Senior Counsel, Commercial & Government Contracts

Rigetti Computing is a pioneer in full-stack quantum computing, dedicated to building the legal foundation for the quantum era. We are seeking a Senior Counsel to lead our commercial and government contracting efforts, working directly with our executive team to shape the future of this transformative technology.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the drafting and negotiation of complex commercial agreements, including quantum system sales, cloud access, and strategic partner agreements.
• Serve as lead counsel on federal contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements, ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and agency-specific requirements.
• Partner with the IP team to structure R&D collaborations, joint development, and licensing deals.
• Develop and refine contract templates, playbooks, and approval workflows to enable the business to scale efficiently.
• Provide expert legal guidance to internal teams, including sales, procurement, and engineering, regarding risk management and compliance.

Requirements

• J.D. degree and active membership in good standing in at least one U.S. state bar.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant legal experience, with significant time spent in-house.
• Proven track record in negotiating complex commercial agreements within the hardware, semiconductor, or deep-tech sectors.
• Hands-on experience with federal government contracting, including subcontracting and data rights.
• A builder’s mindset with the ability to create structure in a fast-moving, innovative environment.

What we offer

• The opportunity to play a pivotal role in a company defining the future of quantum computing.
• Direct collaboration with executive leadership and significant influence over company business processes.
• A high-impact, lean legal team environment that encourages professional growth and mentorship.