Description

Associate/Assistant Counsel – IP Licensing & Government Contracts

Location: Campbell, CA; Austin, TX; or U.S. Remote
Work Environment: Hybrid

About Arteris

Arteris connects innovation. Our network-on-chip (NoC) interconnect IP and system IP solutions power next-generation semiconductor designs across automotive, AI, data center, aerospace, and defense. From advanced driver-assistance systems to cloud-scale AI accelerators, our technology enables smarter, faster silicon.

As we continue expanding our commercial and government-sector footprint, we are seeking a business-oriented senior legal leader to drive complex IP licensing, technology transactions, and government contracting efforts worldwide.

What You’ll Do

As Associate/Assistant Counsel at Arteris, you will be a hands-on individual contributor who thrives in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. This role is designed for a lawyer who enjoys rolling up their sleeves and taking direct ownership of sophisticated, time-sensitive transactional matters that support our global expansion across semiconductor IP, SoC architectures, chiplets, and integration automation software.

You will work closely with Engineering, Finance, Product, Sales, Business Development, and executive leadership to structure, negotiate, and execute complex sales, government, and partner agreements, while collaborating with Legal team colleagues and cross-functional partners to deliver practical, business-focused solutions at speed.

Key Responsibilities

• IP & Technology Transactions
  • Draft, negotiate, and close complex outbound semiconductor IP licenses, software/EDA licenses, evaluation agreements, design term, royalties, support & maintenance terms.
  • Fast-paced, hands-on support of global accounts and cross-border licensing, navigating unique international contracting issues.

Government & Defense Contracting

• Lead U.S. and international government contracting business (prime and subcontracting), from bidding to awards, ensuring terms compliance for  awards and renewals, FAR/DFARS, export controls, data rights frameworks, cybersecurity requirements, and other procurement regulations.
  Legal support for government-related prime or defense contract licenses, selection and award of subcontractor and supplier agreements, consortium agreements, and commercial/government hybrid deals.

Legal Workflow Support

• Perform day-to-day docket and workflow management related to intake, deal desk, risk assessment, and global deal execution.
• Participate in M&A due diligence, product-lifecycle reviews, and special projects supporting organic and inorganic growth.
• Partner with internal teams throughout the deal cycle—from quote to contract close—redlining, drafting, negotiation, and issue resolution

Legal Infrastructure & Lifecycle Management

• Help to scale Arteris’ legal framework, templates, playbooks, fallback positions, workflows, and streamlined processes.
  Assist to optimize contract lifecycle management tools (e.g., Malbek), drive efficiencies in automation, e-signature, and review workflows.

Requirements

What You Bring

• J.D. from an accredited law school and active U.S. bar membership.
• 8+ years of hands-on legal experience in IP licensing, technology transactions, commercial contracting, and/or government contracting, preferably in semiconductor IP, hardware, software/EDA, or other fast-growing technology companies.
• Proven in-house experience with a strong individual-contributor mindset; a collaborative, roll-up-your-sleeves professional who takes ownership and drives work to completion in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated expertise drafting and negotiating complex semiconductor IP and technology licenses, including software/EDA and related commercial agreements.
• Strong working knowledge of semiconductor IP business models, including IP cores, chiplets, interconnects, and related licensing frameworks.
• Experience negotiating U.S. and international government contracts and licenses, with solid familiarity with FAR/DFARS, export controls, and government IP and data-rights regimes.
• Ability to lead high-stakes, time-sensitive negotiations and manage sophisticated commercial and government-sector transactions with sound judgment and pragmatism.
• Excellent drafting skills, with the ability to translate complex legal and technical issues into clear, practical, business-focused guidance.
• Highly responsive and effective in partnering with cross-functional teams and senior leadership across multiple functions and time zones.
• Experience using contract lifecycle management (CLM) systems and driving process improvements to increase efficiency and scalability.
• Sound judgment and experience using AI-enabled tools responsibly to support legal workflows and productivity.

Bonus Points

• CLM system expertise (e.g., Malbek) and experience building contract-management frameworks.
• Open-source licensing experience.
• Experience supporting global accounts and working across EMEA and APAC regions.
• Calm, steady presence in fast-paced negotiations and high-stakes environments.

Education Requirements

• Completion of college and quality law schools and universities with requisite strong legal training.