Overview
This role helps build the legal foundation for the quantum era. You will report directly to the VP, Legal, and serve as a key member of a lean, high-impact legal team. You’ll work closely with the executive team and help shape how the organization conducts commercial business and government contracting.
Responsibilities
Lead Commercial Dealmaking
- Draft and negotiate agreements to bring quantum computing to market, including quantum system sales, on-premises hardware purchases, cloud/QCS access, maintenance and support, and partner agreements.
- Negotiate supplier and procurement agreements across the supply chain, including fab and foundry relationships, specialized equipment, components, SaaS, and facilities.
- Partner with the IP team to structure R&D collaborations, joint development, sponsored research, and licensing deals.
- Support international transactions through global entities, coordinating with local counsel as needed.
Own Government Contracting
- Serve as lead counsel on federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions with AFRL, DARPA, DOE, national labs, and other agencies.
- Advise on FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific requirements across solicitations, proposals, awards, and modifications.
- Negotiate subcontracts and teaming agreements in both prime and subcontractor roles.
- Guide compliance with cybersecurity requirements, supply chain and domestic sourcing rules, and representations and certifications. Coordinate with IT, export control, and finance teams where these issues intersect with contract terms.
Grow the Function
- Create and refine contract templates, playbooks, approval workflows, and tools so the business can move quickly and with confidence.
- Train sales, BD, procurement, and program teams on contracting and government compliance.
- Help shape the legal department’s growth as the organization scales, including future hiring and structure, and serve as a leader and mentor.
Requirements
- J.D. and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
- 7+ years of relevant experience, including meaningful time in-house.
- Demonstrated track record negotiating complex commercial agreements, ideally for hardware, semiconductor, deep-tech, or enterprise technology companies.
- Hands-on experience with federal government contracts, including FAR/DFARS, subcontracting, and data rights.
- Builder’s mindset: enjoy creating structure where none exists and are energized by a fast-moving environment.
- Sound business judgment and ability to explain legal risk clearly to engineers and executives.
Preferred Qualifications
- Law firm training combined with in-house experience.
- Experience with OTAs, CRADAs, SBIR/STTR, and cooperative agreements.
- Familiarity with EAR/ITAR as applied to transactions.
- Experience with international transactions and public company work.
- Curiosity about the technology.
Compensation & Benefits
- $220,000 - $250,000 a year (Base Salary)
- Final compensation will be determined by factors including relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location.
- Benefits include competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental, and vision.
- 401(k) plan.
- Paid parental leave program.
- Rejuvenation days.
- Vacation policy aligning with local regulations and industry standards.
Location
Not specified in the provided description.
Additional Information
- Equal opportunity employer; applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.
- The hiring process may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses to identify potential inconsistencies or verification signals; final hiring decisions are made by humans.