Deputy General Counsel, North America

To complement our team, we are looking for a customer- and team-oriented individual for our Central Services group in our San Jose, CA location, as a

Deputy General Counsel 

For 75 years, we have been following our curiosity. It drives us and has made Comet a leading Swiss technology company worldwide. Curiosity and the spirit of research have allowed us to become and remain innovative. For a better and sustainable world.

To this end, we work and research on the basis of X-ray and radio-frequency technology. Our developments make an important contribution to safer, more efficient and more sustainable production, mobility and communication.

At Group Funtions, we support the market-oriented divisions with central services. We work together today on the solutions for tomorrow. In close cooperation with our customers and always with high quality standards.

Job Summary: 

This position shall serve as the Deputy General Counsel, North America and report to the Country General Manager, Comet Technologies USA Inc. and dotted line to the General Counsel of Comet Group located in Flamatt, Switzerland.  This position serves as a trusted and strategic legal advisor to the business, particularly in the areas of commercial legal support, corporate governance, data protection and government affairs. The mission of this role is providing Comet Technologies USA Inc. and Comet Technologies Canada Inc. with timely, accurate, transparent, and insightful legal counsel while empowering local business colleagues and management to make effective, risk-calculated strategic and tactical decisions in an efficient manner.

What you will do:

• Structure, draft, review and negotiate complex commercial agreements including, customer framework agreements, licenses, distribution, supplier, manufacturing, technology services, inventory stocking, consignment, software, vendor, NDAs, employee agreements, commercial real estate leases etc.  Provide practical, effective, risk-based, and business-sensitive guidance on diverse commercial topics.
• Liaise with the Compliance Officer and Director of Corporate Operations on enterprise risk management topics and claims.
• Help support the General Counsel and HR with counseling on various employment-related issues including drafting, review, and revision of employment policies; advice on day-to-day personnel counseling and onboarding/offboarding matters; support on employee investigations.
• Create templates, draft corporate policies, review and help craft corporate communications, draft, and maintain corporate minute books and resolutions.
• Act as Data Protection Coordinator for the US legal entity within the Comet Group Data Protection Framework. Be responsible for managing the day-to-day, local data protection compliance.  Carry out risk and compliance assessments, organize trainings and maintain all necessary records and documentation.
• Acts as Government Affairs liaison for the US legal entity.  Participates in the ongoing monitoring and analysis of industry-relevant active and proposed legislation (e.g., the CHIPS Act), emerging issues and trends.  Sits on trade association (e.g., SEMI) committees as appropriate.
• Select, direct, and manage outside counsel as appropriate.
• Support strategic projects (e.g., contract management, M&A, etc.) as needed.

Travel Requirements: 

• Travel is typically North America centric, primarily between multiple area facilities, although occasional out-of-area / global travel is to be expected.

What you bring:

• Ability to work under tight deadlines.  Superior interpersonal skills.  Ability to establish relationships with internal stakeholders and external business partners.  High level of professionalism and experience providing legal expertise to non-lawyers.
• Process oriented, especially with respect to contract management and corporate governance.
• Analytical ability and strong attention to detail.
• A high sense of urgency, strong results orientation, and the ability to adhere to tight timeframes.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to analyze legal and compliance related data and prepare reports, statements, and projections.
• Excellent communication skills to foster a climate in which conflicts are openly discussed and communicate well on all levels of the hierarchy; remains professional and resolute in challenging situations.
• Collaborative, team-oriented and helps drive accountability and execution of key legal and compliance related initiatives.
• In depth knowledge of an organization’s business, processes, activities, products and a general understanding of the technology, markets, and customer base. Must possess critical business process thinking skills.
• Strong customer focus, detail orientation, and able to effectively engage with leaders and business partners at all levels within the organization.

Education and Experience (Required):

• At least seven (7) years’ experience in the corporate/commercial department at a mid-large sized law firm (supporting semiconductor, technology and/or industrial manufacturing (or similar) clients) and/or corporate law department of a semiconductor, technology, or industrial manufacturing (or similar) company.
• Demonstrated sensibility in cross-cultural communications and cooperation on an international level (Canada, Europe, Asia)
• Admitted to the bar in CA.
• Previous experience in building or helping to build a culture of compliance and process orientation.

Education and Experience (Preferred):

• Experience in the area of data protection law and regulations
• Experience in the area of government relations and affairs

The target salary range for this job is approximately $240,000 to $255,000 annually.

*Job summaries account for a range of qualifications, skills, and experience that can be considered.  We are committed to making fair and equitable job offers based on a number of factors including but not limited to the job scope, market conditions, and candidate skill level and depth of experience.

We offer you:

• Diverse challenges and an international team.
• Competitive compensation package; a great work culture; a comprehensive benefit program including medical, dental and vision care benefits; tuition reimbursement; matching 401(k) plan; vacation and paid holidays and sick days.

EEO STATEMENT:

Comet Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Comet does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

We are curious about you and look forward to receiving your complete online application.