Sr. Counsel, Commercial & Product

Overview

Archer is an aerospace company based in San Jose, California building an all-electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft with a mission to advance the benefits of sustainable air mobility. We are designing, manufacturing, and operating an all-electric aircraft that can carry four passengers while producing minimal noise. Archer is growing its world-class team of experienced legal problem solvers to help bring sustainable, electrified, and autonomous air travel to the world.

We seek applicants who will embrace and thrive in our culture: collaborative, collegial, non-hierarchical, diverse perspectives, productive, speedy, and adaptable. As a core element of its business strategy, Archer is building next-generation products and services for the aerospace, defense, and software markets, including artificial intelligence (AI) aviation products, airport infrastructure, and airline products.

You will work on cutting-edge technical, product and go-to-market issues in a fast-paced environment, so we are seeking ambitious candidates who work hard, move quickly, and want to play a significant role in contributing to the company’s growth as a market leader in VTOL aircraft, infrastructure, and operations.

• Lead the drafting, negotiation, and management of complex commercial agreements, with a focus on customer sales contracts, strategic partnerships, and related go-to-market initiatives.
• Provide legal guidance throughout the product development lifecycle to ensure compliance with relevant laws and mitigate risk for new technologies.
• Advise on a broad range of regulatory issues, specifically focusing on data privacy, consumer protection, and aviation requirements.
• Support the review and negotiation of federal procurement, defense research collaboration, and other government contracts, and ensure Archer’s compliance with its corresponding regulatory obligations.
• Coordinate cross-functionally in a proactive manner to ensure legal support is fully integrated with the business and provided in an efficient and timely manner.

• 5–10 years of experience as a practicing attorney in a law firm or in-house legal department (with at least 3 of those years with an in-house legal team).
• Proven track record of close collaboration with sales and product teams in advising on go-to-market strategies, and drafting and negotiating corresponding commercial deals.
• Deep experience and facility with embedding with product teams to closely review product design to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, including data privacy and consumer protection.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to translate complex legal concepts for business stakeholders.
• A proactive attitude and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.
• Intellectual curiosity, practical business judgment, and strong problem-solving skills.
• J.D. degree from an accredited law school and active membership in at least one state bar.

• Prior experience in the aerospace industry, particularly with emerging technologies development and aircraft sales.
• Experience with artificial intelligence and enterprise SaaS sales and related compliance advice.
• Specific experience with defense contracting, federal procurement, FAR/DFARS, and defense-sector regulatory frameworks, including advising on the handling of classified information and technical data.
• Familiarity with using, implementing, and administering contract management systems (e.g., Ironclad) and e-billing tools.

Please note that this job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not include an exhaustive list of responsibilities and qualifications.

Archer aims to attract, retain, and motivate talent that possesses the skills and leadership necessary to grow our business. We drive a pay-for-performance culture. For this position we are targeting a base pay between $230,000 - $250,000, not including bonuses, stock, and other forms of compensation. Actual compensation offered will be determined by factors such as job-related knowledge, skills, and…