US Head of Business Development

Nu Quantum Ltd

About The Position

Nu Quantum is building the Entanglement Fabric for quantum computing scale-out. Quantum computing can solve some of the world’s biggest problems, but these applications require systems that are thousands of times more powerful than those available today. Our networking architecture will unlock data centre-scale quantum computing by weaving together quantum processors to accelerate the path to fault-tolerance and transformational utility. Founded in 2018, Nu Quantum is a spin-out of the University of Cambridge’s Cavendish Laboratory. About the role We are looking for an experienced and mission-driven Head of Business Development, United States, to lead our commercial and strategic engagement across the US market. This is a senior individual contributor and team-building role, responsible for opening, developing, and closing relationships with the full spectrum of US stakeholders in the quantum ecosystem – from early-stage quantum hardware startups to Fortune 500 enterprises, national laboratories, and federal agencies. The US represents a strategically important market for Nu Quantum. This person will be Nu Quantum’s primary commercial presence in the US, operating with significant autonomy while working closely with the CEO, VPs of BD and Product, and technical leadership in Cambridge, UK. You will shape how the US market understands and adopts Nu Quantum’s networking technology, and you will be instrumental in securing the partnerships and contracts that define Nu Quantum’s next phase of growth.

Requirements

8+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or government relations, with at least 3 years operating in deep tech, quantum computing, semiconductors, HPC, or adjacent advanced technology sectors.
Demonstrated track record of building and closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals – including both commercial enterprise contracts and government/federal agreements.
Experience engaging with US federal agencies, national laboratories, or DoD/DARPA programmes, either as a contractor, vendor, or programme participant.
Familiarity with the US quantum ecosystem – its key players, funding landscape, and policy environment.
Exceptional relationship-builder with the ability to earn trust quickly across technical, scientific, commercial, and policy audiences.
Able to hold sophisticated technical conversations about quantum computing and error correction without necessarily being a practising physicist.
Self-starter comfortable operating in a fast-moving, early-stage environment, while remaining closely aligned to company goals and values.
Strong written and verbal communicator; able to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences, from PhD researchers to government programme officers to corporate decision-makers.
Entrepreneurial mindset – excited by ambiguity, energised by building, and comfortable adapting strategy as the market evolves.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships within the US quantum computing ecosystem, national laboratory system, or relevant federal agencies.
Experience working for or with a UK-headquartered company with a US presence.
Familiarity with ITAR, export control considerations, or security clearance processes relevant to quantum technology.

Responsibilities

Identify, develop, and close strategic partnerships with quantum hardware companies, HPC centres, and technology enterprises seeking to integrate or deploy quantum networking capabilities.
Represent Nu Quantum at senior levels with C-suite and VP-level counterparts, translating complex quantum networking technology into clear value propositions for technical and business audiences.
Lead Nu Quantum’s engagement with US federal agencies including DARPA, DoD, DoE on quantum programmes and procurement opportunities.
Develop and maintain relationships with key national laboratories to deepen existing partnerships and open new collaborative and commercial agreements.
Identify and pursue relevant government contracts, grants, and consortia working with internal teams to develop compliant and compelling proposals.
Build relationships with early-stage quantum computing startups, acting as a trusted partner to embed Nu Quantum’s networking stack as a core component of their hardware and software architecture.
Engage with venture-backed quantum companies, accelerators, and ecosystem bodies to ensure Nu Quantum is top of mind as the networking partner of choice.
Represent Nu Quantum at US quantum industry events, conferences (e.g., APS March Meeting, Q2B, IEEE Quantum Week), and government forums.
Provide the leadership team with regular, grounded intelligence on the US quantum landscape: competitor positioning, policy developments, customer needs, and emerging opportunities.
Work cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Science teams to ensure market feedback informs Nu Quantum’s product roadmap and go-to-market approach.
Help develop and refine Nu Quantum’s commercial strategy for the US, including pricing, partnership structures, and priority customer segments.