General Counsel at Field AI – Irvine, California

General Counsel

Field AI is at the forefront of robotic embodied AI, transforming industries like construction, security, mining, and manufacturing. Our autonomous robots operate worldwide, often in the harshest environments, delivering critical insights to customers. Whether monitoring construction progress, ensuring safety compliance, or conducting predictive maintenance, Field AI is committed to advancing technology and making a meaningful impact.Learn more at https://fieldai.com.
About the JobThis is a hands-on leadership role where youll partner directly with the CEO and CFO to establish and shape the legal team and strategy at the intersection of cutting-edge AI and robotics, working on novel legal questions that don't yet have clear precedent while enabling rapid commercial expansion across multiple sectors and geographies.
What Youll Get To Do:

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Commercial & Operations

• Negotiate and structure enterprise contracts with customers across construction, energy, industrial and federal sectors

International Expansion

• Navigate cross-border regulatory requirements for robotics deployment
• Manage international commercial agreements and local compliance obligations

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with export controls, particularly for advanced AI and robotics technologies
• Stay ahead of evolving regulatory landscape for autonomous systems and embodied AI

Intellectual Property & Technology

• Develop and execute comprehensive IP strategy to protect our Field Foundation Models and proprietary robotics technologies
• Manage patent portfolio development, trademark protection, and trade secret programs

Corporate & Finance

• 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

Team Building & Leadership

• Build, mentor, and scale a world-class legal team aligned with company growth
• Establish legal processes, playbooks, and systems to enable efficient scaling
• Foster a pragmatic, business-oriented legal culture that accelerates rather than impedes innovation
• Partner closely with executive leadership on strategic initiatives

What You Have:

• Ability to be onsite; hybrid may be an option (1-3 days onsite minimum)
• Proven experience as an in-house General Counsel, Deputy GC, or senior legal leader in a corporate environment, including:
• Setting up and managing legal and compliance functions
• Scaling companies in complex global environments
• Experience from top-tier law firms, with strong knowledge of:
• International legal, regulatory, and compliance frameworks, intellectual property management, technology transactions and commercial contracts
• Venture capital financings and corporate governance
• Experience in a fast-paced environment, preferably in AI / robotics companies
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and complex projects
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from top-tier law school

Compensation The salary range for this role is $225,000-$300,000. The actual offer for this position will be based on factors such as relevant experience, competencies, certifications, and how well the candidate meets the qualifications outlined above. Part of our compensation package also includes full benefits, equity, and generous time off.Be Part of the Next Robotics RevolutionTo tackle such ambitious challenges, we need a team as unique as our vision innovators who go beyond conventional methods and are eager to tackle tough, uncharted questions. Were seeking individuals who challenge the status quo, dive into uncharted territory, and bring interdisciplinary expertise. Our team requires not only top AI talent but also exceptional software developers, engineers, product designers, field deployment experts, and communicators.
We are headquartered in always-sunny Irvine, Southern California and have US based and global teammates.
Field AI Onsite Work Philosophy At Field AI, we believe the most effective way to collaborate and solve complex challenges is by working together in person. This is a fully onsite role, and candidates will be expected to work from our Mission Viejo, CA office. In-person engagement is essential to our success, and we offer flexible working hours to support focus and work-life balance.
We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Candidates and employees are always evaluated based on merit, qualifications, and performance. We will never discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, national origin, ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, mental or physical disability, or any other legally protected status.We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.
$225,000 - $300,000 a year