Compliance Counsel - Auburn Hills - Contemporary Amperex Technology USA Inc

Description

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,Onsite

Job Overview

The Compliance Counsel will play a critical role in supporting the legal and regulatory integrity of the company's U.S. operations. The role will focus on monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments, supporting trade compliance and tariff management, and advising internal stakeholders on compliance risks and best practices. This attorney will serve as a resource to the legal and business teams and will be expected to collaborate cross-functionally with operations, logistics, supply chain, government affairs, and global compliance teams.

This is not a lobbying role; however, the successful candidate must be highly attuned to evolving legal landscapes, especially in the areas of import/export controls, trade regulations, industrial policy, environmental law, and energy regulation.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory and Legislative Monitoring

• Track, analyze, and summarize relevant federal and state legislative and regulatory developments affecting the battery manufacturing, EV, and energy storage sectors.
• Prepare regular updates and risk assessments for internal stakeholders, including the Head of Legal, U.S., and business unit leaders.
• Collaborate with government affairs and external advisors to ensure accurate monitoring and understanding of evolving U.S. regulatory priorities (e.g., DOE, EPA, DOT, FERC, CFIUS, USITC, CBP, USTR).

Trade Compliance and Tariff Management

• Advise on U.S. import/export laws and regulations, including compliance with:
• Export Administration Regulations (EAR)
• International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR)
• Customs regulations administered by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Tariff classification and country-of-origin rules
• Monitor and interpret trade remedies and actions such as Section 301 tariffs, AD/CVD duties, and Section 232 measures.
• Provide legal support for the preparation and maintenance of product classifications, license applications, voluntary disclosures, and corrective actions as needed.
• Support the company's participation in the U.S. regulatory processes related to tariffs, including exclusion requests and enforcement proceedings.

Compliance Program Development

• Assist in developing, implementing, and refining the company's U.S. compliance policies and procedures in alignment with global compliance standards and U.S. legal requirements.
• Conduct internal training and awareness programs on relevant compliance topics, such as anti-corruption, sanctions, supply chain transparency, and trade compliance.
• Partner with internal audit and other functions to conduct periodic compliance reviews and investigations.
• Monitor and advise on antitrust and competition law issues, including pricing practices, distribution arrangements, joint ventures, and interactions with competitors, to ensure compliance with U.S. federal and state antitrust laws (e.g., Sherman Act, Clayton Act, FTC Act). Provide training and guidance to business units to mitigate antitrust risks.

Cross-Functional Legal Support

• Serve as a legal advisor to cross-functional teams on compliance-related issues that intersect with commercial agreements, procurement, operations, logistics, and regulatory filings.
• Collaborate with external legal counsel and advisors on complex trade or regulatory matters.
• Work with global colleagues to harmonize compliance practices and ensure consistent interpretation of global regulatory obligations.

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Licensure

• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar (with ability to qualify under Michigan in-house counsel rules).

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience practicing law, including at least 3 years of in-house or law firm experience with a focus on compliance, trade law, or regulatory law.
• Prior experience advising manufacturing clients or clients in the energy or automotive sectors is strongly preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of U.S. trade laws, customs procedures, and industrial policy instruments (e.g., Inflation Reduction Act, CHIPS Act, Buy American Act).
• Experience advising clients on compliance with export control regulations and sanctions laws.

Skills and Attributes

• Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex legal requirements into clear guidance.
• Proactive, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Able to work independently and as part of a collaborative, international legal team.
• High ethical standards and commitment to compliance integrity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Mandarin Chinese language skills (written and/or spoken) are a plus but not required.
• Familiarity with legal frameworks related to sustainability disclosures, ESG regulations, or responsible sourcing standards.
• Demonstrated experience and successes supporting companies undergoing rapid growth or regulatory transformation.

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.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• This is a hybrid role based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, with a minimum in-office presence of 3-4 days per week.
• Occasional domestic and international travel (less than 10%) may be required.
• 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.

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.