Commercial Contracts Counsel (ESS Division, U.S.) - CATU

About Us

Contemporary Amperex Technology (USA), Inc. is the U.S. battery manufacturing subsidiary of Contemporary Amperex Technology Co., Limited (CATL). CATL is a global leader in the research, development, and manufacturing of advanced battery energy storage systems for electric vehicles, grid-scale, and maritime applications. We are committed to delivering innovative solutions that support the global transition to clean energy.

Our Vision

To become a globally leading innovative technology corporation, contribute meaningfully to sustainable energy solutions, and provide a platform that supports both the professional and personal growth of our employees.

Location: Auburn Hills, Michigan, United States or Bay Area, on site

Job Overview

We are seeking a Commercial Contracts Counsel to join our growing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) business. This role goes beyond traditional legal support—it is embedded directly with Sales and Operations to accelerate revenue, streamline deal execution, and strengthen risk management throughout the entire contract lifecycle.

You will serve as a business-oriented lawyer, working shoulder-to-shoulder with Sales to shape smarter, faster deals, while ensuring commercial and legal risks are managed effectively. By engaging early in the deal cycle and staying engaged post-signature, you will help bridge sales and legal, driving both business growth and contract governance. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate experience in the energy storage and/or PV industries, especially those with a track record of negotiating and/or drafting EPC and System Integration contracts.

Key Responsbilities

Deal Support & Negotiation

• Lead drafting, review, and negotiation of complex ESS sales contracts (including EPC, Supply, and Tolling agreements).
• Partner with Sales to structure commercially viable, risk-balanced deal terms that accelerate deal closure.
• Actively participate in customer-facing negotiations and internal contract approval processes.

Contract Lifecycle Management

• Serve as contract owner from negotiation through execution, deployment, and closeout.
• Track key milestones, obligations, amendments, and renewals to ensure compliance across teams.
• Conduct post-signature risk assessments and feed learnings into future negotiations.

Project & Post-Commissioning Support

• Advise Project Management on contractual interpretation, issue resolution, and change order management.
• Manage warranty obligations, service-level agreements (SLAs), and other post-installation commitments in collaboration with Service and Operations.

Process & Governance Development

• Build and refine standard templates, negotiation playbooks, and contracting processes for consistency and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Legal & Compliance to align escalation paths, training, and enterprise-wide risk frameworks.
• Support the evolution of contract governance as the function scales from business-embedded to enterprise-integrated.

Preferred Qualifications

• Located in Detroit or Bay Area, or a willingness to relocate (4x - 5x days per week in office)
• J.D. with admission to practice in at least one U.S. jurisdiction.
• 5–8+ years of experience in commercial contracting, preferably in the energy, technology, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong background in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
• Proven ability to act as a business partner—balancing commercial goals with legal and risk considerations.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, cross-functional, global environment.
• Prior in-house counsel experience preferred.
• Candidates with demonstrated experience negotiating and/or drafting EPC and integration contracts preferred.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Regular, predictable on-site attendance is an essential function of this role.
• Ability to move throughout offices, manufacturing facilities, and construction areas, including walking, standing, bending, kneeling, and climbing stairs or ladders.
• Ability to lift and carry materials weighing up to 25–50 pounds, with occasional heavier lifting as required.
• Ability to work in varied environments, including offices, industrial, and construction settings.
• Willingness to travel to other job sites as business needs require.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable law.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development and growth opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CATU is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Employment Disclaimer

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. CATU reserves the right to modify, revise, or add job responsibilities as business needs evolve. Employment with CATU is at-will, meaning either the employee or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.

Export Control & Data Security Compliance

This position may involve access to sensitive systems or information subject to U.S. export control and data security regulations. Employment is contingent upon the employee's ability to comply with applicable laws and company policies related to data protection and controlled information access.