General Counsel - Auburn Hill

Contemporary Amperex Technology (USA), Inc. (CATU) and Contemporary Amperex Technology Kentuck LLC (CATK) are U.S. subsidiaries of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL), a global leader in the research, development and manufacturing of advanced electric vehicle and energy storage batteries. Established in Michigan in 2017, CATU has played a critical role in advancing electric mobility and energy resilience in the U.S.

Our Vision

To become a globally leading innovative technology corporation, contribute meaningfully to sustainable energy solutions, and provide a platform that supports both the professional and personal growth of our employees.

Location

On Site Auburn Hills, Michigan, or Milpitas, California (Bay Area), can visit and be both at Detroit and Milpitas branch each month

Job Summary

The General Counsel serves as the United States legal advisor to the senior leaders of CATU and CATK and their respective directors, providing strategic direction and managing all legal aspects of the organization at CATU & CATK to mitigate risk and support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Legal Advisory: Provide expert counsel to executives and management on all legal matters, including corporate governance, finance, marketing, HR, and operations; demonstrated experience in managing employment matters a requirement multi-state compliance and any manufacturing/labor.
• Risk Management: Identify, assess, and manage legal risks, and supervision of a compliance manager to ensure compliance with local and international laws and regulations. Ability to independently establish sustainable compliance programs for the company. Demonstrable knowledge of Antitrust, FCPA and Trade Compliance management.
• Contract Management: Oversee the drafting, review, and negotiation of certain company contracts, including vendor, client, employment, and supplier agreements; financing/tax equity interface, and tariff risk structuring. Demonstrated experience in these areas.
• Compliance & Governance: Support and develop relationships with HQ legal teams to develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure corporate governance compliance; manage corporate record-keeping. Designing, implementing, and managing ethical compliance programs, policies, and procedures; demonstrated experience in OFAC sanctions, EAR/ITAR, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
  • Litigation Management: Working with and supervising a litigation manager, support strategy for certain U.S. litigation, managing outside counsel.
  • Intellectual Property: Support an IP Department at headquarters in the protection of IP within the United States.
  • Strategic Development: Participate in executive decision-making, offering legal perspectives on new markets, product launches, and strategic initiatives.
  • Team Leadership: Manage and mentor an internal legal team, and coordinate with external law firms.

Qualifications & Skills

• Working ability with Mandarin a plus, but not a requirement.
• Experience in the energy and infrastructure industries a plus.
• A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and a current license to practice law in any state; ability to obtain corporate counsel admission.
• Extensive experience (15+ years) in corporate law, with a broad understanding of various legal fields. Good mixture of private practice or in-house experience, especially advising multi-national clients.
• Strong leadership, exceptional communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to think strategically and commercially, aligning legal advice with business goals.
• High integrity, sound judgment, and resilience.
• Demonstrated experience in people management & leadership.
• Demonstrated experience in U.S. national security/regulatory exposure (CFIUS, IRA/FEOC, export controls, domestic content).

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• On-site four days per week is an essential function of this role.
• Ability to move throughout offices, manufacturing facilities, and construction areas.
• Willingness to travel as business needs require (up to 33%), including regular travel to China.
• Reasonable accommodations shall be considered and may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable law.
• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

CATU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. CATU reserves the right to modify, revise, or add job responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employment with CATU is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Export Control & Data Security Compliance

This position may involve access to sensitive systems or information subject to U.S. export control and data security regulations. Employment is contingent upon the employee’s ability to comply with applicable laws and company policies related to data protection and controlled information access.