Senior Corporate Counsel

Overview

Location:

San Jose, Camarillo, San Diego, Irvine, California or Richmond, British Columbia, Ottawa or Burlington, Ontario

As a Senior Corporate Counsel, you will serve as a key legal advisor specializing in intellectual property and commercial contract matters for Semtech's global business operations. You will lead complex IP and contract negotiations, provide strategic counsel on patent prosecution and licensing, and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including R&D, business development, and operations, to ensure the company navigates sophisticated legal challenges in the semiconductor industry.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in IP law, complex commercial contracts, and business transactions, with proven expertise in the technology or semiconductor sectors and a track record of managing high-stakes IP and contract matters.

Responsibilities
Intellectual Property Management

Support comprehensive IP strategy aligned with business objectives

Manage and coordinate patent prosecution, trademark registration, and copyright protection efforts of external counsel

Negotiate and draft complex IP licensing agreements

Oversee IP portfolio management and competitive landscape analysis

Collaborate with R&D teams on invention disclosure and patent strategy

Manage relationships with outside IP counsel

Commercial Contracts and Transactions

Lead negotiation of high-value and complex commercial contracts, including master supply agreements, licensing agreements, technology transfer agreements, sales/distribution/reseller agreements, SaaS agreements, strategic partnerships and others

Provide strategic guidance to business teams on contract structures, risk allocation, and deal terms

Enhance and maintain contract templates, playbooks, and best practices for the organization

Ensure contracts comply with applicable laws, company policies, and strategic business objectives

Manage relationships with key commercial partners and resolve complex contractual disputes

Corporate Legal Support

Support M&A transactions from IP and contract perspective, including due diligence and transaction structuring

Provide counsel on corporate governance matters related to IP and commercial transactions

Draft and review merger, acquisition, joint venture, and strategic partnership agreements

Support preparation of public disclosures related to IP matters and material contracts

Leadership and Strategic Advisory

Serve as subject matter expert on IP and contract matters for cross-functional teams

Partner with executive leadership to align IP and contract strategy with business objectives

Lead cross-functional legal projects requiring IP and contract expertise

Minimum Qualifications

Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school

Active membership in good standing with the bar

6-10 years of experience in IP law and technology transactions, with extensive focus on licensing, and commercial contracts

Proven track record managing complex, high-value transactions and legal matters

Strong experience with semiconductor industry or technology sector transactions

Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience with legal professionals

Exceptional drafting, negotiation, and communication skills

Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously under tight deadlines

Proven ability to work independently and provide strategic legal counsel to senior management

Desired Qualifications

Previous in-house counsel experience at publicly traded technology or semiconductor companies

Experience with international transactions and cross-border legal matters

Knowledge of corporate governance best practices and regulatory trends

Strong business acumen with demonstrated ability to balance legal risk with business objectives

Experience managing outside counsel relationships and legal budgets

Strong project management and organizational skills

Strategic thinker with ability to provide practical, business-oriented legal solutions

Excellent attention to detail and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments

Collaborative leadership style with proven ability to influence and build relationships across all organizational levels

Self-motivated and adaptable, with demonstrated success in fast-paced, dynamic environments

The intent of this job description is to describe the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job. Incumbents may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically included in this description.

All duties and responsibilities are essential job functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an EEO employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace.

A reasonable estimate of the pay range for this position is US: $230,000 - $250,000, CAN: CAD ,000. There are several factors taken into consideration in determining base salary, including but not limited to: job-related qualifications, skills, education and experience, as well as…