Global Public Policy

Thinking MachinesSan FranciscoPolicy

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Opens the official Thinking Machines careers page

Salary

$300K - $360K USD

Job type

Full-time

Posted

18 Sept 2026

Status

Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Thinking Machines seeks a dedicated professional for a Global Public Policy position based in Washington, D.C., with regular travel to San Francisco, California. This full-time leadership role suits an experienced strategist eager to establish and direct the organization's worldwide public policy operations.

Role Overview

As the founding policy leader, the individual will create and direct the global public policy division at Thinking Machines. The position serves as the primary strategist and spokesperson for regulatory matters that influence the responsible creation and implementation of frontier artificial intelligence. Responsibilities include defining substantive positions, establishing a dedicated team, and interacting directly with lawmakers, regulators, and industry peers across various domestic and international regions.

Key Responsibilities

Design and execute the worldwide public policy strategy, covering federal and executive actions in the United States, the EU AI Act, and rules in other vital territories.

Recruit, structure, and manage the public policy division, fostering collaboration with the research, product, safety, legal, communications, and executive departments.

Engage lawmakers, regulatory authorities, and agency personnel directly, while overseeing external counsel, lobbyists, and advocacy allies.

Direct company involvement regarding essential matters such as frontier model legislation, disclosure standards, open-weight model rules, and societal impacts.

Cultivate coalition partnerships with industry groups, peer laboratories, and trade associations within multi-stakeholder settings.

Establish internal processes for policy evaluations, state-of-play monitoring, position papers, and escalation frameworks to integrate regulatory perspectives into research and product decisions early.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of professional background in government relations, technology policy, or an allied domain, with a proven history of influencing complex technology regulations and significant United States federal policy engagement.

Direct history of establishing and directing a government affairs or policy department, encompassing recruitment and personnel management.

Practical familiarity with international, federal, and state regulatory frameworks concerning artificial intelligence, including the EU AI Act.

Superior judgment in converting rapid regulatory changes into clear guidance for top executives.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication capabilities to act as a credible representative before government officials, industry peers, and internal teams.

Nice to Have

Background within a frontier artificial intelligence organization, national security sector, or export control policy environment, with knowledge of compute governance, deemed exports, or model release procedures.

Prior service within government bodies, congressional offices, or regulatory agencies such as Congress, OSTP, or the Department of Commerce.

Proficiency in forming alliances with peer organizations and trade associations regarding emerging technology regulations.

Understanding of technical fundamentals related to frontier artificial intelligence creation, including training, fine-tuning, and release methodologies.

Skills and Tools

Government relations and legislative advocacy

International regulatory frameworks and the EU AI Act

Strategic policy planning and executive advisory

Coalition building and stakeholder management

Export control and national security policy navigation

Salary and Benefits

Annual salary range between $300,000 and $360,000 USD, determined by background and qualifications

Visa sponsorship availability for qualified candidates

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance coverage

Unlimited paid time off (PTO)

Paid parental leave

Relocation assistance provided when necessary

About the Company

Thinking Machines focuses on building artificial intelligence designed to extend human will and judgment. The organization trains frontier models utilizing Inkling, creates Tinker to allow customized model creation, and designs interfaces that enhance human-AI interaction.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application directly through the official Thinking Machines careers page.

Questions candidates ask

Where is this job located?

This position is based in Washington, D.C., with regular required travel to San Francisco, California, and other jurisdictions as necessary.

What is the salary range for the Global Public Policy role?

The expected annual salary range is $300,000 to $360,000 USD, depending on the candidate's skills, background, and experience.

Does Thinking Machines offer visa sponsorship?

Yes, visa sponsorship is available for this position, and the company is committed to working through the visa process with the right fit.

How many years of experience are required?

Candidates must have 10+ years of experience in technology policy, government relations, or a related field.

What benefits are included with employment?

The benefits package includes comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage, unlimited PTO, paid parental care, and relocation support if needed.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Thinking Machines careers page.

Apply on company site