Director, AI Governance & Privacy Attorney

KLA-Belgium; Milpitas (CA); On-site; USD 207,000 - 363,000; Full time

Job summary

KLA in Milpitas, CA is seeking a strategic leader to drive its global AI governance program, developing policies, controls, and governance frameworks for responsible AI across products, internal tools, and enterprise operations.

The ideal candidate has deep experience with AI regulation, governance, and technology risk, and can translate evolving legal requirements into practical guidance while partnering with engineering, product, legal, and compliance teams.

Qualifications

• J.D. from U.S. law school and active U.S. state bar in good standing.
• 12+ years of legal experience focused on AI regulation, technology law, and governance.
• Experience building or leading AI governance, compliance, or technology risk programs in multinational environments.
• Experience building privacy and data protection programs/initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of AI legal frameworks, including the EU AI Act and global governance standards.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management, including working with executive leadership.
• Certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the global AI governance program with policies, standards, controls, and risk assessment.
• Advise on legal issues across the AI lifecycle, including model risk, transparency, accountability, testing, and human oversight.
• Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to embed responsible AI requirements into design, procurement, and deployment processes.
• Track global AI laws, enforcement trends, and standards, and convert them into actionable governance requirements.
• Privacy: Lead the global privacy program with focus on privacy issues that arise in AI development, deployment, and data use.
• Regulatory Strategy & Engagement: Serve as a lead advisor on AI and privacy regulatory developments and engage with regulators and industry groups.
• Program Operations & Risk Management: Develop metrics, reporting, and governance processes to measure AI compliance and risk trends.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Regulatory translation

Education

J.D. from U.S. law school

Job description

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.

Legal Compliance Organization (LCO)

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 is seeking a strategic thought leader to drive its global AI governance program. This role will lead the development of policies, controls, and governance frameworks for responsible AI use across products, internal tools, and enterprise operations, balancing risks while helping drive innovation. The ideal candidate has deep experience with AI regulation, governance, and technology risk, and the ability to translate fast‑evolving legal requirements into practical business guidance.

Key Responsibilities

• AI Governance Lead: KLA’s global AI governance framework, including policies, standards, controls, and risk assessment processes.
• Advise on legal issues across the AI lifecycle, including model risk, transparency, accountability, testing, and human oversight.
• Partner with cross‑functional stakeholders to embed responsible AI requirements into design, procurement, and deployment processes.
• Track global AI laws, enforcement trends, and standards, and convert them into actionable governance requirements.
• Privacy: Lead the global privacy program with focus on privacy issues that arise in AI development, deployment, and data use. Coordinate with cross‑functional stakeholders to continually update the global privacy program to address changes in privacy and AI laws.
• Regulatory Strategy & Engagement: Serve as a lead advisor on AI and privacy regulatory developments, enforcement trends, and strategic risk. Support engagement with regulators, policymakers, and industry groups on AI governance and related privacy issues. Lead responses to AI‑related regulatory inquiries, audits, and investigations.
• Program Operations & Risk Management: Develop metrics, reporting, and governance processes to measure AI compliance effectiveness and risk trends. Lead training and awareness efforts on responsible AI use. Lead global and cross‑functional resources supporting AI governance and compliance.

Qualifications

• Required: J.D. from U.S. law school; active U.S. state bar membership in good standing.
• 12+ years of legal experience, with significant focus on AI regulation, technology law, and governance.
• Experience building or leading AI governance, compliance, or technology risk programs in a multinational environment.
• Experience building or leading privacy and data protection programs/initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of AI legal and regulatory frameworks, including the EU AI Act and emerging global AI governance standards.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with executive leadership.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, scalable business solutions.
• Preferred: Experience in semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, or technology sectors.
• Experience with the EU AI Act, U.S. AI policy developments, and global AI governance trends.
• Certifications such as CIPP/E, CIPP/US, CIPM, or equivalent.
• Experience engaging with government agencies or regulators on policy or compliance matters.

Minimum Qualifications

• Required: J.D. from U.S. law school; active U.S. state bar membership in good standing.
• 12+ years of legal experience, with significant focus on AI regulation, technology law, and governance.
• Experience building or leading AI governance, compliance, or technology risk programs in a multinational environment.
• Experience building or leading privacy and data protection programs/initiatives.
• Deep knowledge of AI legal and regulatory frameworks, including the EU AI Act and emerging global AI governance standards.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills, including experience working with executive leadership.
• Ability to translate complex regulatory requirements into practical, scalable business solutions.

Base Pay Range

$207,300.00 - $362,800.00Annually

Location

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 including but not limited to: 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. Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. 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 [e-mail] or at [phone] to request accommodation.