Senior Commercial Counsel

Base Pay Range: $161,500.00 - $274,600.00 Annually

Primary Location: USA-CA-Milpitas-KLA

KLA’s total rewards package for employees may also include participation in performance incentive programs and eligibility for additional benefits identified below. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits identified below. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed above reflects the minimum and maximum pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Company Overview

KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.

Group/Division

The Legal Compliance Organization (LCO) team headquartered in Milpitas, CA and second headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI provides legal guidance to further KLA’s strategic objectives and protect and preserve the legal, ethical and financial integrity and reputation of the Company. With specific expertise in the areas of corporate law, commercial law, employment law, and intellectual property; the LCO offers strategic legal counsel that is informed by a clear understanding of the company’s business objectives and expertise in the laws and regulations relevant to the business worldwide.

Job Description/Preferred Qualifications

KLA Corporation (“KLA” or “Company”), a Silicon Valley-based global technology company, is seeking a highly motivated attorney to join KLA’s Legal and Compliance Organization as Senior Commercial Counsel (“Counsel”).  This exciting opportunity will be based in our Milpitas, California office, reporting directly to KLA’s Associate General Counsel for Commercial Law.  The successful candidate will be an important and visible member of KLA’s Commercial Legal Team and will be instrumental in the formulation and implementation of the Company’s legal strategies and processes globally.  The Counsel will have the opportunity to add immediate value on commercial technology transactions, commercial real estate and construction contracts, purchase and sale agreements, NDAs, IP development and technology transfer agreements, statements of work, and the like, as well as supporting legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for the Company.  The candidate happiest in this role is someone with a passion to draft, review, and negotiate contracts and support a fast-growing business, willing to be accessible during non-standard working hours from time to time for work in multiple time zones, and who enjoys helping businesses run by providing strong cross-functional legal support to a variety of stakeholders.  The Counsel will also be responsible for working with business and corporate teams to identify issues and developments that arise in other substantive areas of law such as real estate, construction, employment, corporate, intellectual property, antitrust, privacy, FCPA and trade compliance, and coordinate with outside counsel to ensure appropriate management of the matter.  

Job Requirements    

• Gain a solid understanding of Company’s commercial goals and challenges in the U.S. and internationally and identify and implement appropriate legal strategies and processes to facilitate goals and minimize challenges.  Proactively and creatively solve problems for the business as it develops and executes its strategic and transactional plans and roadmaps.
• Support commercial real estate and construction (and related services) contracts and projects related to the leasing, development, and/or expansion of facilities in the U.S. and internationally, including but not limited to site location and acquisition, negotiation of architectural design and construction contracts, identification and pursuit of available tax incentives, and local entity formation.
• Identify, analyze, and assess complex issues pertaining to contractual risk.  Exercise judgment and creativity in selecting methods, techniques, and strategies for obtaining prompt resolution to contractual requests.  Advising on contract review, negotiation approach, and process.
• Work with business clients, outside counsel, customers and suppliers to draft and negotiate a wide variety of commercial and technology related transactions, including strategic sales and procurement transactions, joint development agreements, inbound and outbound licensing and/or servicing agreements, nondisclosure agreements, government contracts, data processing agreements, and strategic collaboration and partnership agreements.
• Be a strong partner and effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams, such as business development, strategic supply chain, product/engineering, global workplace services, finance/tax/treasury, etc. to solve problems, build partnerships, and create agreements while considering and mitigating legal risks in a compliance-oriented environment, including in connection with government funded opportunities and university investments, channel partner governance, health and safety initiatives, and trade compliance and export restrictions.
• Support acquisition integration activities, including sharing and communicating Company-approved policies, best practices, and expectations to affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide regarding contractual matters, working issues with internal stakeholders and external personnel, supporting integration-related system implementation and legal entity consolidation logistics, and assisting with escalation processes. 
• Support implementation, use, and execution of Company contract management solution with users and requestors.
• Act as interface to local City of Milpitas and other government municipalities and agencies, as necessary.
• Provide regular, clear, and practical communication and solutions-oriented advice and guidance on legal issues that appropriately balances legal risks with business needs, and assist with the development of appropriate commercial processes and strategies that allow the business flexibility and freedom to move quickly. 
• Assist in the ongoing development of legal resources such as templates, playbooks, and training materials, and the optimization of legal processes and systems.
• Occasional travel to domestic and international offices.
• Support the Legal and Compliance Organization on other projects, initiatives, and strategic opportunities as may arise from time-to-time.

Qualifications & Skills

• Education/Qualification:  Law degree from an accredited U.S. law school and admission to the bar in the State of California as a member in good standing in such state.
• Experience:  At least 10 years of experience at a U.S. multinational company required; high tech manufacturing industry preferred.
• Technical skills:  Proficiency in commercial, construction, real estate, and contract law; experience in negotiating and drafting a variety of contracts in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and a firm understanding of challenges facing the Company and the semiconductor industry (or closely-related fields).  Compliance experience including FCPA and trade related issues (such as export control and compliance with Entity List restrictions) a plus.
• Soft skills:  Highly-developed interpersonal skills; must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels of the organization including business executives, and across Company international locations.  Ability to effectively handle high-volume and prioritization of tasks in a fast-paced work environment with tight turn-around time.  Strong and independent demeanor, capable of standing up to business pressures and strong client personalities.  Self-motivated and persistent; high degree of comfort running a negotiation process independently and exercising independent judgment to obtain best business outcome while containing legal risk.  Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to prioritize and work independently.

Minimum Qualifications

Master's Level Degree or work experience of 4 years , Bachelor's Level Degree or work experience of 5 years

The company offers a total rewards package that is competitive and comprehensive including but not limited to the following:  medical, dental, vision, life, and other voluntary benefits, 401(K) including company matching, employee stock purchase program (ESPP), student debt assistance, tuition reimbursement program, development and career growth opportunities and programs, financial planning benefits, wellness benefits including an employee assistance program (EAP), paid time off and paid company holidays, and family care and bonding leave.

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability status or any other status protected by applicable law. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com to request accommodation.