Government Affairs Liaison

About the Role

We are establishing a new quantum hardware testing and qualification presence in Albuquerque, NM. The Government Affairs Liaison will serve as the company’s local representative to federal laboratories, defense agencies, research institutions, and regional government stakeholders.

This role supports strategic engagement, partnership development, and alignment with research, defense, and economic development initiatives, including participation in large-scale federal programs and defense-driven technology efforts. The position is located in Albuquerque due to proximity to key institutional partners and reports functionally to headquarters leadership in Colorado.

• Serve as the primary local point of contact for federal laboratories, defense agencies, research institutions, and regional stakeholders
• Maintain and develop relationships within the New Mexico research, defense, and innovation ecosystem
• Monitor relevant federal funding opportunities, agency initiatives, defense programs, and policy developments
• Support coordination of cooperative research agreements, facility access arrangements, and partnership discussions
• Engage with prime contractors and large-scale federal or defense initiatives where aligned with company strategy
• Provide strategic feedback to headquarters leadership regarding regional developments and engagement opportunities
• Represent the company at technical, defense-oriented, and policy-focused meetings and events
• Ensure messaging consistency with company strategy and technical positioning

This role involves engagement with external stakeholders, attendance at meetings and events, and coordination with internal technical and operational teams.

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in policy, business, engineering, science, or related field preferred
• 5–10+ years experience in government relations, federal research environments, defense ecosystems, technology commercialization, or related roles
• Demonstrated experience working with federal laboratories, defense agencies, major federal programs, or prime contractors
• Understanding of large-scale federal and defense initiative structures and engagement pathways
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate technical concepts into clear strategic messaging
• High level of discretion and professionalism

• Experience with in the New Mexico federal and defense research ecosystem
• Familiarity with cooperative research agreements, SBIR/STTR programs, OTA agreements, or federal funding mechanisms
• Background in advanced technology sectors such as photonics, quantum, semiconductor, aerospace, or defense
• Experience interfacing with large-scale defense modernization or technology transition initiatives

Salary commensurate with experience.