Director of US Government Engagement

Q-Ctrl • Washington D.C., WA

6d

About The Position

The Director of US Government Engagement leads Q-CTRL’s US government engagement activities and reports to the Global Head of Government Engagement. Working closely with business development, technical, product, and marketing teams, the role shapes policy and funding initiatives, builds trusted government relationships, and secures commercial and strategic partnerships to deliver quantum computing and sensing capabilities that advance US defense and economic interests.

The role develops and executes the company’s US government engagement strategy, represents Q-CTRL in government and policy forums, and advises company leadership on policy, legislative, budget, and regulatory developments. It also works across the business to connect Q-CTRL’s capabilities with government priorities and mission needs, while building coalitions and strengthening the company’s position as a trusted voice on quantum technology. Other duties may be assigned within the employee’s skills and experience, or with reasonable training.

Requirements

• At least 7 years of relevant experience in government, congressional affairs, public policy, or government relations, such as 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 US 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, with the ability to build trusted relationships across political affiliations and institutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to turn complex technical information into clear, persuasive arguments tailored to 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute Q-CTRL’s US government engagement strategy, setting priorities for policy, legislative, and funding outcomes that support company growth and adoption of quantum technologies.
• Build and maintain 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 that support business development with the US government.
• Shape policy, legislation, and funding decisions through targeted advocacy, including proposals for authorization and appropriations processes and efforts to build 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 and provide timely advice and recommended actions to company leadership.
• Represent Q-CTRL in industry associations, think tanks, and policy forums; build coalitions that advance shared priorities and establish 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 eligibility
• Opportunity for equity and other forms of compensation outside the targeted base salary range
• US 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
• Equity potential

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Education Level: No Education Listed