Senior Counsel, Commercial & Government Contracts

Help Build the Legal Foundation for the Quantum Era Quantum computing could change how we discover drugs, design materials, secure communications, and solve problems no classical computer can. Rigetti is making that happen. We design and build superconducting quantum processors in our own fab and deliver quantum computing through the cloud and on-premises systems. We also work with leading government agencies, national labs, universities, and global enterprises to push the field forward. The deals we sign now will shape how quantum computing reaches the world. We’re looking for the attorney who will lead them. Why This Role This is not a role maintaining someone else’s playbook. You’ll report directly to the VP, Legal, as a key member of a lean, high-impact legal team, working closely with Rigetti’s executive team and having real influence over how the company does business. You’ll have the opportunity to grow Rigetti’s commercial and government contracting function. That means designing the templates, processes, and negotiating positions the company scales on, and serving as a trusted advisor to leadership. As the business grows, the function you build will grow with it, and so will your role. The work itself is unlike anything else in tech law. In a single week you might negotiate the sale of a quantum computer, structure a research collaboration on next-generation qubit materials, and advise on compliance in a government program. Many of these questions have never been asked before, and you’ll help answer them. If you want your legal work to matter, not just to one company but to one of the defining technologies of this century, we’d love to talk.

What You'll Do Lead Commercial Dealmaking

• Draft and negotiate the agreements that bring quantum computing to market, including quantum system sales, on-premises hardware purchases, cloud/QCS access, maintenance and support, and partner agreements.

• Negotiate supplier and procurement agreements across our 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, coordinating with local counsel as needed.

Own Government Contracting

• Serve as lead counsel on federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other transactions with AFRL, DARPA, DOE and the 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. Partner with IT, export control, and finance teams where these issues intersect with contract terms.

Grow the Function

• Create and refine contract templates, playbooks, approval workflows, and tools so the business can move quickly and with confidence.

• Train sales, BD, 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.

What You Bring Required

• 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.

• A 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.

• A builder’s mindset. You enjoy creating structure where none exists and are energized, not overwhelmed, by a fast-moving environment.

• Sound business judgment and the 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 the technology.

As engineering leaders, we value diversity and are committed to building a culture of inclusion to attract and engage innovative thinkers. Our technology, meant to serve all of humanity, cannot succeed if those who built it do not mirror the diversity of the communities we serve. Applications from women, minorities, and other under-represented groups are encouraged.

About Rigetti Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing. The company has operated quantum computers over the cloud since 2017 and serves global enterprise, government, and research clients through its Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services platform. The company’s proprietary quantum-classical infrastructure provides ultra-low latency integration with public and private clouds for high-performance practical quantum computing. Rigetti has developed the industry’s first multi-chip quantum processor for scalable quantum computing systems. The company designs and manufactures its chips in-house at Fab-1, the industry’s first dedicated and integrated quantum device manufacturing facility. Rigetti was founded in 2013 and today employs more than 150 people with offices in the United States, U.K., and Australia. Learn more at www.rigetti.com.

Don't see the job you want? Apply here so we can keep in touch with you when the right role opens up in the future!

Export Licensing Compliance Rigetti is committed to full compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We strive to create an inclusive work environment and will not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

220000 - 250000 USD a year

Base Salary Rigetti complies with all local and state regulations in regards to displaying salary ranges. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate’s relevant work experience, skills, and geographic location. Rigetti offers a full slate of benefits from competitive salaries, equity, medical, dental and vision for employees as well as a 401(k) plan, a paid parental leave program, rejuvenation days, and a vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.