Senior Counsel, Product (Hardware)

OpenAI's Legal team furthers OpenAI's mission by tackling innovative, fundamental legal issues in AI. As a member of the Product Counsel team, you will advise on a broad range of issues arising from hardware products and technologies, with a focus on the software that powers them, working closely with software engineering, product, design, and business teams from development through launch and ongoing support. The role reports to the DGC of Hardware and is based in San Francisco, CA, with a hybrid work model of 3 days in the office per week.

Responsibilities

Advise on a broad range of issues arising from hardware products and technologies, with a focus on the software that powers them; Work closely with product and engineering teams, participate in architecture and product reviews, and advise throughout development, launch, and ongoing support; Support software and firmware licensing, open-source, compatibility and ongoing device support; Provide broad product counseling on consumer experiences, user terms, disclosures, marketing claims, consumer protection and regulatory requirements; Advise and coordinate on product, commercial, IP, privacy, security, competition, and regulatory legal issues; Build practical guidance and review processes, adapt support to changing priorities, and take ownership of emerging issues across teams

Requirements

8+ years of relevant legal experience, including substantial product counseling for consumer devices and software embedded in hardware, gained in-house, at a technology-focused law firm, or both; Ability to work with engineers on embedded software and firmware, hardware dependencies, and translate that understanding into practical advice; Experience with software licensing and the legal issues that arise when device software, apps, and connected services work together; Build trusted cross-functional relationships and explain complex issues clearly, balancing legal risk with product goals and responsible development; Take ownership and bring an adaptable, collaborative working style; JD and license or qualification to practice in CA

Benefits

Relocation assistance for new employees