Job Description
Q-Block Computing is seeking an Information Systems Specialist to join our growing 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 join Q-Block Computing to design, develop, and maintain the distributed IT infrastructure stack that connects quantum control hardware across a layered network of embedded compute nodes and managed Ethernet environments.
Job Summary
As an Information Systems Specialist on the Q-Stack Infrastructure team, you will collaborate with other team members and achieve technical milestones under the guidance of the Technical Team Lead. Job duties include the design, development, and implementation of embedded Linux platforms on ARM-based compute modules, multi-tier local area network architectures with per-layer network services, and a web-based management application used to monitor and command arrays of quantum control hardware. Applications include real-time quantum sensing, secure communication systems, and scalable quantum computation infrastructure.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, test, and implement embedded Linux system images for ARM-based compute modules using Yocto or Buildroot, including BSP customization, kernel configuration, and rootfs optimization
- Analyze infrastructure requirements and plan the architecture of multi-tier LAN environments, each operating with its own isolated address space and network service layer
- Design and implement network service configurations — DNS (dnsmasq/BIND), DHCP, and NFS file sharing — across tiered network topologies
- Develop network topology designs including managed Ethernet switch configurations, VLANs, and QoS policies to ensure reliable, low-latency delivery of control payloads to quantum hardware endpoints
- Design, develop, and maintain a web-based management application (React or Vue frontend; Python FastAPI/Flask or Node.js backend) providing device monitoring, topology visualization, and command distribution
- Develop Python, Bash, and Ansible automation frameworks for network provisioning, system configuration, and deployment workflows
- Develop quality assurance procedures and tests for infrastructure systems; validate network throughput, latency, and reliability between management nodes and endpoint control hardware
- Write documentation for network topology, IP addressing schemes, switch configurations, and build procedures
- Collaborate with cross-functional hardware and quantum systems teams
- Contribute to a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the team
Qualification
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
- 3+ years of professional experience spanning at least two of: embedded Linux systems development, network infrastructure design, or full-stack web application development
Skills
- Linux systems development: kernel configuration, systemd, shell scripting, package management, and system image creation
- Network architecture: TCP/UDP, VLAN design, DHCP/DNS service implementation, and managed switch configuration
- Full-stack web development: at least one modern frontend framework (React or Vue) and one backend framework (Flask, FastAPI, or Node.js)
- Strong proficiency in Python; ability to design clean, maintainable automation tools and infrastructure code
- Yocto or Buildroot BSP development experience for ARM SoMs is an asset
- Familiarity with infrastructure management platforms such as Proxmox or OpenStack is an asset
- Experience with monitoring tools (Grafana, Prometheus) or configuration management (Ansible) is an asset
- Strong attention to detail and a sense of responsibility in all tasks
- Critical thinking and problem-solving mindset
- Strong interpersonal skills and 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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a related field
- 3+ years of professional experience in embedded Linux systems development, network infrastructure design, or web application development
What We Do
We are a quantum computing startup with a long-haul perspective to commercializing quantum information devices. It is of fundamental interest for human kind to explore and manipulate the physical universe, the Hilbert space with quantum information toolboxes. In a future with a universal quantum computer, we will be able to explore the limits of what is computable in the natural world. Can we exploit information processing to make new tools with an inherent advantage? How much does nature permit us in the power of computing? This ignites our curiosity and aspiration as a species to control and understand the universe from the bottom up. At Q-Block Computing Inc., we aspire to create Q-Block modules as the physical layer of a networked quantum architecture for computing, communication, and sensing. By controlling the quantum information stored in individual atoms with individual photons, these platforms can be applied to a wide range of applications spaces for the early adopters for communication and sensing, as well as for the realization of a fault-tolerant distributed quantum computer. With a capital-efficient business model, we will access horizontal markets in communication, defence and commerce. As a vertically integrated quantum startup, our Q-block modules are based upon the unique technological capabilities in precision optical assembly, ultrastable laser systems, quantum metrology, and quantum control of entanglement between light and matter.
