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Salary: USD 210,000 - 260,000 / annual
Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. This Director role leads the company's US government engagement strategy, reporting to the Global Head of Government Engagement.
You will develop and execute Q-CTRL's US government engagement strategy, setting priorities for policy, legislative, and funding outcomes that support growth and quantum technology adoption. Key responsibilities include:
• Building and maintaining trusted, bipartisan relationships with congressional offices and committees, the Department of Defense, federal agencies, and state governments
• Serving as a trusted representative of company interests in political and policy forums, including business development engagements with the USG
• Shaping policy, legislation, and funding decisions through targeted advocacy, including developing proposals for authorization and appropriations processes
• Working closely with business development and technical colleagues to identify, assess, and secure government funding and partnership opportunities
• Monitoring and anticipating policy, legislative, budget, and regulatory developments, translating them into timely advice for company leadership
• Representing Q-CTRL in industry associations, think tanks, and policy forums, building coalitions that advance shared priorities
You will work closely with business development, technical, product, and marketing teams to connect Q-CTRL's quantum computing and quantum sensing capabilities with government priorities and mission needs.
Q-CTRL was founded in 2017 and raised $113 million in Series B funding in 2024, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company. The company operates globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford. In 2024, Q-CTRL delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, a field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
REQUIREMENTS:
• 7+ years of relevant experience in government, congressional affairs, public policy, or government relations (e.g., congressional staffer, government official, military officer, or lobbyist)
• Demonstrated track record of shaping government decisions, with tangible achievements in policy development, legislation, or public funding
• Strong understanding of US federal policymaking and the legislative, authorization, appropriations, and agency budget processes
• Established network across Capitol Hill, the executive branch, and key federal departments; ability to build trusted relationships across political affiliations
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with ability to translate complex technical information into clear, persuasive arguments for government audiences
• Collaborative approach and ability to work across business functions
PREFERRED (not essential):
• Experience with the Department of Defense and congressional defense committees, including familiarity with defense budgets, acquisition pathways, and technology transition
• Experience in a technology startup or scaleup, particularly connecting government engagement with commercial growth
• Background in advanced technology, defense, or aerospace sectors
• Experience shaping policy or funding for quantum or other critical technologies (AI, semiconductors, space, advanced sensing)
• Experience with state government engagement, economic development initiatives, and allied technology cooperation (e.g., AUKUS)
