Contracts Specialist

Summary

We are seeking a Contracts Specialist to assist our in-house counsel as AOI scales. This role supports in-house counsel across the contract lifecycle, from initial request through execution. Responsibilities include drafting and reviewing legal documents, coordinating with stakeholders, maintaining contract records, and supporting legal research and risk identification across multiple attorneys and projects.

Responsibilities

• Assist in-house counsel with the drafting, review, redlining, interpretation, and deployment of contracts, supporting multiple attorneys and projects.
• Support contracts from initial request through execution, including managing contract databases and templates, managing deadlines, and coordinating with attorneys on contract-related matters.
• Draft, review, redline, compare, and combine a variety of legal documents (e.g., commercial contracts, confidentiality agreements, amendments, templates, and other legal agreements) while identifying potential legal and business risks.
• Liaise and collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather necessary information for contract review, negotiation, and development activities.
• Assist attorneys in negotiating contract terms with third parties to ensure favorable terms and adherence to internal policies and risk mitigation standards.
• Establish and maintain contract files and related legal documentation in accordance with AOI procedures.
• Handle sensitive, confidential, and proprietary matters on a routine basis with discretion and professionalism.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, fostering collaboration and client satisfaction.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Legal Studies, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Pre-Law, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in contract administration, contract management, or a related function.
• Strong understanding of contractual provisions, legal documentation, and contract review processes.
• Demonstrates sound business judgment, strategic thinking, and risk management skills, with the ability to balance business needs, legal obligations, and organizational risks.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, management, and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with a high degree of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.

Preferred

• Juris Doctor (JD) or Master of Laws (LLM) degree.
• Experience supporting contract management or administration within a corporate legal department.
• Professional proficiency in Mandarin Chinese.

Location & Work Environment

This position is full-time onsite and based in Sugar Land, Texas. No travel is expected for this role. Expected business hours are Monday through Friday from 9am – 6pm CT.

Why AOI?
In addition to competitive salary, AOI offers:

• Flexible and competitive health (medical, dental, vision) plans offer the employee with the right options to meet individual and family needs
• Employer matching on 401(k) deferrals
• Generous PTO policy, with unused PTO payout at end of the year
• Relocation packages available within the United States.

Applied Optoelectronics, Inc (AOI) is committed to providing equal opportunity in all of our employment practices, including hiring, placement, promotion, training, transfer and compensation, to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, religion, sex, veteran status, age, disability, marital status, or any other category protected by State or U.S. Federal law. Moreover, we endeavor to treat our employees fairly.

We do not accept unsolicited proposals from third-party recruiters or agencies. Contacting hiring managers directly may result in disqualification of submissions.