Head of Legal and Compliance

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.

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.

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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. S.

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.