Senior Commercial Counsel (f/m/d)

WHO YOU ARE

• A qualified lawyer (Rechtsanwalt/Rechtsanwältin or equivalent) with 5–8+ years’ post-qualification experience in commercial and contract law.
• Hands-on experience negotiating complex, high-value commercial agreements in a high-CAPEX environment, such as energy, infrastructure, defence, aerospace, deep tech, or a comparable sector.
• Fluency in German and English, with the ability to draft and negotiate in both languages.
• A strong understanding of specialist-equipment procurement, including technical specifications, testing and acceptance, IP in bespoke goods, and risk allocation over long delivery timelines.
• Working knowledge of export-control regimes (ITAR, EAR, AWG, and the EU Dual-Use Regulation) and their implications for contracting.
• A pragmatic, solutions-oriented approach: you help the business make good deals rather than simply blocking them.
• The ability to work effectively with highly technical stakeholders — including scientists and engineers — as well as business teams, translating legal complexity into clear, actionable guidance.
• Comfort with ambiguity and experience creating structure where little or none exists.

NICE TO HAVE

• In-house experience at a technology or deep-tech company, ideally combined with law-firm experience.
• Experience supporting a science, R&D, or university spin-out organisation on research collaboration and consortium agreements.
• Experience designing and implementing contract-management processes and tools.
• Knowledge of IP licensing, particularly for bespoke equipment or jointly developed technology.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Innovative Technology & Mission: Be part of a cutting-edge company working on groundbreaking research in clean energy and scientific discovery.
• Career Development: We invest in our people. This is an opportunity to join an early, growing company at the forefront of new technology, where you’ll have the opportunity to develop and grow your career.
• Collaborative Culture: Work with great people in a dynamic, international environment with top-tier scientists, engineers and professionals passionate about solving global challenges.
• Ownership: Take ownership from day 1 and drive impact by making decisions, solving challenges and shaping the future of our company.
• Your Success is our Success: We offer a competitive salary and company ownership in the form of stock options, giving you a direct stake in our success and ownership in what we build together.
• Vacation Days: We support your work-life-balance by granting you 30 days of vacation per year.
• Snacks and Drinks: Our office fridges are never empty. Enjoy our healthy snacks and drinks. Our Darmstadt office even offers a canteen with delicious lunch options daily.
• Retirement Plan: If you decide for a private pension plan, we will finance 20% on top of your monthly contributions, plus loyalty incentives.
• Equipment: We offer state-of-the-art Windows or Apple Laptops. In addition, you will receive a keyboard, mouse and headset so you are fully equipped from day 1.
• Events: We organize regular events to foster team bonding, encourage collaboration, and build a strong, supportive company culture. Connect with colleagues across departments, share ideas, and have fun together, both in and outside of the workplace.
• Mobility with NAVIT: We partner with NAVIT to support your flexible commuting needs—whether it’s a public transportation ticket, taxi rides or car-sharing you choose what fits your lifestyle.
• Fitness with Wellhub: We care about your health. Get access to a wide range of gyms, fitness studios and wellness services across Europe through our partnership with Wellhub.

Focused Energy is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Focused Energy will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Certain roles may be eligible for incentive compensation, equity, benefits.

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Source: Statistisches Bundesamt (Destatis), table; dl-de/by-2-0; StarIn's calculation