Director of Government Engagement

Q-CTRL•Washington, DC

3h•$210,000 - $260,000

About The Position

The Director of Government Engagement will lead Q-CTRL’s U.S. government engagement activities, reporting to the Global Head of Government Engagement and collaborating with business development, technical, product, and marketing teams. The role shapes policy and funding initiatives, builds trusted relationships, and secures opportunities for Q-CTRL to partner commercially and strategically with government to deliver quantum computing and quantum sensing capabilities that advance U.S. defense and economic interests. The Government Engagement team works across policy, international engagement, and national security to influence government decisions about the development and adoption of quantum technologies. The team builds relationships with politicians, policymakers, and defense forces, pursues opportunities to deliver sovereign capabilities, and helps the wider business understand and navigate government decision-making. Q-CTRL is a global company building AI-powered quantum control infrastructure software. Founded in 2017, it operates offices in Sydney, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Huntsville, Berlin, and Oxford. The company describes its culture as outcome-focused, flexible, and high-performance.

Requirements

At least 7 years of relevant experience in government, congressional affairs, public policy, or government relations, such as experience as a 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 U.S. federal policymaking and legislative, authorization, appropriations, and agency budget processes, including when and how to engage effectively.
Established network across Capitol Hill, the executive branch, and key federal departments, and ability to build trusted relationships across political affiliations and institutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including ability to translate complex technical information into clear, persuasive arguments for government audiences.
Collaborative approach and ability to work across business functions to raise Q-CTRL’s profile and secure commercial opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the Department of War and congressional defense committees, including familiarity with defense budgets, acquisition pathways, and transition of emerging technologies into operational use.
Experience working in a technology startup or scaleup, particularly 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.

Responsibilities

Develop and execute Q-CTRL’s U.S. government engagement strategy, setting priorities for policy, legislative, and funding outcomes that support company growth and quantum technology adoption.
Build and maintain trusted, bipartisan relationships with congressional offices and committees, the Department of War, federal agencies, and state governments.
Represent company interests in political and policy forums, including engagements supporting business development with the U.S. government.
Shape policy, legislation, and funding decisions through advocacy, including developing proposals for authorization and appropriations processes and building support among key decision-makers.
Work 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 and establishing Q-CTRL as a trusted voice on quantum technology.
Perform other duties within the employee’s skills and experience, or with reasonable training.

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus.
Opportunity for equity and other forms of compensation outside the targeted base salary range.
U.S. health insurance benefits, subject to plan eligibility requirements.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Paid time off (PTO).
Company-paid parental leave.
401(k) with employer match.
Learning, Development and Wellness allowance.
Work flexibility.