Junior Quantum Engineer

Location: Ottawa, ON (on-site)
Employment type: Full-time
Salary range: $85,000–$110,000 CAD per year
Vacancy disclosure: This posting is for an existing vacancy.

About Q-Block Computing: Q-Block Computing builds quantum systems that operate in the real world. The company develops quantum timing, quantum-secure communications, and quantum computing platforms engineered for the performance, reliability, and environmental resilience that mission-critical applications demand. These are systems designed to be deployed, maintained, and trusted.

The long-term vision is deeper than any single platform. Q-Block is pursuing a mission to decode Nature's foundational model — to build instruments of sufficient precision and coherence that they become tools for understanding the physical universe at its most fundamental level. Every system engineered to sustain quantum coherence under real-world conditions is also an advance in what becomes scientifically possible next. The commercialization and the science reinforce each other by design.

About this role: The Junior Quantum Engineer will join Q-Block's R&D engineering team, working on the design, integration, characterization, and validation of quantum hardware systems across the company's active platform programs. This role sits on the development side of the house, where the emphasis is on building things that work in the real world — systems that meet demanding performance specifications, survive operational environments, and can be manufactured, calibrated, and deployed reliably.

The successful candidate is an engineer who is genuinely curious about physics, comfortable at the boundary between hardware and science, and eager to develop deep competence in quantum systems design through hands-on work rather than observation. The role spans optics, electronics, control systems, and systems integration depending on program needs, and will evolve as the candidate's capabilities grow.

Responsibilities

• Support the design, assembly, testing, and characterization of quantum hardware subsystems, including optical, photonic, electronic, and mechanical assemblies across Q-Block's platform programs.
• Execute integration and verification procedures, perform systematic troubleshooting, and document results with the rigor required for reproducible engineering decisions.
• Develop test fixtures, calibration routines, and diagnostic tools that improve the reliability and throughput of hardware development workflows.
• Contribute to the design of optical systems, electronic control circuits, or precision mechanical assemblies as appropriate to the program and the candidate's developing expertise.
• Collaborate with senior engineers and scientists to translate subsystem requirements into hardware designs and validated performance.
• Maintain clear and thorough engineering records: design logs, test reports, build notes, and version-controlled documentation that supports the full development team.
• Participate in design reviews, contribute constructively to technical discussion, and take ownership of assigned deliverables with appropriate supervision.
• Stay current with relevant developments in quantum hardware, photonics, precision electronics, and related domains.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics, Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering, or a closely related field; Master's degree is an asset.
• Hands-on laboratory or engineering experience, including coursework projects, co-op or internship placements, or research work involving optical, electronic, or precision mechanical systems.
• Ability to read and contribute to circuit schematics, optical layouts, or mechanical drawings at the subsystem level.
• Proficiency in data analysis and scientific computing; Python, MATLAB, or equivalent experience.
• Strong attention to detail, a methodical approach to experimental work, and intellectual honesty about results.
• Good written and verbal communication skills; ability to produce clear engineering documentation.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience with optical systems, laser hardware, fiber optics, photonic components, or vacuum systems.
• Familiarity with precision electronics, analog signal conditioning, or control loops.
• Exposure to embedded systems, FPGA-based control, or hardware-software integration in a laboratory or prototype environment.
• Experience in a scientific instrumentation, defense, or deep-tech hardware environment.
• Eligibility to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance is an asset for some programs.
• Eligibility to comply with Controlled Goods Program requirements is an asset.

Security and Compliance Requirements

• Must be eligible to obtain and maintain Government of Canada security clearance, if required for assigned projects.
• Must be eligible to comply with requirements of the Controlled Goods Program, if required for assigned projects.
• Must be willing to participate in background screening, documentation, and compliance processes associated with security-sensitive work.
• Ability to work effectively within security, export-control, and compliance-sensitive technical environments is an asset.

Benefits

• Extended health care (including dental and vision)
• Life insurance

Recruitment and AI disclosure

Q-Block Computing uses artificial intelligence (AI) solely to summarize application materials and candidate profiles during the initial screening stage. Human reviewers review the original application documents and are involved in every screening and selection decision. All hiring decisions, including the final hiring decision, are made by human reviewers; AI does not make hiring decisions.

Equal Opportunity

Q-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants with respect and dignity. Accommodations are available on request during the application and recruiting process.

Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.