on corporate governance policies and procedures throughout the company.
Create and execute risk management policies and procedures. Lead legal efforts for future funding rounds and manage board-level communications regarding risk and compliance.
Draft, negotiate, review, and finalize contracts and agreements.
Develop and implement intellectual property protection strategies.
Negotiate and manage complex manufacturing agreements with top-tier foundries and OSATs.
Oversee NDAs and partnership agreements.
Ensure compliance with export controls, particularly for advanced AI and semiconductor technologies.
Lead all legal aspects of fundraising and strategic partnership activities, such as venture capital financings and strategic investments.
Lead employment law matters, equity compensation, and HR policies.

Qualifications:

JD from an accredited law school and active bar member in good standing.
10+ years of legal experience, with significant time spent in-house at a technology company, ideally within a company producing hardware, deep tech, or semiconductors.
Broad legal knowledge of mergers and acquisitions, commercial transactions, regulatory compliance, litigation, and intellectual property.
Experience in a fast-paced environment, preferably in AI/semiconductor companies
Successful track record managing outside counsel.
Experience with startup fund-raising and venture capital.
Experience in IP protection and licensing.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience within advanced semiconductor companies.
Experience with the complex legal landscape of the AI industry.

What we offer:

A pivotal role in an innovative startup redefining the future of AI hardware.
A collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment.
Competitive compensation, including salary and equity options.
Good benefits - health, vision, dental, 401 (k), etc.
Opportunities for career growth and future team leadership.
Access to cutting-edge technology and state-of-the-art facilities.
Opportunity to publish research and contribute to the field of efficient AI inference.

This is a rare opportunity to work on a game-changing technology at the intersection of photonics and AI. As part of our elite team, you'll contribute to a platform that redefines computational performance and accelerates the future of artificial intelligence. Be a key player in bringing this transformative innovation to the world.