Senior Counsel, Commercial

Position: Senior Counsel, Commercial & Employment
About Us

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies is a joint venture between two industry leaders with a clear vision for automotive’s next chapter. From operating systems to zonal controllers to cloud and connectivity solutions, we’re addressing the challenges of electric vehicles through technology that will set the standards for software-defined vehicles around the world.

The road to the future is uncharted. By combining our expertise across connectivity, AI, security and more, we’ll map a new way forward. Working together, we’ll create a future that’s more connected, more intelligent, more sustainable for everyone.

Role Summary

RV Tech is looking for a versatile and proactive Senior Counsel to join our growing legal team. Reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will serve as a high-impact generalist on legal matters, expertly balancing a high volume of commercial contracting and general contract matters with strategic employment and labor support.

In this role, you will tackle a diverse range of legal challenges tied to our rapid development of the next‑generation E/E architecture and software‑defined vehicle technology. You will be a driver of business growth, responsible for negotiating and closing the commercial agreements that move our technology forward. Simultaneously, you will act as a vital partner to our People/HR and operations teams, providing the day‑to‑day counsel necessary to maintain a compliant, productive workplace as we scale globally.

As the primary point of contact for our international subsidiaries on these matters, you will ensure global alignment and seamless compliance across all regions.

This is a unique opportunity for a hands‑on legal professional who thrives in a fast‑paced environment, relishes complex, multi‑disciplinary challenges, and is passionate about enabling groundbreaking innovation through robust legal support.

The role is based in our Palo Alto, California, office.

Responsibilities

• Lead the drafting, review, and negotiation of complex commercial and vendor agreements to protect company interests while accelerating business objectives.

• Provide strategic counsel on a broad spectrum of employment and labor matters, ensuring compliance with both U.S. and local international laws.

• Serve as the first point of contact for international subsidiaries (Europe, Canada), providing authoritative guidance to ensure global consistency in policy and practice.

• Work closely with engineering and HR teams to integrate legal best practices into their workflows and deliver engaging training programs.

• Proactively identify, assess, and mitigate potential legal risks by developing forward‑looking strategies that enable business success.

• Assist in the continuous refinement of our company labor and employment policies to ensure global compliance in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.

• Oversee external counsel to ensure we receive high‑quality, cost‑effective legal services.

Qualifications

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school and admitted to practice in at least one U.S. state, preferably California.

• A minimum of 5+ years of relevant legal experience, preferably gained within a leading law firm and/or a dynamic in‑house legal department.

• Ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to both legal and non‑legal audiences.

• Strong negotiation and drafting skills.

• A proactive, pragmatic approach to legal counseling with a focus on business enablement and a passion for the future of the automotive industry.

• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment where the road isn’t always mapped out.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with the automotive and/or tech industry and their unique legal and regulatory challenges.

• Experience working in a joint venture or similar complex organizational structure.

Pay Disclosure

Salary Range/Hourly Rate for Palo Alto, California Based Applicants: $186,000 - $232,500 (actual compensation will be determined based on experience, location, and other factors permitted by law).

Benefits

Summary:

Rivian and Volkswagen Group Technologies provides robust…