[Hiring] Director of US Government Engagement @Q-Ctrl

Role Description

Reporting to the Global Head of Government Engagement, you’ll lead Q-CTRL’s US government engagement activities, working closely with our business development, technical, product, and marketing teams. You’ll shape policy and funding initiatives, build trusted relationships, and secure opportunities for Q-CTRL to partner commercially and strategically with government to deliver quantum computing and quantum sensing capabilities that advance US defense and economic interests.

• Develop and execute Q-CTRL’s US government engagement strategy, setting clear priorities for policy, legislative, and funding outcomes that support our growth and the adoption of quantum technologies.
• Build and maintain trusted, bipartisan relationships with congressional offices and committees, the Department of War, federal agencies and state governments.
• Serve as a trusted representative of company interests in political and policy forums, including engagements supporting business development with the USG.
• Shape policy, legislation, and funding decisions through targeted advocacy, including developing proposals for authorization and appropriations processes and building support among key decision-makers.
• Work closely with business development and technical colleagues to identify, assess, and secure government funding and partnership opportunities, connecting Q-CTRL’s capabilities with government priorities and mission needs.
• Monitor and anticipate policy, legislative, budget, and regulatory developments, translating them into timely advice and recommended actions for company leadership.
• Represent Q-CTRL in industry associations, think tanks, and policy forums, building coalitions that advance shared priorities and establish Q-CTRL as a trusted voice on quantum technology.
• Other duties within the Employee's skills and experience, or with reasonable training.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of relevant experience in government, congressional affairs, public policy, or government relations, for example as a congressional staffer, government official, military officer, or lobbyist.
• A demonstrated track record of shaping government decisions, with tangible achievements in policy development, legislation, or public funding.
• A strong understanding of US federal policymaking and the legislative, authorization, appropriations, and agency budget processes, including when and how to engage effectively.
• An established network across Capitol Hill, the executive branch, key federal departments, and the ability to build trusted relationships across political affiliations and institutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to turn complex technical information into clear, persuasive arguments tailored to government audiences.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work across business functions to raise Q-CTRL’s profile and secure commercial opportunities.

Requirements

• Experience working with the Department of War and congressional defense committees, including familiarity with defense budgets, acquisition pathways, and the transition of emerging technologies into operational use.
• Experience working in a technology startup or scaleup, particularly in a role connecting government engagement with commercial growth.
• Experience in the advanced technology, defense, or aerospace sectors.
• Experience shaping policy or funding for quantum or other critical technologies, such as AI, semiconductors, space, or advanced sensing.
• Experience with state government engagement, economic development initiatives, and allied technology cooperation through frameworks such as AUKUS.

Benefits

• The targeted base salary range for this position is between $210,000 - $260,000 and will ultimately be determined by specific job-related skills, experience, level, location and other contributing factors.
• This role will be eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and the opportunity to equity and other forms of compensation outside of the targeted base salary range.
• This position is eligible for Q-CTRL's U.S. health insurance benefits, subject to plan eligibility requirements.
• HSA, FSA, PTO, Company paid parental leave, 401k with an employer match, and a Learning, Development and Wellness allowance.

Company Description

Q-CTRL is the global leader in AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. We build the tools that make quantum technology useful, solving the hardest challenges in quantum computing and quantum sensing to deliver real-world impact.

• Founded in 2017, we operate globally with offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford.
• Our teams bring together technical and multi-disciplinary expertise across the product lifecycle, and we’re hiring talent to help scale every part of the business.
• In 2024 we raised US$113 million in Series B funding, the largest aggregate investment for a quantum software company.
• Six months later we delivered the first commercial quantum advantage with Ironstone Opal, our field-validated quantum navigation solution for defense and industry.
• At Q-CTRL, we prioritize outcomes over hours. We offer flexibility, equity potential, and competitive benefits that reflect our high-performance culture.