Quantum Computing Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
PsiQuantum is seeking a highly motivated and experienced government programs manager to work across the organization and support the delivery of high-priority, and in certain instances, classified government projects. The ideal candidate will have strong experience working with U.S. Government contracts and must have a strong background in government program management. Further, the position requires expertise in pre-award planning, negotiating, and administering complex research and development, services, or systems contracts along with other unique and innovative award instruments such as procurement contracts, grants, cooperative agreements and other transaction agreements (OTAs). Candidate should also have strong expertise in government contract accounting, intellectual property (IP) and data rights management, and government regulations, and will be able to apply contractual management principles, policies, methods, techniques, and systems. This role requires a blend of leadership skills, communication skills, meticulous attention to detail, self-driven problem solving, and a proven track record of managing complex projects from inception to completion, including exceptional performance in ensuring compliance with government contracts.
The government program specialist will lead day-to-day coordination and execution of government program initiatives and tasks, as a direct report to the Senior Director, Government Programs. As part of that team, the position will also lead cross-functional teams drawing from across the company to meet deadlines for government contract proposals/renewals and award negotiations; and monitor and provide internal reporting on the collective of PsiQuantum's government contractual agreements.
Responsibilities:

• Serve in a government customer-facing Program Manager capacity, working directly with the Department of War, Intelligence Community, Department of Energy, Department of Commerce, other U.S. Government agencies, State and Municipal governments, and other National governments to coordinate and execute PsiQuantum projects. Some of the projects may be classified. Maintain strong relationships and ensure clear, timely communication regarding project status and milestones.
• Manage the completion of contract deliverables, ensuring PsiQuantum compliance with the stringent requirements and standards set by the U.S. Government and relevant agencies, such that PsiQuantum meets program milestones accurately and on time, achieving 100% contract compliance.
• Engage directly with government customers to capture feedback and provide inputs to PsiQuantum program and engineering/product teams to improve the development of PsiQuantum deliverables and products. Develop and contribute to a government customer engagement system, including issue tracking, training sessions, and focused preparation for events.
• Build and maintain internal partnerships across multiple PsiQuantum departments, to include Legal, Finance/Accounting, Security, and Human Resources to drive and deliver full compliance with government contracts.
• Identify risks and challenges to government programs early, developing and implementing mitigation strategies to ensure project success.
• Lead cross-functional teams drawing from across the company-Finance/Accounting, Legal, Security, Technical/Engineering Teams, etc-to meet deadlines for government contract proposals/renewals and award negotiations.
• Monitor and provide internal reporting on the status and performance of PsiQuantum's government contractual agreements.

Experience/Qualifications:

• BS/BA. Must demonstrate competence to operate in and understand a highly complex scientific and engineering environment.
• Minimum 7 years' experience in government program management, ideally focused on managing technology projects related to government contracts.
• Strong expertise with U.S. Government contracting processes and accounting.
• Strong experience in applying contractual management principles, policies, methods, techniques, and systems. Experience may have been gained in the government and/or private sector.
• Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams, including coordinating efforts across disparate groups to achieve project objectives.
• Proven ability to organize work, set priorities, determine resource requirements, determine goals and strategies, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with government officials, technical teams, and internal stakeholders.
• Enthusiasm to work the highest priority requirements in a high tempo, dynamic environment while providing excellent customer service.
• Demonstrate stakeholder maturity; must be able to interface with senior counterparts in government and industry.
• Proven ability to create and deliver presentations and written reports to leadership and customers.
• U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance in good standing, or eligible to obtain and maintain an active U.S. Top Secret/SCI security clearance.

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 ranges below reflect the target ranges for a new hire base salary. One is for the Bay Area (within 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto), the second one (if applicable) is for elsewhere in the US (beyond 50 miles of HQ, Palo Alto). If there is only one range, it is for the specific location of where the position will be located. Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges 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.
U.S. Base Pay Range
$140,000-$163,000 USD
Bay Area Pay Range
$180,000-$190,000 USD