About us

Silicon Quantum Computing is pioneering the future of quantum technology. As the world’s first company to manufacture qubits with atomic precision, we’re delivering quantum advantage today, not decades from now.

Founded by Professor Michelle Simmons, one of the world’s leading materials scientists, SQC has achieved major breakthroughs including the first single-atom transistor and the first integrated circuit built with atomic precision. Our Chair, Simon Segars, former CEO of ARM, brings deep global experience as we scale our technology and commercial impact.

Our quantum machine learning chip, Watermelon, is already accelerating AI in ways classical systems can’t match. We’re generating significant revenue and working closely with multinational partners to solve complex problems with quantum solutions.

SQC is a fast-paced, high-accountability environment where people grow quickly and contribute meaningfully. If you’re excited by deep tech, ambitious about your career, and ready to help shape the future of computing, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

We are seeking a pragmatic, commercially astute Senior Legal Counsel to join our Legal team and support the business across a wide-ranging portfolio of corporate and commercial matters.

Reporting to the General Counsel, you will play a pivotal role in enabling the company’s growth by providing strategic legal advice, managing risk, and championing our technology and digital transformation initiatives.

You’ll operate as a key business partner, working closely with the executive team and stakeholders across the enterprise - including external partners (such as universities, research organisations) and customers - on contractual, regulatory and governance matters. You will help shape our governance frameworks and ensure we remain compliant and well-positioned in emerging and complex areas such as AI, privacy, cybersecurity, data, IP and cross-border regulation.

This is a full-time role, based in Sydney, and is well suited to someone who thrives in a dynamic, growth-oriented environment, is comfortable with ambiguity and evolving technology-rich business models, and is excited about making an impact across commercial, regulatory and governance dimensions.

Role responsibilities

• Draft, review and negotiate a broad range of commercial agreements (including technology/licensing, SaaS/cloud, data sharing, research collaborations, vendor/supplier and customer contracts), leveraging AI-assisted contract tools where appropriate to increase throughput without compromising quality.

• Proactively identify, assess and advise on commercial and contractual risks, and partner with stakeholders to develop robust mitigation strategies.

• Lead or support the development and implementation of governance frameworks, internal policies, risk assessments and compliance programmes aligned with business strategy, including frameworks governing the organisation's own use of AI tools.

• Provide legal and compliance support related to data, privacy, cybersecurity, AI and emerging technologies, including advising on new regulatory obligations and operationalising compliance in practice.

• Advise the executive team and broader leadership on strategic legal matters, including corporate transactions, regulatory obligations, cross-border issues, and technology-driven business models, with a working understanding of how AI is reshaping both the legal function and the regulatory environment.

• Act as trusted counsel and business navigator, translating legal/regulatory complexity into pragmatic, commercial advice and helping the business move forward with confidence.

Your experience

• Tertiary qualification in law (LLB/LLM) and a current practising certificate in the relevant jurisdiction.

• Approximately 8 years PQE with experience either in-house (preferably in a technology-driven business) or in a commercial/technology-focused legal practice.

• Excellent drafting and negotiation skills, with a proven ability to translate risk into balanced, commercially workable solutions.

• Hands-on experience in technology, IP, privacy, data and governance, and comfortable operating in a space where regulation and business models evolve rapidly.

• Exposure to cross-border legal structuring, international technology transactions or multi-jurisdictional compliance frameworks is highly regarded, particularly where these intersect with technology licensing, data flows or IP ownership across different regulatory regimes.

• Familiarity with LegalTech and AI-assisted tooling (contract lifecycle management, AI review platforms, legal research tools), and a considered view on where they add value and where human judgement remains non-negotiable.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing priorities, work cross-functionally, and maintain agility in a fast-moving environment.

• Sound judgement, high commercial acumen, and a proactive mindset. You anticipate issues, escalate when needed, and advise as a business enabler.

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills. You will engage with executive leadership, business owners, external partners and regulators.

The recruitment process

For roles at SQC, expect 4 interviews, meeting a few members of the team and focusing on your core eligibility for the role, your skills and how they align, and finally your values and how they align. We'll give you a more specific runthrough if you're successful in making it to the first interview.

As part of our obligations to our clients, we require that successful candidates submit to background checks, including a National Police Check, Right to Work checks, as well as employment and qualifications verification. We won't contact anyone until we're confident there's a fit between SQC and yourself.

How to apply

The best and simplest way is to apply directly here, rather than messaging anyone on the SQC team directly. If you have any questions that you'd like answered before committing to applying, please feel free to email us at careers@sqc.com.au.

Please note

This position may require access to export-controlled information (ECI) subject to EAR and ITAR. Final employment decision is contingent upon satisfactory completion of export control screenings and obtaining any necessary export licenses or approvals, based on nationality, citizenship, and other factors considered by applicable export control regulations.