Quantum Energy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Professional Consult/Technical
Requisition ID
req37025
Working Title
Technical Professional Consultant - Strategic Partnerships and Programs in Quantum Technologies
Position Grade
17
Position Summary
The Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I) at the University of New Mexico (UNM) seeks a Technical Professional Consultant - Strategic Partnerships and Programs (Quantum Technologies) to lead partnership development, federal and state program engagement, and strategic funding initiatives that advance New Mexico's growing quantum technology ecosystem.
This position will coordinate collaborations among UNM, Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), federal agencies, industry partners, and regional innovation organizations to accelerate research, translational activities, and economic development in quantum information science and engineering (QISE). They will also provide valuable input and feedback around workforce needs across all sectors.
The consultant will maintain awareness of state and national initiatives and emerging opportunities in quantum computing, quantum sensing, and quantum communications, particularly as they relate to advanced energy systems, materials discovery, national security missions, and emerging technology programs.
Working closely with New Mexico state leadership and economic development organizations, the position will help align QNM-I activities with the New Mexico Science and Technology Roadmap to advance statewide strategies in research investment, venture funding and technology commercialization, workforce development, and innovation-driven economic growth.
The consultant will help position QNM-I and its partners to participate in major federal initiatives led by agencies such as DOE, DARPA, NSF, NIST, the Department of Commerce, and the Economic Development Administration, and will contribute to the development of large-scale multi-institution research and innovation program.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Partnerships and Ecosystem Development

• Develop and sustain strategic partnerships across the quantum technology ecosystem, including universities, national laboratories, federal agencies, industry partners, and regional innovation organizations such as Elevate Quantum.
• Coordinate collaborative initiatives among UNM, Sandia National Laboratory (SNL), Los Alamos National Labs (LANL), and the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL).
• Engage with national and regional quantum initiatives and professional organizations including QED-C, Elevate Quantum, and related quantum technology alliances.

Federal and State Program Engagement

• Maintain active engagement with federal agencies supporting emerging technologies, including DOE, DARPA, NSF, NIST, EDA, and the Department of Commerce.
• Track federal initiatives and funding opportunities in quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, and advanced energy systems.
• Serve as a liaison between QNM-I and New Mexico state and local leadership, including agencies responsible for economic development, innovation programs, and research investments.
• Support coordination of state initiatives related to quantum technology development, technology hubs, workforce programs, and innovation infrastructure.
• Represent QNM-I in discussions with state and federal policymakers, regional stakeholders, and economic development organizations to align state investments with national research and innovation priorities.

Funding Strategy and Proposal Development

• Identify and evaluate emerging federal, state, and private funding opportunities relevant to QNM-I and its partners.
• Coordinate multi-institution proposals involving UNM, LANL, SNL, AFRL, industry partners, and regional stakeholders.
• Contribute to the planning, coordination, and writing of major collaborative funding proposals and strategic initiatives.

Ecosystem Intelligence and Strategic Analysis

• Monitor national developments in quantum technologies, advanced energy applications, and emerging technology programs.
• Conduct strategic analysis of technology, investment, and commercialization trends within the quantum technology sector.
• Provide guidance to QNM-I leadership on strategic partnerships, research opportunities, and ecosystem development.

Translational and Innovation Coordination

• Facilitate connections between research programs and technology commercialization pathways.
• Support collaboration with translational organizations including:
• Help coordinate partnerships connecting university and national laboratory research with industry and startup development.

Importance and Impact of the Role
This position plays a critical role in advancing the missionof the QNM-I and strengthening New Mexico's leadership in quantum technologies.The successful applicant will help:

• Expand federal and state funding opportunities supporting QNM-I research and innovation initiatives;
• Strengthen coordination among UNM, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory to advance collaborative quantum technology programs;
• Accelerate translation of quantum research into commercial and national mission applications, particularly in advanced energy and aerospace/defense systems and emerging bioscience, water, and agricultural technologies for alignment with New Mexico's Science and Technology Roadmap;
• Support the growth of New Mexico's quantum innovation ecosystem and economic development across all communities, connecting research institutions, startups, industry partners, and economic development initiatives;
• Provide input and feedback on workforce development activities spanning the quantum innovation ecosystem, including helping to coordinate the needs of industry partners with the resources available across educational institutions.

See the Position Description for additional information.
Conditions of Employment
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in a directly related Technical field; at least 7 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated understanding of the quantum information science and engineering (QISE) technology landscape, including quantum computing, sensing, and communications, and their emerging commercial and national mission applications.
• Familiarity with state and federal funding programs supporting advanced technologies, including programs from agencies such as DOE, DARPA, NSF, NIST, EDA, and the Department of Commerce.
• Experience developing partnerships or coordinating programs involving universities, national laboratories, industry partners, or government agencies.
• Strong communication, strategic planning, and relationship-building skills.

• Experience working within or collaborating with state and federal research agencies, national laboratories, and/or university research organizations.
• Knowledge of regional innovation initiatives, technology hubs, or economic development programs.
• Experience coordinating multi-institution research collaborations or large funding proposals.

Additional Requirements
Campus
Main - Albuquerque, NM
Department
QNM-I (487A)
Employment Type
Staff
Staff Type
Term - Full-Time
Term End Date
One year from date of hire
Status
Exempt
Pay
Monthly: $8,502.00 - $12,168.00
Benefits Eligible
This is a benefits eligible position. The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance. In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs. See the Benefits home page for a more information.
ERB Statement
As a condition of employment, eligible employees working greater than .25 FTE as determined by the New Mexico Education Retirement Act must make mandatory retirement contributions. For more information, review the Benefits Eligibility at a Glance grid.
Background Check Required
Yes
For Best Consideration Date
6/29/2026
Eligible for Remote Work
Yes
Eligible for Remote Work Statement
This position is eligible for a hybrid remote work agreement (RWA).
Application Instructions
Only applications submitted through the official UNMJobs site will be accepted. If you are viewing this job advertisement on a 3rd party site, please visit UNMJobs to submit an application.
A completed application includes a CV/resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.
Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.
The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.