As Facility Manager, you will lead the physical buildout of Q-Block Computing's Ottawa lab during the initial renovation and fit-up phase, combining your own hands-on work with coordination of independent contractors for large-scale or specialized scopes. Once the facility is operational, you will transition into ongoing building management, maintenance, and infrastructure support for laboratory, workshop, and office spaces. You will report directly to senior leadership.
Q-Block Computing is seeking a Facility Manager to join our growing team in Ottawa, Ontario. This is a hands-on role, not a desk job. Q-Block Computing is building out a 30,000 SF advanced laboratory and needs someone who can lead practical construction work, run subcontractors on site, and take long-term ownership of the building maintenance once the initial fit-up is complete. The ideal candidate has broad multi-trade experience, strong judgment about what to self-perform versus what to hand off to specialty contractors, and the desire for a stable, permanent position with a company doing meaningful work in quantum technology.
Job Summary
As Facility Manager, you will lead the physical buildout of Q-Block Computing's Ottawa lab during the initial renovation and fit-up phase, combining your own hands-on work with coordination of independent contractors for large-scale or specialized scopes. Once the facility is operational, you will transition into ongoing building management, maintenance, and infrastructure support for laboratory, workshop, and office spaces. You will report directly to senior leadership.
Responsibilities
Perform hands-on construction and maintenance work within your competence, including framing, drywall installation and finishing, painting, fixture and equipment mounting, cable routing, light carpentry, and general site work.
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Carry out electrical rough-in, wiring, device installation, conduit work, and related tasks where you hold the appropriate trade qualifications.
Carry out basic plumbing, mechanical, and HVAC-related tasks where you hold the appropriate trade qualifications or where the scope falls within general maintenance.
Hire, direct, and supervise independent contractors and specialty trades for large-scale or specialized scopes, including major drywall campaigns, service entrance upgrades, HVAC equipment installation, fire protection, and other regulated work.
Decide what gets self-performed, what gets subcontracted, and what gets split — and be accountable for the quality and cost of both.
Scope jobs, solicit quotes, evaluate contractors, and manage subcontractor performance on site.
Sequence and prioritize buildout stages in coordination with leadership to support laboratory, workshop, office, and infrastructure needs on schedule.
Procure materials, tools, consumables, and subcontractor services; manage site inventory and control costs against approved budgets.
Support the installation and reconfiguration of laboratory infrastructure including optical tables, benches, cable trays, utility drops, partitions, equipment pads, and related building services.
Help plan electrical distribution, lighting layouts, compressed gas routing, shop utility requirements, and general building infrastructure to support an advanced R&D environment.
Coordinate permits, inspections, and code compliance as required for renovation and new installation work.
Maintain organized records of building systems, as-built drawings, contractor work, equipment manuals, warranties, and inspection history.
Transition into ongoing building operations and maintenance once the initial construction phase is complete, including preventive maintenance, repairs, facility improvements, and vendor management.
Respond to day-to-day facility issues and keep the building safe, functional, clean, and ready to support advanced laboratory and workshop operations.
Contribute to a culture of ownership, practicality, and high standards across the team.
Qualification
Journeyperson certification, Red Seal trade qualification, or equivalent substantial hands-on experience in one or more of: electrical, carpentry, general construction, or building maintenance.
5+ years of practical experience in commercial construction, building maintenance, renovation, or multi-trade work environments.
Demonstrated experience both performing hands-on work and directing subcontractors on active job sites.
Experience in industrial, laboratory, manufacturing, technical, or commercial buildings is strongly preferred.
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.
Skills
Strong practical ability across multiple construction trades, with the confidence and competence to do real work rather than only supervise others.
A valid 309A Electrician — Construction and Maintenance Certificate of Qualification is a major asset.
A valid G2 or G1 Gas Technician certificate is a major asset.
Ability to read construction drawings, sketches, equipment manuals, site plans, and contractor quotations.
Strong subcontractor management skills: able to hire, direct, hold accountable, and when necessary replace independent contractors and trades.
Comfortable working with hand and power tools, ladders, lifts, and standard construction and maintenance equipment.
Good organizational skills; able to keep many things moving at once across construction, maintenance, and day-to-day facility needs.
Experience with owner-managed buildings, small companies, workshops, labs, or custom-built technical spaces is a significant asset.
Practical, resourceful, and self-directed; able to solve problems on the spot without waiting for instructions.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team environment.
Benefits
Extended health care benefits (inc. dental and vision)
Life insurance
Equal Opportunity
Q-Block Computing is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity. If you require assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please feel free to notify us.
Canadian citizens and permanent residents are strongly encouraged to apply. All interested candidates are encouraged to apply.
About Q-Block Computing
Quantum Computing10 employeesFounded 2020
Developing fault-tolerant quantum hardware for computation and sensing.
