Senior Counsel, Energy & Infrastructure Transactions

Warmada; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 360,000; Full time

Job summary

OpenAI is seeking an experienced energy and infrastructure lawyer to support energy procurement and power infrastructure for its data center portfolio. You will partner with energy, engineering, procurement, and finance teams to negotiate complex agreements and manage regulatory reviews.

Candidates should have a JD with CA license and 10+ years in energy transactions, including PPAs and interconnection. Prior in-house or law firm experience is valued for shaping OpenAI's energy strategy.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of legal experience with focus on complex commercial energy transactions.
• JD and CA license to practice law in California.
• Experience in-house, at a law firm, or both, advising energy companies, utilities, developers, or infrastructure investors.
• Proven ability to independently lead complex energy transactions including PPAs, interconnection, and utility service agreements.
• Familiarity with U.S. electricity markets, tariffs, and regulatory frameworks (FERC, state commissions, and regional grid operators).

Responsibilities

• Own legal strategy and risk management for OpenAI's energy procurement and power infrastructure transactions from structuring to execution.
• Draft, negotiate, and advise on power purchase agreements and energy contracts with regulatory considerations.
• Structure interconnection, transmission, and utility infrastructure arrangements.
• Advise leadership on legal and regulatory implications for energy and data center strategy.
• Support partnerships involving renewable generation, energy storage, and on-site power solutions.
• Develop legal frameworks for energy procurement and project development.
• Coordinate with finance and operations to align terms with business and compliance needs.
• Collaborate with policy teams on tariffs, grid access, and market participation.
• Build scalable contracting processes to support rapid energy infrastructure development.
• Guide outside counsel and coordinate with real estate, tax, and regulatory teams.

Skills

Energy transactions

Regulatory compliance

Contract negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Energy markets knowledge

Strategic planning

Communication skills

Policy liaison

Project management

Data center energy experience

Education

JD and CA license

Job description

OpenAI is seeking an experienced energy and infrastructure lawyer to support energy procurement and power infrastructure for its data center portfolio. You will partner with energy, engineering, procurement, and finance teams to negotiate complex agreements and manage regulatory reviews.

Candidates should have a JD with CA license and 10+ years in energy transactions, including PPAs and interconnection. Prior in-house or law firm experience is valued for shaping OpenAI's energy strategy.