Lead Counsel, Ford Energy

About the role

Ford Energy is a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company dedicated to accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Leveraging Ford’s century of manufacturing excellence and world-class battery energy storage systems (BESS) technology, Ford Energy designs, manufactures, and services grid-scale and commercial DC-block battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Responsibilities

• Commercial Transactions & Sales: Serve as the lead legal counsel for the BESS sales organization. Draft, negotiate, and manage complex commercial agreements, including Master Supply Agreements (MSAs), Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contracts, and Long-Term Service Agreements (LTSAs).
• Regulatory & Compliance: Provide strategic advice on federal and state energy regulations (including FERC, NERC, and state PUC requirements). Ensure BESS products and projects meet industry standards and safety certifications (e.g., UL, NFPA).
• Product Development Support: Advise the business and engineering teams on legal risks associated with product roadmaps, warranty structures, and performance guarantees for utility-scale and/or commercial energy storage solutions.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks associated with the deployment and operation of large-scale battery assets.
• Strategic Partnership: Act as a core member of the BESS team, providing nuanced legal guidance that balances risk with the need for speed and innovation in a rapidly growing market.

Qualifications and Key Capabilities

• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school.
• A minimum of 5 years of legal experience within the energy industry, either at a major law firm or in-house.
• Proven experience in energy-related commercial sales, project development, or structured finance.
• Direct experience with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) or renewable energy technologies.
• Deep familiarity with energy market structures, interconnection processes, and grid-side regulatory requirements.
• Experience navigating industry standards including UL.
• Ability to translate complex legal and regulatory concepts into actionable business advice.
• Visionary strategic thinker able to navigate rapidly evolving global energy storage markets.
• Calm and patient negotiator with the ability to translate and apply complex legal concepts to business goals.

Leadership Attributes

• Visionary strategic thinker able to navigate rapidly evolving global energy storage markets.
• Calm and patient negotiator with the ability to translate and apply complex legal concepts to business goals.

Location & Travel

This role follows our hybrid work model, requiring the employee to be onsite 4 days per week at one of our primary innovation hubs in Dearborn, Michigan or Palo Alto, California. Domestic and potentially international travel required.

Benefits

• Health and Wellness
• Financial and Retirement Programs
• Flexible Vacation and Holidays
• Vehicle Discount Program
• Family Growth and Support
• Additional Programs