Senior Commercial Counsel, Global Supply Chain - Palo Alto - PsiQuantum

Description

We believe quantum computing will change everything. It will have the power to transform the foundations of giant industries that rely on intensive computation. PsiQuantum is on a mission to build the world's first useful quantum computer, capable of delivering these transformative results. We know that means it will need 1 million qubits, error correction, 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 is uniquely positioned to deliver on the promise of quantum computing years earlier than our competitors. Our architecture is based on photonics which gives us the ability to produce our components using existing high-volume semiconductor manufacturing processes, the same processes that are today producing billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics applications. Since photons don't feel heat, we can take advantage of existing cryogenic cooling systems, the kind that have been operating at facilities like the Stanford Linear Accelerator (SLAC). And because photons are in fact light, they can move between subsystems at tremendous speed using standard fiber connectivity.
Our team is building a utility scale quantum computer and the software tools needed to build fault tolerant quantum applications. We're a highly motivated and collaborative group focused on a singular goal - building the world's first useful quantum computer on the fastest path possible.
There's much more work to be done and we are looking for exceptional talent to join us on this extraordinary journey
Job Summary:
Become a Foundational Member of Our Legal Team
As a key early hire on the PsiQuantum legal team reporting directly to the General Counsel, you will not only influence the company's legal strategies but also help build the entire legal function from the ground up. We are seeking an individual who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced startup environment—someone with the entrepreneurial mindset to embrace ambiguity, innovate on processes, and transform challenges into opportunities. In this role, your legal insights and leadership will be critical to shaping how we navigate the complexities of a nascent developing quantum computer industry as we accelerate toward building the world's first useful quantum computer.
Key Responsibilities & Strategic Impact
Accelerate a Cutting-Edge, Photonic Quantum Computer Supply Chain: Serve as primary counsel for all global operations-related transactions, including negotiating and drafting agreements for hardware, software, SaaS, cloud services, and associated professional services.
Advise on the design and commercialization of cutting-edge quantum technologies, including compliance with applicable laws and regulations in the U.S. and abroad.
Provide strategic advice on international expansion efforts, ensuring our global supply chain and product portfolio align with local legal and regulatory frameworks.

Facilitate Agile Market Entry & Product Deployment: Partner closely with engineering and product teams to navigate the complex regulatory landscape inherent in silicon photonics.
By ensuring compliance, clear IP rights, and robust supplier contracts, you will enable PsiQuantum to rapidly introduce new photonics-based quantum technologies to global markets, maintaining a decisive competitive edge and accelerating time-to-market.

Mitigate Operational Risks & Strengthen Compliance in a Specialized Sector:
Identify and manage risks tied to international trade controls, strategic materials sourcing, and specialized fabrication processes. Through preemptive guidance on regulations such as ITAR and EAR, you will protect supply continuity, uphold stringent quality standards, and safeguard the integrity of PsiQuantum's silicon photonics supply chain at every stage.
Drive Cross-Functional Synergy & Strategic Alignment: Develop, update, and maintain standard contract templates and negotiation playbooks for supply chain, manufacturing, engineering, and related business groups.
Create, implement, and refine processes and procedures to drive efficiency, compliance, and risk mitigation across direct and indirect procurement activities.
Collaborate with internal stakeholders to identify potential legal risks, manage supplier-related issues, and ensure the protection of PsiQuantum's intellectual property and proprietary technology.
Advise on product compliance, trade and regulatory considerations, anti-bribery, corruption prevention, and conflict mineral requirements, as well as data privacy and cybersecurity standards.
Assist in managing strategic projects to enhance the quality and efficiency of the legal function, including KPI tracking, technology upgrades, and continuous improvement of contracting standards and processes.

Additional Capabilities (Preferred)
Expertise Technology Development Partnerships:
Experience with technology licensing and the intricate IP frameworks governing collaborative supplier relationships and joint development agreements within the semiconductor industry.
Expertise in Semiconductor & Photonics Manufacturing:
Familiarity with contractual frameworks related to photonic device fabrication and integration, wafer-level testing, and advanced packaging technologies will allow you to anticipate industry shifts, advise on cutting-edge vendor arrangements, and secure the supply chain stability required to pioneer utility-scale quantum computing solutions.
Government Contracting Know-How:
Proficiency with FAR, DFARS, EAR, and common government contract vehicles (e.g., OTAs, CAs, CRADAs) can unlock critical defense and intelligence market opportunities. Your guidance will help build strategic alliances, attract new funding sources, and strengthen PsiQuantum's position as a leader in photonics-based quantum computing.
Experience/Qualifications:
Mandatory Experience/Qualifications:
JD (or equivalent) from an accredited law school; active membership in at least one U.S. state bar.
10+ years of progressive legal experience handling complex commercial transactions, preferably in technology, advanced manufacturing, or related high-tech industries. Significant in-house experience at a global company is strongly preferred.
Demonstrated expertise in structuring, drafting, and negotiating customer-facing agreements, supplier contracts, distribution and reseller agreements, software licenses, SaaS, and other technology-related transactions.
Experience providing strategic legal counsel for global expansion, managing complex supply chains, and supporting advanced R&D initiatives.
Proven ability to work cross-functionally, build consensus, and balance legal risks with business objectives.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex legal concepts to senior management and non-legal audiences.
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 recruiting@psiquantum.com .
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.
The range below reflects the minimum and maximum target range for new hire base salary across all US locations. Actual compensation may vary outside of this range 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.
For a fully qualified candidate, the expected base pay range is:
Base Pay Range: $195,000 — $270,000 USD

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