As an Optomechanical Design Engineer, you will collaborate with the Optical Engineer, electronics team, and firmware team to translate optical and electronic designs into robust, manufacturable mechanical assemblies. Job duties include optomechanical component and fixture design, enclosure layout and packaging, thermal analysis, vibration and shock assessment, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing coordination. This role is responsible for turning laboratory-scale quantum systems into miniaturized, environmentally hardened hardware that ships to customers.
Q-Block Computing is seeking an Optomechanical Design Engineer to join our innovative team in Ottawa, Ontario. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of cutting-edge quantum technologies in sensing, communication, and computation. The candidate will own the mechanical and optomechanical design of Q-Block Computing's quantum hardware platforms — from precision optical mount design through enclosure packaging, thermal management, and transition from laboratory prototype to fieldable, defence-grade product.
Job Summary
As an Optomechanical Design Engineer, you will collaborate with the Optical Engineer, electronics team, and firmware team to translate optical and electronic designs into robust, manufacturable mechanical assemblies. Job duties include optomechanical component and fixture design, enclosure layout and packaging, thermal analysis, vibration and shock assessment, tolerance analysis, and manufacturing coordination. This role is responsible for turning laboratory-scale quantum systems into miniaturized, environmentally hardened hardware that ships to customers.
Responsibilities
Design precision optomechanical mounts, flexure assemblies, lens housings, and beam path structures that maintain sub-micron and sub-millirad alignment stability under thermal and vibration loads.
Apply for this job in 1 click
Skip the repetitive application forms
Install the Base Career Chrome Extension and autofill job applications across major job boards with your profile.
Trusted by over 500,000 job seekers on Base Career
Design enclosures and packaging for quantum hardware modules, balancing optical access, thermal dissipation, electromagnetic shielding, weight, and serviceability requirements.
Perform 3D CAD modelling and assembly layout of complete hardware modules integrating optical, electronic, and mechanical subsystems in SolidWorks, Inventor, or equivalent.
Conduct thermal analysis (conduction, convection, radiation) of enclosed optical-electronic assemblies using simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, SolidWorks Thermal, or equivalent); design thermal management solutions including heat sinks, TEC interfaces, and airflow paths.
Perform tolerance stack-up analysis for optical assemblies; ensure alignment budgets are achievable given manufacturing tolerances, thermal drift, and vibration inputs.
Assess mechanical designs against environmental qualification requirements (MIL-STD-810 shock, vibration, temperature; MIL-STD-461 EMC shielding) and recommend design modifications to meet defence-grade standards.
Generate manufacturing-ready drawings with complete GD&T, material specifications, surface finish callouts, and assembly instructions.
Coordinate with CNC machinists, sheet metal fabricators, and external manufacturing vendors on DFM reviews, first-article inspection, and production support.
Support optical assembly and integration activities; design alignment fixtures, handling tools, and assembly jigs that enable repeatable assembly by technicians.
Collaborate with the Systems Engineer on interface control documents and mechanical interface definitions.
Manage a structured CAD library with revision control, BOM management, and drawing release processes.
Collaborate with cross-functional optics, electronics, firmware, and systems teams.
Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the team.
Qualification
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, Engineering Physics, or a related field.
4+ years of professional experience in mechanical design, with at least 2 years involving optomechanical system design, precision instrument packaging, or electro-optical hardware.
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.
Experience working in regulated, security-sensitive, or defence-oriented engineering environments is an asset.
Skills
Strong proficiency in 3D CAD (SolidWorks preferred; Inventor, Creo, or equivalent also acceptable); demonstrated ability to take a design from concept through detailed drawing release.
Hands-on understanding of optomechanical design principles: kinematic mounting, flexure design, athermal compensation, stray light baffling, and vibration isolation.
Experience with GD&T and tolerance analysis for precision assemblies.
Proficiency in thermal simulation tools (ANSYS, COMSOL, or SolidWorks Simulation) for predicting thermal distortion and designing thermal management solutions.
Knowledge of manufacturing processes: CNC milling, CNC turning, wire EDM, sheet metal fabrication, anodizing, and precision grinding; ability to design parts that are cost-effective to manufacture.
Experience with materials selection for optical and defence applications: aluminum alloys (6061, 7075), stainless steels, titanium, Invar, machinable ceramics, and engineering plastics.
Familiarity with environmental qualification standards (MIL-STD-810, MIL-STD-461) and designing hardware for shock, vibration, and thermal cycling is highly desirable.
Experience in photonics, laser systems, scientific instrumentation, defence hardware, or aerospace packaging is strongly preferred.
Strong attention to detail, authenticity, and a sense of responsibility in all tasks.
Critical thinking and problem-solving mindset.
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.
