Associate General Counsel, Trade Compliance
Kla
Legal
Milpitas, CA, USA · Ann Arbor, MI, USA
USD 231,300-404,800 / year + Equity
Posted on Sep 17, 2025
Company Overview
KLA is a global leader in diversified electronics for the semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem. Virtually every electronic device in the world is produced using our technologies. No laptop, smartphone, wearable device, voice-controlled gadget, flexible screen, VR device or smart car would have made it into your hands without us. KLA invents systems and solutions for the manufacturing of wafers and reticles, integrated circuits, packaging, printed circuit boards and flat panel displays. The innovative ideas and devices that are advancing humanity all begin with inspiration, research and development. KLA focuses more than average on innovation and we invest 15% of sales back into R&D. Our expert teams of physicists, engineers, data scientists and problem-solvers work together with the world’s leading technology providers to accelerate the delivery of tomorrow’s electronic devices. Life here is exciting and our teams thrive on tackling really hard problems. There is never a dull moment with us.Group/Division
The Legal Compliance Organization (LCO) team headquartered in Milpitas, CA and second headquarters in Ann Arbor, MI provides legal guidance to further KLA’s strategic objectives and protect and preserve the legal, ethical and financial integrity and reputation of the Company. With specific expertise in the areas of corporate law, commercial law, employment law, and intellectual property; the LCO offers strategic legal counsel that is informed by a clear understanding of the company’s business objectives and expertise in the laws and regulations relevant to the business worldwide.Job Description/Preferred Qualifications
KLA Corporation (“KLA”) is seeking a highly motivated attorney to join KLA’s Legal and Compliance Organization and lead its trade compliance organization as an Associate General Counsel, Trade Compliance (“AGC Trade Compliance”). The position will report directly to KLA’s Chief Compliance Officer and support a wide variety of legal, regulatory, and compliance matters for KLA. The AGC Trade Compliance will have the opportunity to add immediate value on worldwide export and import issues, including U.S. export control and licensing issues, tariff-mitigation strategies, and developing and enhancing KLA’s internal compliance controls and compliance processes.
The AGC Trade Compliance will be required to:
- Gain a solid understanding of KLA’s trade compliance goals and challenges in U.S. and internationally (specifically China) and identify and implement appropriate legal strategies and processes to facilitate goals and minimize challenges.
- Work with outside counsel, identify and analyze complex trade-related issues and develop strategies and processes to mitigate related risks, including rendering legally sound and actionable legal advice.
- Examine potential trade compliance deficiencies and provide quick effective solutions to include: working with cross-functional teams to develop systems, controls, and processes to mitigate trade compliance risks, while enabling the business; and engaging with U.S. government agencies on export licenses, import issues, and inquiries, among other issues;
- Partner with and advise product managers, procurement and operations, sales, engineering, executives on trade compliance requirements and related processes.
- Identify potential trade compliance gaps and work closely with cross-functional groups to develop solutions, and partner with the Global Trade Compliance team and other cross-functional stakeholders to operationalize these solutions.
- Support trade compliance activities associated with acquisition integration activities, including sharing and communicating KLA-approved policies, best practices, and expectations to affiliates and subsidiaries worldwide regarding trade compliance matters, resolving issues with internal stakeholders and external personnel, and assisting with the escalation process.
- Provide regular, clear communication on legal issues and opportunities to the Legal and Compliance Organization to assist with the identification and mitigation of risks, and the development of appropriate processes and mitigation strategies.
- Develop or coordinate the development of employee training, internal compliance notices, and manage or coordinate the management of KLA trade-related policies, procedures, and processes.
- Occasional travel to domestic and international offices.
- Support the Legal and Compliance Organization on other projects, initiatives, and strategic projects, as may arise from time to time.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
- Education/Qualification: Law degree from an accredited U.S. law school and admission to the bar in any U.S. state as a member in good standing in such state.
- Experience: At least 12 years of experience at a U.S. multinational technology company; semiconductor industry (or closely related fields) preferred. Technical/engineering background a plus
- Team & Organizational Management: At least 5 years of experience managing a team of trade attorneys and non-attorney trade compliance professionals
- Technical skills: Proficiency advising on U.S. trade compliance regulations and programs with particular focus on U.S.-China trade law.
- Soft skills: Self-starter, team player, with desire to be on cutting-edge of U.S. trade law. Highly developed interpersonal skills; must be able to interact and communicate with clients at all levels of the organization, including business executives, and across KLA’s international locations. Strong and independent demeanor, capable of standing up to business pressures and strong client personalities. Self-motivated and persistent; high degree of comfort exercising independent judgment to obtain best business outcome while containing legal risk. Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to prioritize and work independently.
Minimum Qualifications
- Juris Doctorate (Professional) and a minium or 12 years of applicable experience as a trade compliance attorney
Interns are eligible for some of the benefits listed. Our pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. The range displayed reflects the pay for this position in the primary location identified in this posting. Actual pay depends on several factors, including state minimum pay wage rates, location, job-related skills, experience, and relevant education level or training. We are committed to complying with all applicable federal and state minimum wage requirements where applicable. If applicable, your recruiter can share more about the specific pay range for your preferred location during the hiring process.
KLA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will ensure that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us at talent.acquisition@kla.com or at +1-408-352-2808 to request accommodation.
Be aware of potentially fraudulent job postings or suspicious recruiting activity by persons that are currently posing as KLA employees. KLA never asks for any financial compensation to be considered for an interview, to become an employee, or for equipment. Further, KLA does not work with any recruiters or third parties who charge such fees either directly or on behalf of KLA. Please ensure that you have searched KLA’s Careers website for legitimate job postings. KLA follows a recruiting process that involves multiple interviews in person or on video conferencing with our hiring managers. If you are concerned that a communication, an interview, an offer of employment, or that an employee is not legitimate, please send an email to talent.acquisition@kla.com to confirm the person you are communicating with is an employee. We take your privacy very seriously and confidentially handle your information.