EXHIBIT 10.1

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June 15, 2004

 

Michael A. Russell
4733 Shadwell Place
San Diego CA  92130

Dear Mike,

American Technology Corporation (“Company ”) is very pleased to confirm our
offer of employment. This offer is contingent upon satisfactory results of all
reference, education, and background checks (Release and Authorization Attached)
and is based on the following terms and conditions:

Title: Chief Financial Officer, with responsibilities that will include Finance,
Investor Relations and Legal.   Start Date: We have an anticipated your start
date as Tuesday, July 6, 2004.   Salary: Your starting salary as an exempt
employee will be $7,115.38 gross bi-weekly, which is $185,000.00 annually.  
Bonus: You will be paid an annual bonus with the potential of 25% of your base
salary based upon meeting company, department, and individual objectives, which
will be mutually agreed upon by yourself and Kalani Jones and approved by the
Board of Directors. The bonus period is equal to 12 months and begins on your
date of hire.   Stock Options: Management will recommend to the Board of
Directors and the Compensation Committee thereof, that, as an inducement
material to you entering into employment with the Company, you be granted stock
options to purchase 100,000 shares of common stock. The grant will occur at the
first meeting of the Board of Directors and Compensation Committee held after
your start date, or by unanimous written consent, and in either case will occur
not later than 30 days following your start date. The recommended options will
have an exercise price equal to the fair market value of our common stock on the
date the Board of Directors approves the grant after receiving a recommendation
for approval from the Compensation Committee. The recommended options will be
exercisable for five (5) years after grant, subject to earlier termination upon
termination of your continuous service. The recommended options will vest over
four (4) years, with one fourth (1/4) of the shares vesting twelve (12) months
after grant date, and the balance vesting in equal quarterly installments
through and including the fourth anniversary of the grant date. These
recommended options will be issued outside of the 2002 Stock Option Plan, and
accordingly will be non-statutory stock options and will not qualify for
incentive stock option (ISO) treatment under the Internal Revenue Code.

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Michael A. Russell – Offer of Employment
June 15, 2004
Page 2 of 3

    Health Benefits: The Company offers a comprehensive benefits plan that
includes medical, dental, vision, short-term disability, long-term disability
and life insurances. The Company will pay for all insurance premiums (including
dependents). Benefits begin the first day of the month following your hire date.
Paid Time Off   & Holidays: You will receive 15 days of accrued Paid Time Off
(PTO) annually, in use for vacation or sick time. This provides for most of your
paid time away from work. PTO hours are accrued per pay period. Any hours in
excess of 200 will be paid out in the first pay period of December.     The
Company offers 9-paid holidays each calendar year. You must be on active status
the day before and the day after the holiday to receive holiday pay.  
Retirement: A 401k package is available with multiple investment options and the
company matches 25% of the employee’s deferral up to 6% of your annual earnings.
(Note: Some IRS limitations may apply.)   Arbitration: As a contingency of this
offer, you will be required to sign the attached Mutual Agreement to Arbitrate
(“Arbitration Agreement”).

Due to the enactment of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, this
offer is contingent on your ability to produce acceptable documentation
verifying your eligibility to work in the United States. You will be required to
present the necessary documents on the day you begin work at American Technology
Corp.

Additionally, as a condition of this offer and of your employment with American
Technology Corp., you will be required to preserve the Company’s proprietary and
confidential information and you must comply with the Company’s policies and
procedures. Accordingly, you will be required to execute the Company’s
Non-Disclosure Agreement on your first date of employment.

If this offer is accepted, your employment will be at-will with no specified
period or term of employment. This means that either you or the Company may
terminate employment at anytime, with or without reason. The Company may also
transfer, promote, demote or otherwise alter your position and/or status at any
time and for any reason. An employment agreement for a specified period of time,
which contradicts this at-will agreement, may only be entered into in writing,
signed by the President of the Corporation.
Mike, we sincerely hope that you decide to join American Technology Corp. Please
acknowledge your acceptance of our offer by signing below and returning a copy
of this letter to us not later than Thursday, June 17, 2004. If we do not
receive your response by close of business on June 17, 2004 this offer will be
void.

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Michael A. Russell – Offer of Employment
June 15, 2004
Page 3 of 3

Mike, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to call me.

Sincerely,

/s/ KALANI JONES
Kalani Jones
President & Chief Operating Officer

I understand and agree to the terms and conditions set forth in this letter. I
further understand that any misrepresentations that I have made on my employment
application or resume can result in termination. I acknowledge that no statement
contradicting this letter, oral or written, has been made to me, and that no
agreements exist which are contrary to the terms and conditions set forth in
this letter.

Accepted by: /s/ MICHAEL A. RUSSELL    Date:   June 17, 2004       ———————————

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