Job description
Quantum computing holds the promise of humanity’s mastery over the natural world, but only if we can build a real quantum computer. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the first real, useful quantum computers, capable of delivering the world-changing applications that the technology has long promised. We know that means we will need to build a system with roughly 1 million qubits that supports fault tolerant error correction within a scalable architecture, and a data center footprint.
By harnessing the laws of quantum physics, quantum computers can provide exponential performance increases over today’s most powerful supercomputers, offering the potential for extraordinary advances across a broad range of industries including climate, energy, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials design, and many more.
PsiQuantum has determined the fastest path to delivering a useful quantum computer, years earlier than the rest of the industry. Our architecture is based on silicon photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components at Tier-1 semiconductor fabs such as GlobalFoundries where we leverage high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are already producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. We also benefit from the quantum mechanics reality that photons don’t feel heat or electromagnetic interference, allowing us to take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems and industry standard fiber connectivity.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced two government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first Quantum Data Centers and utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia and Chicago, Illinois. Both projects are backed by nations that understand quantum computing’s potential impact and the need to scale this technology to unlock that potential. And we won’t just be building the hardware, but also the fault tolerant quantum applications that will provide industry-transforming results.
Quantum computing is not just an evolution of the decades-old advancement in compute power. It provides the key to mastering our future, not merely discovering it. The potential is enormous, and we have the plan to make it real. Come join us.
There’s much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey!
Job Summary:
PsiQuantum is seeking a highly experienced, business-savvy attorney to serve as Deputy General Counsel, Corporate and Employment. This is a mission-critical role for a late-stage, venture-backed startup preparing for an IPO or for late-stage capital financing. Reporting to the General Counsel, the Deputy GC will provide legal leadership across corporate governance, securities law, employment law, and workforce compliance, with a focus on scaling legal infrastructure for a public-company future. This position will also support the unique labor and compliance issues associated with operating in a national security and export-controlled environment.
Responsibilities:
Corporate, Securities & IPO Readiness
- Lead legal strategy for IPO readiness, including SEC and investor disclosures, Rule 701 compliance, and pre-IPO liquidity programs.
- Oversee venture investor rights, board governance, equity plan design, and due diligence for financing and corporate transactions.
- Advise on corporate finance matters including debt, equity, and secondary transactions.
- Support investor relations, ESG reporting, and public company governance transition.
Employment Law & Workforce Strategy
- Advise on U.S. and international employment laws, especially in California and other key jurisdictions.
- Lead internal employment law audits and develop scalable policies for a maturing company.
- Provide legal counsel on employee relations, internal investigations, wage/hour, pay equity, and executive matters.
- Support the HR function in managing classified workforce, global mobility, and post-IPO readiness.
Defense & Export-Controlled Workforce
- Advise on labor and employment issues related to ITAR/EAR export controls, including deemed export risks and foreign national employment eligibility.
- Provide guidance on managing security clearance issues and workforce suitability in classified environments.
- Interpret FAR/DFARS labor clauses and support compliance with federal contractor workforce obligations.
- Partner with FSOs and program managers on alignment between HR practices and national security requirements.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Collaborate cross-functionally with Finance, HR, Engineering, and Operations to align legal strategy with business objectives.
- Manage outside counsel and support junior legal team members.
- Drive legal operations efficiencies in support of rapid business scaling.
Experience/Qualifications:
- 6+ years of experience serving an in-house legal leadership position at a venture-backed or public hardware technology company.
- J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school; active bar license in good standing (California preferred).
- 10+ years of combined legal experience (firm and in-house) across corporate, securities, and employment law.
- Deep knowledge of U.S. employment law and global workforce compliance issues.
- Experience advising on employment legal issues for defense contractors or national security programs.
- Experience with equity compensation strategy, including 409A compliance and public company transition planning.
- Familiarity with security clearance adjudication and classified employee relations.
- Knowledge of international employment laws in jurisdictions such as the UK, EU, or Australia.
- Background in legal operations, contract lifecycle management, or compliance technology solutions.
PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to [email protected] .
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located.Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent on various factors including but not limited to a candidate’s qualifications including relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, and business needs. Base pay is only one part of the total compensation package. Full time roles are eligible for equity and benefits. Base pay is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
U.S. Base Pay Range
$260,000—$285,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$280,000—$305,000 USD
