Senior Corporate Counsel - PsiQuantum

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:

As a key early hire on the PsiQuantum legal team reporting directly to the General Counsel in the US, you will not only influence the company’s legal strategies but also help build a 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. 

The Senior Corporate Counsel will lead the Legal function at PsiQuantum, Australia, reporting to our General Counsel in the US. The right person works with internal and external stakeholders to manage PsiQuantum legal affairs in Australia, with a strong understanding of global multi-national tech structures and industry, regulatory compliance, and contractual requirements. The right person has experience working cross functionally with global teams to manage legal risk in the context of commercial, industry, supply-chain, regulatory, and contractual requirements. 

Responsibilities:

• Set up and lead a dedicated legal function in Australia, reporting to PsiQuantum’s General Counsel in the US.
• Create contract templates, negotiation playbooks, legal policies and procedures that streamline legal operations. Collaborate with internal stakeholders to balance legal considerations with strategic objectives, enabling innovation and long-term growth.
• Responsible for all legal work for PsiQuantum in Australia, the Senior Corporate Counsel will be responsible for in-house contract drafting and review, commercial contracts, employment, industrial relations, and assist in some board related work and regulatory compliance activities.
• Provide training to internal teams on a variety of legal issues. 
• Be a trusted adviser to the business and provide legal and strategic input on a wide variety of initiatives and issues as we build the world’s first utility scale fault tolerant quantum computer in Brisbane, Australia.
• Develop, implement, and maintain strong legal policies, processes, and standards to support the legal and compliance objectives of the company.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure legal compliance requirements are integrated across all business practices.
• Provide senior management with regular insights into the company's risk profile.
• Provide critical and proactive legal and strategic input on a wide range of complex and strategic issues. At PsiQuantum, we think two steps ahead and look around corners to ensure that we are well-positioned for the future.
• Negotiate and manage commercial agreements, in particular linked to construction, partnerships and supply chain.
• Balance the need for rigorous compliance with pragmatic, creative advice to move the business forward and allow for continuous innovation and development.
• Efficiently manage PsiQuantum external legal counsel in Australia to deliver cost-effective result. 

Experience/Qualifications:

• Significant and relevant post-qualification experience at large - medium sized commercial/corporate law firm or in-house (ideally 8+ years, with some material in-house experience).
• Proven track record in drafting and negotiating complex commercial agreements within the tech industry (preferably in the computing or semiconductor industries), experience in global/multinational companies viewed favorably.
• Excellent business judgment, communication, diplomatic and interpersonal skills (with a high level of emotional intelligence).
• Good leadership skills with a desire to grow and help scale with a high-performing team.
• Ability to translate complex legal issues and ambiguity into clear and simple advice, to communicate effectively with non-legal internal colleagues, and to interface with a diverse set of stakeholders, from senior leaders to technical and business teams.
• Strategic thinker with a client-centric mindset and a passion for technology and innovation.
• Security clearance, NV1 or above, viewed favorably.
• Relevant tertiary qualifications in law, with strong academic qualifications.
• Hold a current and unrestricted Australian Practicing Certificate.
• Experience in dealing with highly confidential and sensitive information. 

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.

Last updated: 18 hours ago