Senior Director, US Government Programs Manager

PsiQuantum

PsiQuantum

Sales & Business Development
Arlington, VA, USA
Posted on Sep 20, 2024

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:

PsiQuantum is seeking a highly motivated and experienced program manager to work across the organization and co-ordinate the delivery of high-priority, and in certain instances, classified US government projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in program management, a strong understanding of either quantum computing technology or related topics such as physics, electrical or systems engineering, silicon photonics and/or computer science. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with U.S. government contracts, preferably those involving the Department of Defense and related national security entities. This role requires a blend of technical acumen, leadership & communications skills, and a proven track record of managing complex projects from inception to completion.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead the coordination and execution of classified projects, initially focusing on government contracts with DARPA's US2QC program and AFRL's silicon photonics chip partnership.
  • Manage a pipeline of government contracts applications, ensuring proposals meet the stringent requirements and standards set by the U.S. government and relevant agencies.
  • Manage cross-functional teams and inputs across executive leadership, photonics, engineering, quantum architects, systems architects, systems integrators, and business operations staff to deliver projects on time and within budget. Understand and balance internal company objectives and government objectives, and with this understanding play a key negotiating and scoping role to advance achievement of mutual objectives as contracted.
  • Lead the reporting and monitoring processes to ensure compliance with government contract requirements, including delivering regular updates as outlined in agreed-upon project proposals.
  • Serve as the primary operational and administrative point of contact for government representatives, maintaining strong relationships and ensuring clear communication regarding project status and milestones.
  • Identify risks and issues early, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
  • Interface with USG and Public-Private departments. Support US expansion efforts specific to product site discussions, applications hubs and application-related grants to ensure one cohesive US government public-private strategy

Experience/Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree or PhD in Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5-7 years' experience in technical program management, ideally focused on managing technology projects related to government contracts.
  • Familiarity with the U.S. government's contracting processes, particularly with the Department of Defense and related agencies.
  • Proven ability to lead and manage technical teams, including coordinating efforts across disparate groups to achieve project objectives.
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with government officials, technical teams, and internal stakeholders.
  • US [Secret/Top-Secret/SCI] clearance in good standing.

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.