Open Source Software Counsel (OSS)

Location:

• You must reside within the United States
• If you reside within the SF Bay Area -- hybrid, 2 days/week in our San Jose, CA headquarters
• If you reside outside the SF Bay Area -- fully remote
  
  

Position Overview: Cohesity is seeking an experienced and passionate Open Source Attorney and/or Engineer to join our legal team! As an open source counsel, you will take a leading role managing tools and processes for open source review of products and contributions, reviewing and understanding open source licenses, providing guidance and remediation for open-source issues, and developing and enforcing company policies for open source compliance. You will lead cross-functional initiatives and develop deep relationships with our development, product, and business teams to navigate the complexities of our product compliance and open-source contributions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Review and analyze open-source software in our products and services to ensure compliance with licenses, company policies, and legal standards.
• Advise internal teams on open-source usage, contributions, AI, software licensing, compliance and open source risks.
• Lead cross-functional initiatives to promote best practices and ensure alignment on open-source strategies, security, and business objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the organization, fostering collaboration and understanding of open-source issues.
• Draft, negotiate, and manage open-source agreements and policies.
• Lead the development of internal open-source related processes and programs.
• Monitor and stay updated on developments in open-source law and related legal issues.
• Collaborate with teams to educate and promote best practices regarding open-source software.
• Assist in the resolution of disputes related to open-source compliance.
• Support and promote the company’s contributions to the open-source community.

Required Qualifications:

• Expertise in open-source tools such as Blackduck or Snyk.
• Strong understanding of open-source licensing (e.g., GPL, MIT, Apache).
• 5+ years of open source remediation and counseling experience.
• Proven ability to manage and improve scalable processes. 
• Excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and develop deep relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Self-motivated, organized, and capable of exhibiting sound judgment across multiple projects simultaneously. 
• Passion for open-source principles and the technology community.
• Degree in computer science or related field (or comparable experience).

Preferred Qualifications:

• In house experience strongly preferred.
• Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
• 2+ years of open source negotiation.
• Active bar membership in good standing.
• 5+ years of experience in technology law, with a focus on open-source software.
• Project management and program creation.