Senior Counsel, Commercial & Government Contracts

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Draft and negotiate contracts for quantum system sales, on-premises hardware acquisitions, cloud/QCS access, maintenance and support agreements, as well as partner contracts.

• Negotiate supplier and procurement contracts throughout the supply chain, involving fab and foundry partnerships, specialized equipment, components, SaaS, and facilities.

• Collaborate with the IP team on R&D partnerships, joint development initiatives, sponsored research, and licensing agreements.

• Assist with international transactions through Rigetti’s global entities and coordinate with local legal counsel.

• Act as the lead counsel for federal contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, and other dealings with AFRL, DARPA, DOE, national laboratories, and various agencies.

• Provide counsel on FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific requirements related to solicitations, proposals, awards, and modifications.

• Negotiate subcontracts and teaming agreements in both prime and subcontractor capacities.

• Oversee compliance with cybersecurity mandates, supply chain and domestic sourcing regulations, representations, and certifications.

• Collaborate with IT, export control, and finance teams where compliance issues intersect with contractual obligations.

• Develop and enhance contract templates, playbooks, approval workflows, and related tools.

• Conduct training for sales, business development, procurement, and program teams on contracting and government compliance.

• Contribute to the legal department’s growth, including future recruitment and organizational structure, while serving as a leader and mentor.

• Report directly to the VP, Legal and collaborate closely with Rigetti’s executive team.

⛳️ Requirements

• J.D. degree and active membership in good standing with at least one U.S. state bar.

• Over 7 years of relevant experience, including significant time spent in-house.

• Proven track record of negotiating complex commercial agreements, preferably for hardware, semiconductor, deep-tech, or enterprise technology firms.

• Practical experience with federal government contracts, including FAR/DFARS, subcontracting, and data rights.

• A builder’s mindset with the capability to establish structure in a dynamic environment.

• Strong business acumen and the ability to articulate legal risks clearly to engineers and executives.

• Law firm experience combined with in-house exposure is preferred.

• Familiarity with OTAs, CRADAs, SBIR/STTR, and cooperative agreements is preferred.

• Knowledge of EAR/ITAR as it pertains to transactions is preferred.

• Experience with international transactions and work with public companies is preferred.

• A curiosity about technology is preferred.

🏝️ Benefits

• Competitive salaries.

• Equity offerings.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.

• 401(k) retirement plan.

• Paid parental leave program.

• Rejuvenation days.

• Vacation policy that aligns with local regulations and industry standards.