Senior Employment Counsel

ABOUT xAI

xAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for xAI’s compliance program for state and federal employment laws, such as meal period and rest breaks, bonus and benefits, timekeeping and payroll, discrimination, and harassment

Work closely with HR and other organizations to develop policies and procedures on employment matters affecting the Company, including accommodations, leaves of absence, onboarding, and drug and alcohol program

Conduct regular audits of xAI’s compliance program, policies, and procedures and work closely with cross-functional teams to develop and track implementation of corrective actions

Provide legal counsel on employment separation matters, job classifications, background checks, and recruiting

Draft training, comment on training, and provide select training to people leaders

Responsible for OFCCP compliance reports and similar filings

Advise Benefits on compliance with relevant law, and review and provide comments on contracts for company benefits

Monitor labor, employment, and benefits law developments and advise HR and management of recommended changes

Own drafting and updating Employee Handbook

Manage other projects as required or assigned

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

JD from an ABA accredited school

10+ years of employment law experience

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

Excellent academic record at top tier law school

Relevant experience with a major law firm or corporation

Experience with AAP preparation and/or OFCCP compliance evaluations

Experience counseling clients with significant domestic manufacturing operations

Experience counseling clients with significant international operations

Experience with California employment law

Demonstrated skill in providing legal training to business team members (both course development and presentation)

Ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner

Capacity to focus on diverse projects with rapidly changing priorities

Solution-oriented thinking and communication

Strong problem-solving skills

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be willing to travel up to 10% of the time

Must be admitted to the bar, in good standing, in at least one U.S. State

This position is based in Palo Alto, CA and requires being onsite - remote work not considered

Must be able to work extended hours and weekends as needed

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

$176,000 - $264,000 USD

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at xAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.

ITAR REQUIREMENTS:

To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State. Learn more about the ITAR here.