Hardware Commercial Counsel — High‑Volume Deals, Hybrid SF

Anthropic Limited; San Francisco (CA); Hybrid; USD 335,000 - 385,000; Full time

Job summary

Anthropic is seeking a Commercial Counsel, Hardware in San Francisco to help product teams move fast, negotiate hardware deals, and manage licensing and compliance. You will lead high-volume transactions, guide procurement with cross-functional teams, and advise on data, IP, and trade matters across partnerships and purchases.

You will collaborate with Procurement, Finance, and Legal to provide fast, practical risk assessments while maintaining responsible AI development and safety standards.

Qualifications

• JD and active membership in at least one U.S. state bar (California preferred).
• Hands-on experience buying hardware and firmware, components, and software in high-volume, fast-paced environments.
• Deep experience leading complex deals, such as technology or data licensing, joint development, or supply partnerships.
• Working knowledge of international supply chains and how sourcing choices show up in contracts (lead times, single-source risk, warranties, country of origin).
• Working knowledge of trade and regulatory compliance for hardware, including export controls, sanctions, tariffs and customs.
• Clear, plain communication with scientists, engineers, and operators, so legal risk turns into a decision they can act on.
• A low-ego, 'doer' attitude and real interest in taking on work outside your core practice area.
• Intense curiosity about AI and emerging hardware, and a commitment to responsible AI development.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate and close a high volume of agreements for hardware and components, including review of embedded firmware and companion software licenses.
• Structure and negotiate complex technology, data, and partnership agreements.
• Track legal and regulatory changes that affect hardware products and components, such as product safety rules and restrictions on foreign-made components.
• Identify trade, export control, sanctions, and supply chain concerns in cross-border sourcing, and work with our national security and compliance teams to resolve them.
• Build and maintain self-serve guidance, templates, and AI-assisted review tools so routine purchases don't wait on Legal.
• Manage outside counsel for specialist questions and overflow volume.
• Cover other technology or hardware transactions on the Legal team as needed.

Skills

Hardware procurement

Commercial contracting

Technology licensing

Regulatory/compliance

Cross-functional collaboration

Clear communication

Strategic risk assessment

AI hardware domain knowledge

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

California bar admission

Job description

Anthropic is seeking a Commercial Counsel, Hardware in San Francisco to help product teams move fast, negotiate hardware deals, and manage licensing and compliance. You will lead high-volume transactions, guide procurement with cross-functional teams, and advise on data, IP, and trade matters across partnerships and purchases.

You will collaborate with Procurement, Finance, and Legal to provide fast, practical risk assessments while maintaining responsible AI development and safety standards.