Fervo’s Mission is to use innovation in geoscience to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. To accomplish that goal, Fervo has developed groundbreaking technology solutions that have advanced the state-of-the-art of geothermal energy decades ahead of schedule, including the world’s most successful commercial enhanced geothermal system completed in 2023. Fervo has raised over $400 million from leading investors and has secured a multi-billion-dollar project pipeline to meet the world’s growing need for 24/7 carbon free energy. Join us and work alongside world-class engineers, researchers, investors, and developers in making geothermal a key pillar of our climate-friendly energy future.
Description
The Corporate Counsel – PowerCo will play a critical role in supporting our surface facilities and engineering teams. This position will be responsible for reviewing, drafting, and negotiating supply chain agreements such as Master Services and Supply Agreements (MSSA), OEM Supply Agreements, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreements, Professional Services Agreements and O&M Agreements for the construction and operation of new geothermal facilities. The ideal candidate will have a strong legal background in supply chain operations and extensive experience in contract law, particularly in the context of large-scale projects and vendor relationships. The Corporate Counsel – PowerCo will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including the surface facilities, procurement, logistics, and operations teams, along with multiple external partners, to provide strategic legal counsel and ensure that all contracts align with business and risk goals and applicable regulatory requirements.
Responsibilities
- Provide day-to-day legal counsel to the surface facilities, supply chain, procurement, logistics, and operations teams, ensuring that all activities comply with applicable laws and company policies.
- Draft, review, and negotiate Master Services and Supply Agreements, OEM Supply Agreements, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreements, Professional Services Agreements, and O&M Agreements for the construction and operation of new ORC facilities, and other related legal documents.
- Strategic partner and legal advisor on a broad range of legal matters related to EPC contracts, operations, and procurement, including the drafting, negotiation, implementation and enforcement of commercial agreements.
- Conduct legal research and analysis in applicable jurisdictions to support business needs and keep abreast of relevant laws and industry standards affecting the enhanced geothermal industry.
- Identify and mitigate legal risks associated with supply chain operations, particularly in areas related to bids/tenders, contract performance, liability, and compliance.
- Manage and supervise external counsel on complex transactions when necessary.
- Ensure that contracts align with company business and risk objectives, industry standards, and regulatory frameworks.
- Advise on the legal aspects of supply chain initiatives, including sustainability, ethical sourcing, and risk management.
- Assist in the development of contract management processes to improve efficiency and reduce cycle time and risk exposure.
- Stay updated on relevant legal trends and best practices relating to relevant practice areas.
- Conduct legal training for internal teams to raise awareness of contractual obligations and legal risks.
- Manage any disputes, claims, or litigation arising from EPC contracts and supply chain agreements.
Qualifications
- Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school
- Active membership in good standing in California, Nevada, New York, Texas, or Utah
- Minimum of 5 years of experience practicing law related to the construction and operation of renewable energy or large infrastructure projects
- Demonstrated experience in drafting and negotiating complex contracts and supply chain agreements such as Master Services and Supply Agreements, Professional Services Agreements, OEM Supply Agreements, Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) agreements, and O&M Agreements, preferably in energy, infrastructure, or construction sectors
- Experience with federal and state laws and regulations governing construction (i.e., lien laws) procurement (tariffs and duties)
- Experience with project implementation support and the commercial issues that arise on construction projects, such as warranty issues, liens, force majeure, change orders, and the variety of reasons for changes in scope or schedule
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
- Previous in-house experience is a plus
- Experience with project financing of infrastructure projects is a plus
- Strong understanding of contract law, corporate law, and compliance frameworks
- Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and a pragmatic approach to legal issues
