SlipstreamJobs tracks this role from the company's public career site. Apply directly on the employer's site.
Rigetti Computing is seeking a Senior Counsel to lead the company's commercial and government contracting function. You will report directly to the VP, Legal, and serve as a key member of a lean, high-impact legal team working closely with Rigetti's executive leadership.
Rigetti designs and manufactures superconducting quantum processors in its own fabrication facility and delivers quantum computing through cloud and on-premises systems. The company works with leading government agencies, national labs, universities, and global enterprises. This role offers the opportunity to shape how quantum computing reaches the world through the deals and legal frameworks you build.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead Commercial Dealmaking: Draft and negotiate agreements for quantum system sales, on-premises hardware purchases, cloud 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 Rigetti's global entities.
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.
Grow the Function: Create and refine contract templates, playbooks, approval workflows, and tools to enable the business to move quickly and with confidence. Train sales, business development, procurement, and program teams on contracting and government compliance. Help shape the legal department's growth as Rigetti scales, including future hiring and structure, and serve as a leader and mentor on the team.
This is not a role maintaining someone else's playbook. You will have real influence over how the company does business and the opportunity to grow the function as the business scales. The work spans diverse quantum computing applications—from drug discovery and materials design to secure communications—and involves novel legal questions that have never been asked before.
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
- Strong 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; comfort creating structure where none exists and thriving in a fast-moving environment
- Sound business judgment and ability to explain legal risk clearly to engineers and executives
Preferred:
- 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 quantum computing technology
