US Head of Business Development reporting into UK VPClosing date for applications: Monday 3rd August 2026 at 5pm (UK time).
About the roleWe are looking for an experienced and mission-driven Head of Business Development, United States, to lead our commercial and strategic engagement across the US market. This is a senior individual contributor and team-building role, responsible for opening, developing, and closing relationships with the full spectrum of US stakeholders in the quantum ecosystem - from early-stage quantum hardware startups to Fortune 500 enterprises, national laboratories, and federal agencies.
The US represents a strategically important market for Nu Quantum. This person will be Nu Quantum's primary commercial presence in the US, operating with significant autonomy while working closely with the CEO, VPs of BD and Product, and technical leadership in Cambridge, UK. You will shape how the US market understands and adopts Nu Quantum's networking technology, and you will be instrumental in securing the partnerships and contracts that define Nu Quantum's next phase of growth.
Responsibilities - What You'll be doingStrategic Partnerships and Enterprise Engagement
- Identify, develop, and close strategic partnerships with quantum hardware companies, HPC centres, and technology enterprises seeking to integrate or deploy quantum networking capabilities.
- Represent Nu Quantum at senior levels with C-suite and VP-level counterparts, translating complex quantum networking technology into clear value propositions for technical and business audiences.
Government and National Lab Engagement
- Lead Nu Quantum's engagement with US federal agencies including DARPA, DoD, DoE on quantum programmes and procurement opportunities.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key national laboratories to deepen existing partnerships and open new collaborative and commercial agreements.
- Identify and pursue relevant government contracts, grants, and consortia working with internal teams to develop compliant and compelling proposals.
Startup and Ecosystem Development
- Build relationships with early-stage quantum computing startups, acting as a trusted partner to embed Nu Quantum's networking stack as a core component of their hardware and software architecture.
- Engage with venture-backed quantum companies, accelerators, and ecosystem bodies to ensure Nu Quantum is top of mind as the networking partner of choice.
- Represent Nu Quantum at US quantum industry events, conferences (e.g., APS March Meeting, Q2B, IEEE Quantum Week), and government forums.
Market Intelligence and Strategy
- Provide the leadership team with regular, grounded intelligence on the US quantum landscape: competitor positioning, policy developments, customer needs, and emerging opportunities.
- Work cross-functionally with Product, Engineering, and Science teams to ensure market feedback informs Nu Quantum's product roadmap and go-to-market approach.
- Help develop and refine Nu Quantum's commercial strategy for the US, including pricing, partnership structures, and priority customer segments.
What We're Looking ForExperience
- 8+ years in business development, strategic partnerships, or government relations, with at least 3 years operating in deep tech, quantum computing, semiconductors, HPC, or adjacent advanced technology sectors.
- Demonstrated track record of building and closing complex, multi-stakeholder deals - including both commercial enterprise contracts and government/federal agreements.
- Experience engaging with US federal agencies, national laboratories, or DoD/DARPA programmes, either as a contractor, vendor, or programme participant.
- Familiarity with the US quantum ecosystem - its key players, funding landscape, and policy environment.
Skills and Attributes
- Exceptional relationship-builder with the ability to earn trust quickly across technical, scientific, commercial, and policy audiences.
- Able to hold sophisticated technical conversations about quantum computing and error correction without necessarily being a practising physicist.
- Self-starter comfortable operating in a fast-moving, early-stage environment, while remaining closely aligned to company goals and values.
- Strong written and verbal communicator; able to craft compelling narratives for diverse audiences, from PhD researchers to government programme officers to corporate decision-makers.
- Entrepreneurial mindset - excited by ambiguity, energised by building, and comfortable adapting strategy as the market evolves.
Nice to Have
- Existing relationships within the US quantum computing ecosystem, national laboratory system, or relevant federal agencies.
- Experience working for or with a UK-headquartered company with a US presence.
- Familiarity with ITAR, export control considerations, or security clearance processes relevant to quantum technology.
Why work with us?We offer
- A central role in one of the most important technology transitions of our era, at the company leading it.
- The opportunity to shape Nu Quantum's commercial future in the US.
- Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits.
- Close collaboration with world-class quantum scientists and engineers.
- A culture that is open, direct, intellectually curious, and genuinely committed to its mission.
