Vice President, General Counsel

SUMMARY: MultiTech’s General Counsel will serve as the company's chief legal resource, reporting to the CFO and leading all legal functions, with particular emphasis on protecting and monetizing the company's intellectual-property portfolio and managing the legal dimensions of the company's contract-manufacturing relationships. The General Counsel will provide strategic counsel to the business on matters ranging from product development and supply-chain risk to corporate governance and regulatory compliance.   ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:   Intellectual Property Develop and execute a comprehensive IP strategy covering patents, trade secrets, trademarks, and copyrights for MultiTech's IoT hardware, firmware, and cloud-platform technologies. Manage the global patent portfolio, including prosecution, maintenance, freedom-to-operate analyses, and defense against infringement claims. Structure IP provisions in customer, supplier, and joint-development agreements to protect proprietary designs and embedded software. Monitor competitor activity and advise leadership on offensive and defensive IP positioning.   Contract Manufacturing & Supply Chain Lead negotiations with contract manufacturers, including master supply agreements, quality agreements, and tooling/IP-protection terms. Manage cross-border legal risks including export controls, customs compliance, anti-corruption (FCPA), and sanctions screening for the supply chain. Partner with operations and procurement teams to structure agreements that balance cost, quality, capacity commitments, and business-continuity protections. Oversee dispute resolution with manufacturing partners, including mediation, arbitration, and litigation when necessary.   Corporate & General Legal Serve as corporate secretary and advise the Board on governance, fiduciary duties, and regulatory obligations. Oversee all commercial contracts, including OEM/ODM agreements, distribution agreements, SaaS/platform licenses, and channel-partner terms. Manage regulatory compliance across product safety (FCC, UL, CE), data privacy (CCPA, GDPR where applicable), and industry-specific standards for IoT devices. Build and manage the legal function, including outside counsel relationships and budget, to support a growing $100M business. Advise on M&A, strategic investments, and partnership opportunities as the company scales. Develop and maintain the company's contract-management processes and standard playbook. Advise on human resources and employment law matters as needed, including but not limited to compliance, policy development, and dispute resolution in support of organizational goals.   QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:              EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:   Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school. Active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar. Minimum 12 years of legal experience, with at least 5 years in-house at a technology or manufacturing company. Deep expertise in intellectual-property law, including patent prosecution and portfolio management, trade-secret protection, and IP licensing. Demonstrated experience negotiating complex manufacturing and supply-chain agreements with counterparties globally (specifically in Southeast Asia). Working knowledge of international trade compliance, including U.S. export controls (EAR), FCPA, and OFAC sanctions. Experience advising senior leadership teams on corporate governance and strategic transactions. Strong commercial-contracts background, including hardware OEM/ODM, software licensing, and SaaS agreements. Ability to manage outside counsel and a legal budget effectively in a mid-market environment. Prior experience as general counsel, deputy general counsel, or assistant general counsel at an IoT, embedded-systems, or connected-device company ideal. Patent-bar registration (USPTO) or technical undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, computer science, or a related field a strong plus. Familiarity with IoT-specific regulatory frameworks, including wireless-spectrum compliance (FCC Part 15), product-safety certifications, and emerging data-privacy standards for connected devices. Experience with manufacturing operations in Vietnam, Thailand, or Malaysia ideal. Background in M&A due diligence and post-acquisition integration for technology businesses strongly preferred. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:    Lifting requirements up to 25 pounds. Requires sitting for periods of time and occasional standing. Use hands to finger, handle or feel. Requires travel using all modes of transportation. Requires a valid passport.   WORK ENVIRONMENT:    Working conditions are normal for an office environment. Minimal noise. Our Minnesota facility includes a manufacturing environment. Moderate noise level. Machinery operation requires the use of safety equipment to include but not limited to; safety glasses, hearing protection, wrist and shoe straps, and ESD smock. Loose fitting clothing and jewelry are not permitted. No food is allowed in the manufacturing area. No cell phone use allowed in manufacturing area unless approved by management.   EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS USED:    Laptop computer, phone, and standard office equipment