Senior Corporate Counsel, Software, Technology & AI

advantestcareers; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Advantest America seeks a Senior Corporate Counsel to lead software, commercial technology, and AI transaction work. You will negotiate complex agreements, advise executives, and shape governance frameworks across domestic and international deals.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years of in-house or top-tier firm experience in technology-focused transactions, with strong drafting, negotiation, and risk management skills. Collaboration with sales, product, and IT leaders is essential.

Qualifications

• J.D. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience in-house or in law firms serving tech businesses.
• Significant experience negotiating and drafting complex commercial and technology agreements.

Responsibilities

• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on software, SaaS, cloud, MSAs, SOWs, and IP licenses.
• Support domestic and international tech transactions and procurement.
• Develop and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines.
• Provide practical risk assessments balancing business objectives with company interests.
• Advise on AI governance, data usage, and emerging technology frameworks.
• Collaborate with security, compliance, product, engineering, and executive teams.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Contract drafting

Legal advice to business

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Tools

Software licensing

SaaS agreements

Job description

Position Summary

Advantest America is seeking an experienced and business-oriented Senior Corporate Counsel, Software and Commercial Technology & AI Transactions and Governance to join its Legal Department. This attorney will serve as a key legal advisor supporting commercial, technology, software, and AI-related transactions across the organization.

The ideal candidate will possess substantial in-house and/or law firm experience advising technology businesses on complex commercial transactions, software licensing, SaaS agreements, related transactional related intellectual property matters, data and technology governance issues, and emerging artificial intelligence initiatives. This role will partner closely with business leaders, sales, procurement, engineering, product, information technology, cybersecurity, compliance, and executive management to provide practical, strategic, and risk-based legal guidance.

This position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the legal framework supporting Advantest's software related product offerings, AI product and tool implementation initiatives, and technology-enabled business operations.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Transactions & Technology Agreements

• Draft, review, negotiate, and advise on a broad range of commercial and technology-related agreements, with a focus on software, cloud-based, SAAS and similar transactions and legal matters including:
  • Software license agreements
  • SaaS and cloud services agreements
  • Technology development agreements
  • Master services agreements (MSAs)
  • Statements of work (SOWs)
  • Intellectual property licensing agreements
• Support domestic and international commercial transactions involving software and similar technology products and services.
• Develop, improve, and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and negotiation guidelines.
• Provide practical risk assessments and recommend balanced solutions that support business objectives while protecting company interests.

AI Governance, Policy & Emerging Technology

• Advise business and technical stakeholders on legal, regulatory, and contractual issues relating to artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
• Support implementation and use of AI tools and AI-enabled products within the organization.
• Assist in the development, review, and enhancement of AI governance frameworks, policies, procedures, and controls.
• Review AI-related vendor agreements, licensing terms, data usage rights, intellectual property considerations, and risk allocation provisions.
• Monitor developments in AI regulations and laws, and industry standards, providing actionable guidance to the General Counsel and management.
• Collaborate with information security, compliance, product, engineering/R&D and IT teams to align AI usage with company policies and legal obligations.

Additional Focus Areas:

• Provide legal training and guidance to internal stakeholders on contracting practices, technology risks, AI governance, and related legal developments.
• Support special projects and other matters as assigned by the General Counsel.

Required

• Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant legal experience in a combination of:
  • In-house legal department experience;
  • National or regional law firm commercial technology practice; or
  • Equivalent experience supporting technology-focused businesses.
• Significant experience negotiating and drafting complex commercial and technology agreements.
• Strong understanding of software licensing, SaaS offerings, cloud services, intellectual property licensing, and technology procurement.
• Demonstrated experience providing practical legal advice directly to business stakeholders and senior management.
• Exceptional contract drafting, negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple matters independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong business judgment and ability to balance legal risk with commercial objectives.

Preferred

• Active California Bar membership.
• Experience supporting semiconductor, software, technology, engineering, manufacturing, or high-tech industries.
• Experience advising on artificial intelligence governance, AI technologies, machine learning applications, and emerging technology legal frameworks.
• Experience reviewing cloud computing, data licensing, technology development, and strategic partnership transactions.
• Experience supporting multinational organizations and cross-border transactions.

Key Competencies

• Strategic business partner mindset
• Sound legal and commercial judgment
• Technology and innovation orientation
• Executive presence and stakeholder management
• Strong collaboration and influence skills
• Ability to simplify complex legal concepts for business audiences
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability
• Adaptability in evolving regulatory and technology environments

Why Join Advantest

Advantest is a global technology leader whose innovations help enable the future of semiconductor and advanced technology development. This role provides a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, commercial strategy, artificial intelligence, and legal innovation while partnering directly with senior leadership and key business stakeholders.

Advantest is committed to fostering an inclusive and collaborative work environment and offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth and advancement.